Valerie Hunter
1958 - 2007

We lost our dear friend, Valerie just before Christmas after a waging a courageous battle with breast cancer for the last three years.  Below are some notes from friends in the mountain biking community.  We want to extend our deepest sympathies to our STORM past president, David Hunter and his son Carson and all of Valerie’s family.

From David Lurz

It is with a heavy heart that I announce to you today that our good friend, Valerie Hunter, beloved wife of fellow cyclist and mountain biker David Hunter, and devoted mother of mountain bike aficionado Carson Hunter, passed away on Wednesday, December 12, 2007, from complications with breast cancer.

Valerie's passing was a peaceful one with family surrounding her and Carson holding her hand.

Valerie wanted all in the cycling community to know how grateful she was to know that so many of you served as watchful parents to Carson when she was unable to attend his team events and races. She also appreciated the kindness everyone extended to her and the Hunter family before and during her illness.

Please note that David and Carson were very grateful for all the support you provided, as Valerie battled her illness. We will all miss Valerie very much. Please place David, Carson and all the members of their family in your thoughts and prayers.

David wanted everyone to know that it was Valerie’s most sincere wish that, in lieu of flowers, plants, or other gifts, contributions in the name of “Valerie’s Wishes” be sent to:

TMI-The Episcopal School of Texas
20955 W. Tejas Trail
San Antonio, TX 78257
Memorial Service
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Visitation 2-4 P.M.
Service at 4 P.M.
TMI-The Episcopal School of Texas
20955 W. Tejas Trail
San Antonio, TX 78257

From Jimmy & Terri Dreiss, Owners
Flat Rock Ranch, Comfort, Texas -- Host Ranch for STORM Mountain Bike Races

It is hard, indeed, to have words to express our sincere sympathies to David and Carson on their loss.

I will remember happier times.  This summer, David, Valerie, Carson and their other "son", Sebastian stayed the weekend at the Little Rock House.  This was the weekend to celebrate their Anniversary. Jimmy and I were at the coast and we asked David to be in charge of the ranch. It was a beautiful weekend, the creek was running and David was able to tube the creek with Valerie and Carson cheering him all the way.

We heard about all these happenings when we got back to the ranch and were met at our house by David and family.  David had a bottle of champagne and wanted to share it with all of us to celebrate their Anniversary. We all had a glass of champagne, even Carson. We took pictures of David and Valerie in front on the fireplace. It was a happy time and we will always remember the happy times.

Valerie, we love you and we'll be wrapping our arms around David and Carson when we see them. Whenever they come out here to Flat Rock, we'll be keeping a watchful eye on them, as I know, you will too.

From Rick Morris, Sage Cycles

I spoke to David by phone and although he and Carson are obviously very shaken by the loss of Valerie; he said that it was not unexpected and that he and Carson and Valerie are at peace now. It was a long tough battle for Valerie, but they are celebrating her life, and coping with her loss.  David, you and Carson are in our prayers. I look forward to the day when I see you at the trailhead again.


Some of you reading this may not know David Hunter, obviously he hasn't been able to ride much lately, but if you ride your mountain bike today anywhere in the San Antonio/Boerne/Helotes/Comfort area, you are most likely riding on trails that were either built or maintained by David. He was tireless in his efforts to maintain trail systems, and promote mountain biking, up until Valerie's illness. Actually, If you are riding Mac today, you are riding on trails that David almost singlehandedly, saved from the developers of the soccer fields.  As a former president of STORM, David has given countless hours to the mountain bike community in San Antonio. So on your ride today, look down at the trail you are riding on, then look up and thank David and Valerie and Carson.

A Note From David Hunter

The past several weeks have been extremely difficult for both Carson and I. Valerie and I were best friends for 32 years and we had just celebrated 26 years of marriage this past August. Valerie fought her battle with great strength and bravery to continue life with us. Her amazing Love as a mother truly shined through as she so painfully endured 6 different chemotherapies in an effort to extend her life with Carson. We will miss her dearly.

We must now find a way to go forward with our lives and live it to the fullest, just the way she would have wanted it. We start by reading these wonderful and encouraging words from this post. I want to personally thank all of you for sharing in our lives. It meant so much to Valerie that Carson and I have such a great extended family in the mountain bike community. I know she took great comfort in knowing that we would be left in good hands among our cycling friends.

As per Terri's post, Flat Rock Ranch gave Valerie her very last weekend out. In early August we celebrated our 26 anniversary tubing down Flat Rock Creek. We owe tremendous thanks to Jimmy and Terri Dreiss for allowing us this wonderful blessing. I have included some photos of Valerie's last outing. I sincerely hope you will enjoy each day that life gives you. Please don't take any day for granted.

Love from David and Carson