Washington state will fly flags at half-staff on May 30, 2026, in memory of former Sen. Sam Hunt, and a memorial service is planned in Olympia.
SEATTLE – The Washington state flag and the U.S. flag at all state agency facilities will be flown at half-staff on Saturday, May 30, 2026, in honor of former state Senator and Representative Sam Hunt.
Agencies may begin flying flags at half-staff at the close of business on Friday, May 29, 2026. Flags will be flown at half-staff until close of business or sunset on Saturday, May 30, 2026, or through the morning of Monday, June 1, 2026.
State officials are asking all agencies to notify field offices and facilities across the state. Other government entities, businesses and individuals are also encouraged to participate in the recognition.
A memorial service is scheduled for May 30, 2026 in Olympia.
Hunter is a statewide civic leader, longtime legislator and member of the Washington State University Board of Trustees, Died of complications related to leukemia in April. He is 83 years old.
Hunter has worked in public service, education and civic leadership in Washington state for more than fifty years. His career also included work in Washington, D.C., where he served on the staff of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee before returning home.
Upon retiring from the Washington Legislature in 2024, Hunter was appointed to the Washington State University Board of Trustees. Hunter graduated from Washington State University in 1967 and maintained close ties to the university throughout his career.
Hunter grew up in Seattle and Yakima. After graduating from Washington State University, he taught at Pasco High School, served on the Pasco City Council, and later worked for the Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction before moving to Washington, DC. He returned to Olympia in 1981 and held various state government positions, taught in the Montesano School District and served on the school board. He was elected to the Washington House of Representatives in 2000 and to the State Senate in 2016.
Hunter’s wife, Charlene, died in 2017.
