Brent Rulon Kunz passed away on December 17, 2018. He was born January 5, 1943, in Montpelier, Idaho to Rulon “Dude” and Helen Hanson Kunz. He graduated from Montpelier High School in 1961.
Brent attended the University of Utah and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1968. Brent was called to serve in the West Berlin Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served from 1963 until 1965. He was a devout and faithful member of the LDS Church. Brent attended law school at the University of Wyoming and graduated with a Juris Doctorate in 1971.
Upon graduation from law school, Brent headed to Washington, DC to work as an attorney at the Department of Interior. U.S. Senator Clifford P. Hansen approached him to work as legal counsel for the Interior and Insular Affairs Committee, now known as the Natural Resource Committee. Brent then had the privilege and opportunity to work with Stan Hathaway during his confirmation hearings and tenure as Secretary of the Interior. Both Senator Hansen and Governor Hathaway were incredible mentors and father-figures to Brent.
In 1975, Brent left Washington, DC to open a law firm with Governor Hathaway in Cheyenne, now known as Hathaway & Kunz. Brent had a very successful and distinguished legal career working on public lands issues impacting Wyoming. Brent worked as a lobbyist for over 40 years and his presence and subtle lobbying approach will truly be missed at the Wyoming State Capitol.
Brent valued family and friends above all else. He was incredibly proud of his three children who were the light of his life. Brent frequently visited folks, made every person a priority, and reached out to meet their needs. He touched the lives of so many whose paths he crossed and created countless lifelong friendships that are still strong today.
Brent had life-long health issues that many never knew about. He contracted polio in the second grade and lived with heart conditions for years. He never complained and was always more concerned about other people than himself. Despite his health challenges, he was an avid outdoorsman and loved to white water raft and hike every mountaintop he could. Brent loved to read.
Brent was the epitome of a true gentleman, and simply stated, an incredible man. He was sought out for his wisdom and incredible knowledge, and will be remembered for his genuine character, kind words, and integrity. In later years his advice to everyone he met was “Stay the Course.” At this time in our tremendous loss, we are well to heed his words and “Stay the Course.”
He is preceded in death by his parents and grandson Justus Kirkendall.
He is survived by his wife Melanie; children Katharine (Chris) Wilkinson (grandchildren Landon and Everlette), Marianne (Dicky) Shanor (grandchildren Miriam and Camille), and J Brent Kunz; his step-children Jenny (Kyle) Anderson (grandchildren Abigail, Sophia and Josephine), Emily (KR) Kirkendall (grandchildren Bailey, Alaina and Kaitlyn), Rachael (Eddie) Stewart (grandchildren Graham and Gunnar) and Greg (Brittany) Wardle (grandchildren Connor and Grace); and his sister Renee (Herb) Wuska and brother John (JoEllyn) Kunz. He is survived by many other family members including nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A public viewing will take place Wednesday, December 19, 2018 from 3:30 pm - 7:00 pm at Schrader, Aragon and Jacoby Funeral Home, 2222 Russell Avenue in Cheyenne, WY. Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 20, 2018 at 1:00 pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Stake Center, located at 309 Western Hills Blvd in Cheyenne, WY. Public viewing at the church will be from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm. The service will be followed by graveside burial at Mountain View Memorial Park Cemetery and a reception at the LDS Stake Center.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Brent’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice.
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