Gregory Hunter Thayer-Rowley

It is with great sorrow to face the devastating news that this world lost another beautiful soul all too soon.

Gregory Hunter Thayer-Rowley passed away unexpectedly on February 23, 2017, in his home located in Walla Walla, at the young age of 18. Hunter was born on July 3, 1998, in Wenatchee, to William Rowley and Shar Thayer. Hunter was a happy baby and liked to play with his twin brother Cody. The family lived in Leavenworth and Wenatchee through half of Hunter’s childhood. Later Hunter moved with his mom and brother to Walla Walla where he’s been residing since 2009.

Hunter was a very reserved person. He spent most of his time independently, but when he wasn’t, he spent his time with those he loved. During the time he spent independently, he discovered his love for the cyber universe. He enjoyed playing video games with friends and family. Hunter’s personal escape was found through music. There was never a time when you did not see him without headphones. Throughout Hunter’s life, he went through a series of unfortunate events. Hunter has had many medical obstacles that he has had to overcome. He experienced things many wouldn’t encounter in a lifetime. The greatest and most recent was on February 14, 2014, being diagnosed with Stage 4 Rhabdomyosarcoma. Hunter underwent a year of intensive treatment at Seattle Children’s Hospital. He did not complain once and was very strong throughout. On February 25, 2015, Hunter completed his treatment and moved back home to Walla Walla.

Each and every obstacle Hunter encountered, he overcame; leaving us all to believe miracles are real. Even though he has overcome all of these hardships, every one obstacle left him a set of physical, mental and emotional burdens, leaving him feeling all sorts of ways about the world. Hunter was eighteen years old, but survived enough to be an elder. His age did not define the wisdom he held within himself. Hunter attended the Opportunity Program in Walla Walla, he was a senior.

Hunter is survived by his mom, Shar Thayer; dad, William Rowley; step-dad, Graig Volk; brother, Cody Thayer-Rowley; sister, Kylie Volk, sister, Sara Volk, sister, Lacy Bennett, sister, Whitney Rowley-Lutes; brother, Zach Lutes; grandma, Bonnie Thayer; grandpa, Greg Thayer; step-grandma, Amy Schwab; step-grandpa, David Schmaltz; uncle, Shane Thayer; aunt, Shay Thayer.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday March 4, 2017, at Herring Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder Street Walla Walla at 2:30 p.m. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guest book at www.herringgroseclose.com.