Award-winning Aberdeen brand strategist Scott Hunter – who blogged about his brain tumour diagnosis and treatment – has died just days after his 51st birthday.
Respected within the Granite City’s business community, he was honoured at this weekend’s Dons match against Kilmarnock with applause at the 51st minute.
Now, with “great sadness” his family has paid tribute to the father-of-two whose creative flair has helped shape numerous north-east businesses.
Aberdeen loon
Scott Hunter was born on March 31 1972. The son of fish market porter John, and his wife Irene who worked as an administrator, he had one older sibling, Louise.
He spent his early years living in Rosemount where he attended Skene Square Primary School before moving with his family to Dyce. There he was enrolled at Dyce Primary School before moving on to the academy.
A talented artist with a fertile imagination, Scott left school at 16 to begin his career as a studio junior at Covey McCormick in Aberdeen.
Hampton Associates
As adventurous as he was creative, in 1993 Scott moved to Sydney to work as a graphic designer for one of the city’s most respected design consultancies.
Despite returning home “unannounced with stories of poverty, minor scrapes and the versatility of a well-crafted sleeping mat”, Scott’s laid-back approach to life resulted in friendships formed wherever he went. Prioritising time to stay in touch, Scott nurtured a strong network of life-long connections.
Back on UK soil, Scott was approached by Mike Hampton to help establish design and brand agency, Hampton Associates. Scott dedicated more than 27 years of his life to the firm, most recently as creative director.
‘Creative flair’
He provided stability and continuity to the team over the years, most recently following its rebranding to Hampton under the leadership of Skerry Read.
“Scott brought his imagination and creative flair to many businesses in the local area,” his family wrote. “He worked with Brewdog, William Grant & Sons, Taqa and Harbour Energy, as well as with global brands such as Penguin Books, BP and Total.”
Through Enterprise Partnership Scotland’s Next Level initiative Scott shared his hard-won experiences with entrepreneurs and growing businesses.
A lifelong learner, he loved being introduced to new ideas. Scott relished attending events that allowed him to grow as a designer and a marketer, as well as a leader and a human being.
Inspired by his love of music and the night scene in Aberdeen, Scott was one of the creative minds behind Lifestyle. The regular Northern Soul, funk and easy listening night was popular in The Lemon Tree during the mid-1990s.
Family life
In 2001 Scott met the love of his life, Nicola Henderson.
“He whisked her off for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to visit us in Alaska. They have been inseparable ever since,” said brother-in-law Paul Squire.
In 2003 Scott achieved his proudest accolade to date. He became a dad for the first time to daughter Ella, born in December. Then, in February 2007, their son Angus came along. The couple married the following year and Scott’s life centred around his family.
A proud Aberdonian, he was a Dons season ticket holder, and a regular visitor to the Aberdeen Art Gallery, Johnston Gardens and Greyhope Bay.
He loved the Scottish countryside and dreamed of future adventures in the great outdoors.
Health battle
In September 2022, following a “funny spell” at work which led to a seizure, Scott received a life-changing diagnosis.
He charted his journey with glioblastoma – an aggressive brain tumour – in a blog called Headcase. Just last month he wrote that his focus was to try and maintain a good quality of life to “stick around for as long as possible”.
Despite gruelling treatment, Scott remained upbeat and positive. A firm believer in the power of positive thinking, and the connectedness of the energy in the cosmos, he adopted a “cancer-starving” diet. Long walks became a feature of his daily fitness routine, enabling him to reconnect with nature too.
When the time came to stop working, he dedicated himself to helping others.
He used his talents to help the people and organisations that were supporting him in his time of need.
Taken too soon
On April 4, during a family trip to Scott’s favourite “bolt hole” in Cullen, he passed away, surrounded by family. Active and enthusiastic until the end, just one day earlier he played a final round of golf as part of his birthday celebrations.
On behalf of the family, Paul wrote that Scott was “taken too early”.
“However, the world is a better place for him having made his mark. He leaves many unfulfilled dreams and a long list of ‘in-flight’ projects. He never lost hope – his mantra became ‘Never give up – life is for living’.
“Scott was so well thought of, and incredibly well known.”
A celebration of Scott’s life will take place at Baldarroch Crematorium, Crathes, on Wednesday, April 19 at 11.30am. Coloured clothing is encouraged and any donations will be going to Clan Cancer Support, Aberdeen.
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