The 89-year-old died on Saturday surrounded by family at Kinsale Community Hospital in Cork.
Holly has previously spoken about how she and her long-term partner were a great support to each other as both of their fathers battled cancer.
Holly’s dad Karl learned he had blood cancer in 2020 while Jamie’s father, Keith, was diagnosed with terminal cancer in March last year.
Earlier this year, the couple organised a charity event called a Paddy’s Day Dip to raise funds for the Marie Keating Foundation’s cancer awareness and support services.
Mr Hunt, who was passionate about sea swimming, was initially given six to nine months to live since his diagnosis but had exceeded the expectations of his doctors.
He continued to enjoy his regular sea swims near his home in Kinsale, Co Cork.
Keith Hunt (rip.ie)
His death notice said he will be “sadly missed and remembered with love by his wife Poppy, his daughter Holly, his sons Sam and Jamie, his daughter-in-law Sara, his son-in-law Willy, Jamie’s fiancée Holly, his grandchildren Harry, Myles, Attie, Hazel and Oliver, as well as all his many, many friends”.
It continues: “A life very well lived.”
His funeral will take place this Saturday at 11.30am at St. Multose Church, Kinsale, followed by private cremation on Monday.
Holly with partner Jamie (Pic: Courtesy of Holly Carpenter)
The Paddy’s Day Dip has paid tribute to the late Mr Hunt in their latest Instagram post, describing him as a “larger-than-life character”.
the former Miss Ireland, who became engaged to Jamie in May, shared the charity’s post on her account.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Keith Hunt,” the charity event said in a statement on social media.
“Keith, along with Karl, was the inspiration for ‘The Paddy’s Day Dip’. Sea swimming was one of Keith’s many passions, along with sailing and fishing.
“He was a larger-than-life character who will be sorely missed by friends and family,” they added.
Holly Carpenter and her dad Karl Carpenter at his home in Dublin. Photo: Steve Humphreys
The Paddy’s Day Dip has thanked people who donated to the first fundraiser this year and “sent words of love and support to Keith”.
“We will be back bigger and better next Paddy’s Day in his honour, raising much-needed funds for Marie Keating Foundation who provide vital information and services to those whose lives are impacted by cancer,” they said.
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Many people have paid tributes to Keith Hunt in the comments, describing him as a “hero”.
“We laughed whenever we met which is always a good sign. Codladh sámh Keith,” one person wrote.
Another posted: “So sorry for your loss Jamie and Holly. May he rest in peace.”
Back in March, Holly told the Irish Independent how her partner Jamie would often go sea swimming with his dad Keith.
“It could be one degree down in Kinsale and it would be freezing,” she said.
“Keith gets up and he gets into the sea. It’s his daily routine and I think he’s a testament to what everyone’s saying about how good it is to immerse yourself in cold water.
“He’s such a strong man for his age, mentally and physically,” she added.
