Obituary of Clarence Leslie Hurl

A gentleman and a gentle man. Clarence Hurl, our much loved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, friend, neighbour, and role model for how to live life respectfully and well, passed away on June 20, 2007, from complications due to heart problems. Mourning his passing, but celebrating his long, healthy, happy life, are his loving wife of almost sixty-three years, Ruth Hurl; his children, Deryl (Sandy) Hurl, Carol (Terry) Remple, Myna (Wayne) Wendt, Gayleen (Brant Payne) Hurl, and Shelly (Kirk) Anderson. Grandpa will be sadly missed by his ten grandchildren, Maddison Hurl, Jeff (Lynn) Remple and Karrie (Chuck) Brown, Courtenay Wendt, Holli (Corey) Friesz, and Tanis Wendt, Brodie and Keenan Woods, and Cole and Sawyer Anderson, as well as great grandchildren, Colby and Ethan Remple, Alyshia and Kaylee Brown and Kyryn Friesz, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. Clarence was predeceased by his son Kelly (Heather) Hurl in January 1997. Dad was born almost eighty-seven years ago in the small farming community of Cavendish, AB, and grew up in Buffalo, AB, where he met and married Ruth Skjenna. They lived a simple, hardworking life and built many lifelong friendships while raising six kids. Having lived through the thirties on the prairies, they knew how to economize, pull together, and make their own fun – as a couple, as a family, and as a community. For over sixty years, dad and mom volunteered in many capacities and at several community associations. Proud, but never a braggart, dad was instrumental in the planning and building of Mt. Pleasant Sportsplex in the 1970’s. As members of the rhythm band Jeritol Jivers, dad and mom performed for twenty years for nursing home residents, schoolchildren, Camp Horizon, and even for the Calgary Stampede. Dad and mom danced together since they were children – as if they were born to dance together – and they taught their children to love to dance. Over the years, they were members of various dance groups. Professionally, dad worked with AGTL/Nova for about twenty-five years. Wherever they were, dad and mom joined their community whole-heartedly and always made people feel welcome and at home. Dad lived a life of honesty, determination and integrity, and we are fortunate he had those expectations of us as well. He worked hard and laughed often – again, something he taught us all. He was our rock. Dad, we will miss you so much, but we know you have been reunited with Kelly and your other family and old friends who have passed. We know that somewhere in your corner of heaven, you are organizing a dance, card game, or social event. Dad would want to say thank you: to all of you who are friends and who support his family and others in the extended community; to the incredible nurses, staff and doctors at Sarcee Carewest Hospice; and to Dr. Blahey, Dr. Geoghegan, Dr. Labrie and the nurses and nursing assistants on Unit 61 at the FMC. In lieu of flowers, donations in dad’s name can be made to Carewest Sarcee Hospice, 3504 29 Street S.W., Calgary, AB, T3E-2L3, Telephone: (403) 685-6460, or to Confederation Park Seniors Drop-In Centre, 2212 13 Street N.W., Calgary, AB, T2M-4P7, Telephone: (403) 289-4780. Please join us to celebrate Dad’s life at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S, Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Monday, June 25, 2007, at 2:30 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Clarence Hurl, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.