Obituary of Deryl Roger Hurl

November 20, 1945 – Empress, Alberta

March 8, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Deryl Roger Hurl of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 8, 2024, at the age of 78 years, with his daughter, Maddie, and his wife, Sandy, by his side. Deryl was born on November 20, 1945, in Empress, AB, to Ruth and Clarence Hurl, who predeceased him. Deryl was the eldest of six children. He is survived by his four sisters, Carol (Terry) Remple, Myna (Wayne) Wendt, Gayleen (Brant Payne) Hurl, and Shelly (Kirk) Anderson. Deryl was predeceased by his beloved brother, Kelly (Heather) Hurl, in 1997. Deryl entertained many nieces, nephews, and grandnieces, over the years with his many “sound effects”, which delighted them and him.

Deryl attended Crescent Heights High School in Calgary, graduating in 1963. As a young man in the sixties in oil and gas-rich Alberta, Deryl worked many oilfield jobs, eventually finding the career that suited him best, Surface Rights Landman. It was the perfect career for someone gifted with the ability to connect with people from varied backgrounds and put them at ease. After several years of negotiating deals for various companies, Deryl started D.R. Hurl & Associates in 1981, with offices in Edmonton and Calgary. He also found time to teach courses at SAIT and Olds College, to be a founding member of the CAPL (CALEP) Field Services Committee, to be appointed by the government as a member of the Land Agent Advisory Board, to be an Advisor to two different Energy Ministers, and became a life member of CAPL after receiving the prestigious Herb Hughes Memorial Award. Thousands of surface leases later, Deryl retired in 2013. He continued to consult on and off for years after retiring.

Anyone who knew Deryl understood he was a family man first, but his many friends were also of paramount importance. Deryl loved hunting, be it upland birds, pheasants, sage grouse or Canadas, or game, deer, elk, or moose. He loved fishing, whether on the Bow fly fishing or landing a rainbow or salmon at Mabel Lake, or a Tyee in the Haida Gwaii Archipelago. He also shot skeet and trap and was working on his Private Pilot Licence. No matter which activity he pursued, he had a bevy of good buddies to share the experience with.

Deryl met the love of his life, Sandra Patterson, in Calgary and they were married in June 1986, later adding the second, greatest love of his life, their beautiful daughter Maddison, born in 1996. Life wouldn't be the wild ride it is without some rapids to navigate, but in the end, what matters most, is learning that true love does endure life's peaks and valleys. Deryl was passionate about his career, his many friends, and most especially, his family.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB) on Friday, May 3, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre of the Funeral Home.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Hurl’s service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

If friends so desire, donations towards an Award or Scholarship Program would be appreciated. Details to follow in the weeks to come.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Deryl’s family here.

In living memory of Deryl Hurl, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.

Click to Sign the Video Guest Book and Watch Deryl's Funeral Service