Stanley Reid Hurst, a resident of Mesa, AZ, passed away on Tuesday, October 6, 2020. He was born on February 20, 1925, in Brooklyn, New York to parents Delora Reid and Guy Harold Hurst. He graduated from Ogden High School, attended Weber College, and earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) and Master of Science (MS) degrees from the University of Utah; further attesting to his excellent mind, he earned a Doctorate of Science (D.Sc.) from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the field of Electrical Engineering.
Stan served honorably in the Army during World War II in the Army Special Training Program.
Professionally, he worked primarily in the Aerospace industry. First at General Electric in the Valley Forge, PA area, and mostly at Martin-Marietta Aerospace in Littleton, CO, from which he retired. His projects involved satellite communications, components of the Viking Mars Lander, as well as Top-Secret work for the US Government.
Stan was a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many capacities, including: Seminary Teacher; Bishop of Valley Forge, PA Ward on October 16, 1960 (set apart by Sterling W. Sill); 2nd Counselor in the Presidency of the Columbine, CO, Stake, December 7, 1980.
In 2007, he and his wife Shirley served a Church mission in the Illinois Nauvoo Temple Mission; and finally as Temple Ordinance Worker and Sealer from 11 January, 1991 to 18 May, 2016.
Stan loved good music, whether it be a musical such as the “Fantasticks”, “Don Quixote”, “Oklahoma”, “Annie get Your Gun”, and many more; or classical piano (which he played), or vocal music. With his love of this genre, he spearheaded the creation of the semi-professional Colorado Mormon Chorale; it grew to be a very successful and sought-after organization due to the quality of its performances.
Stan was always kind, caring, and patient with others. He possessed a keen and dry wit; humorous stories, puns, treasure hunts, and “dad” jokes are memories that will be greatly missed.
Stan was also a dedicated participant in community affairs such as Kiwanis Club, and gave many years of service in the Boy Scouts of America, from which he completed his “ticket” as an Owl.
Stan was a wonderful patriarch to his rapidly growing posterity. He held reunions, told stories, visited as many of his grandchildren as possible for important events in their lives, such as baptism. He taught his children and posterity by example how to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ through righteously serving his family and serving others.
Stan is preceded in death by his parents, brother Kenneth Hal Hurst, and Grandson Joshua Harrison.
Stan is survived by his loving wife of 74 years, Shirley Burrows Hurst; 5 children: Robin Harrison (Eric), Debra Loftus (Larry), Guy Henry Hurst (Corinne), Mark Burrows Hurst (Sonya), Mara Behrmann (Larry); 19 Grandchildren, and 48 Great-Grandchildren.
Our family was so blessed to rub shoulders with Stan and Shirley. So grateful to have known Stan and enjoy his sense of humor and kindness. We love you!
Love,
Arell, Cinda, Aurora, Ella and Curtis Patten
Dear Shirley and Family,
I am sorry to hear about Stan. What a wonderful role model he and Shirley were throughout the many years of our association in the Columbine First Ward! I know he continues to serve the Lord on the other side of the veil.
My love and prayers are with you as you mourn his loss.
Kerry
To Shirley and Hurst family. I send my love and condolences to all of you. What a wonderful and inspiring couple you both are. I love you both and have great memories to inspire me. May you all feel Heavenly Father’s arms wrap around you. My Love…Linda Johnson
Stan Hurst was a gracious, intelligent, and kind man. He sets a great example for us in how to live and prioritize our lives. I was grateful I know him and his family in Littleton, Colorado.
We love you Brother and Sister Hurst.
Sister Hurst, you are in our prayers during this difficult time.
Shirley and Debbie and family, you are in our prayers! We felt so fortunate to get to know Grandpa Stan and Grandma Shirley a little and know how much love our dear son in law, Micheal Loftus and his family felt from you both.
Shirley,
We will mis Stan. He was a positive influence to all who knew him. We will always remember his kind smile, his humor, and support of music. We love you Shirley and are sending prayers your way. Love, Debra and Bud Price
Stanley & Shirley were our Home Teachers just a few years ago. Stanley always came with an uplifting message for us and always showed great care and concern for us in our Ward. We loved hearing the many stories and experiences they shared with us and loved Stanley’s sense of humor. If I had known he played the piano, we would have taken advantage of that when they came to visit. We always felt a special closeness to them. We love you Shirley and our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always.
Ohhhhhhh Brother Hurst how I will MISS your stories and testimony each Fast and Testimony meeting!!!!!! You were a TRUE TREAT…such a wonderful example!!!!! Your sweet Shirley is in my prayers…we love you both so very MUCH! To ALL of the Hurst family our deepest love and condolences to all who feel a heartbreaking void in your lives at this time. What a wonderful person to have pulling for you on the other side!!!! Much love, Phillip and Kayola