‘Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet Prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.’
-Shakespeare’s Hamlet
Our dad, Basil Edward Hurst (born May 9, 1937) died peacefully at home in Stratford on October 23rd, 2021, surrounded by family. He lived, loved, and laughed his way through 84 wonderful years.
Our dad was born in London, England just prior to the outbreak of WWII. This event had an indelible impact on who he was as a person and how he lived his life. Until just recently, he continued to tell stories of playing in bombed-out houses and taking shelter once sirens wailed warnings. Wartime made him a man of modest means; he repeated the importance of ‘earning your keep’, ‘doing the right thing’ and was a stickler for ‘not wasting good food’.
Our dad bought a one-way ticket to Canada in 1968 with only 20 dollars in his pocket and the dream of a better life. He arrived in a country he had never set foot in before and didn’t know a soul. Our family eventually settled in Stratford where he enjoyed a long tenure at Standard Products. He loved his city, and got involved in the Festival Theatre, running a B&B, singing in choirs, plus becoming a member of different clubs, including as a Rotarian.
Our dad was a natural on the dance floor and enjoyed music. From jitterbug to the jive, his love of dance was contagious. All three of us learned to dance by standing on his feet as he waltzed us around the kitchen floor. Since his early school days in the UK, he enjoyed singing in choirs; a good song plus an audience had him break into song at the drop of a hat.
Our dad worked hard to earn his Canadian ‘stripes’. He played slow-pitch, built ice rinks in our backyard, coached ringette and enjoyed camping for many years. He never, however, learned to speak ‘Canadian’ and retained his charming British accent 53 years on. His sense of humor could sometimes get lost in translation and it took him a few years to teach locals how to pronounce his name (yes, like the herb).
Our dad enjoyed many hobbies including a love of gardening, collecting stamps, jewellery making, bird watching, plus a stint as a beekeeper- all the while making time to paint….a passion he rekindled during his retirement years. He also loved to travel with his family and after our mom passed away in 2006, he met his companion Laura (Pogson) and together they continued to explore the world.
Our dad was a pretty fabulous guy. Upon learning that his illness was terminal, he simply said “well that’s that, … but boy it’s been a wonderful ride.”
Dad, we love you and will miss you dearly.
Paula, Michelle and Rachelle
Basil was predeceased in 2006 by his loving wife, our mom, Jill Margaret (née Baker) Hurst. In addition to his daughters, he is survived by family and friends in Canada and abroad including: Brother Rex (Anne) and family, sons-in-law Andy, Yves and Dane, grandchildren Connor (Crisi), Fraser, Callan (Kylie), Madison (Amit), Casson (Stephanie), Sophie, Louis, Lauren and Nolan, sister-in-law Susan Baker-Bidgood and his loving companion Laura Pogson (and family).
Thank you to family and friends for all their support. Also, a special thanks to Dr. Brooks and the incredible nursing staff with special thanks to Sherry and Andrea.
A small, private celebration of Basil’s life will be held on Saturday, October 30th. Due to COVID restrictions, the ceremony is by invitation only. A live stream service will be available; please visit the online services at www.stjamesstratford.ca.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, www.cancer.ca, or the Stratford Horticultural Society directly, or through the James A Rutherford Funeral Home, 804 Ontario Street, Stratford. 519-271-5062.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Basil Edward Hurst Saturday October 23rd 2021..
Rutherford Cremation and Funeral Services
Death notice for the town of: STRATFORD, Province: Ontario