Obituary of Michael Joseph Hurley

HURLEY, Michael Joseph – At home with his family by his side, Michael died on Thursday, October 29, 2020.  Beloved husband of Helen Clark.  Loving father of the late J.T. Hurley, B.J. Clark-Hurley and his wife Elizabeth Cowden, and Molly Clark-Hurley and her partner Parker Rueger.  Dear brother of Patricia Solway (late Sam), Suzanne Punga (late Bob) and Nancy Seavitt (Jim).  Cherished uncle of many nieces and nephews. Brother-in-law of John Clark (Debbie).  Predeceased by his parents John & Blanche Hurley.

 Michael Joseph Hurley was born in Detroit, Michigan, but spent his teen years on the south shore of Lake St. Clair in Belle River, Ontario.   It was there that Michael began his lifelong love affair with the water.   An avid boater, he spread this affinity for all things nautical to many friends and family through frequent boat rides.  

 As a family man and ever-present father, he always looked forward to the yearly pilgrimage to Florida with his sisters the “Hurley-gurlies” and their families.   As a devoted friend, he was a support in both good times and bad to many people over the years.  Though he held many careers, each was dedicated to serving others.   Whether it be in the Church or in support of local sport, the love and pride he had for his community shone through.

 Michael led a very active life; he enjoyed sports and fitness, and made friendships and bonds through these pursuits.  He was an avid basketball player and fan.   As a resident of Courtright, he was a fixture on the Parkway, first in jogging and biking with his children, and then at the end of his life in his daily ritual of walking to get the mail.

 Although Michael’s unfortunate diagnosis with Corticobasal Degenerative Disease changed the way he lived his life, it did not change the way he felt about those around him.   His kindness and warmth extended to both strangers and those he had known for a lifetime.   At home, after a favorite homemade meal, having had his nightly Manhattan (“Man-Happy”) and with family by his side, Michael passed away suddenly, yet peacefully, as he readied for bed.  His legacy of kindness will continue through the lives he enriched, the projects he invested in, the humor he brought to every situation, and the stories he helped create. 

Friends will be received at the McKENZIE & BLUNDY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 431 N. Christina St., Sarnia  on Monday, November 2, 2020 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Please note that masks/face coverings are mandatory and maximum visitors at one time and social distancing will be strictly enforced.  Private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Dan Vere at St. Joseph’s Church, Corunna.  Cremation to follow.  As a cancer survivor, Michael was an advocate for mental health support for cancer patients and their families. Friends who wish may send memorial donations to the Wellspring Cancer Support Society London at http://www.wellspringlondon.ca/ 

 Messages of condolence and memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com