Gary Edwin Hurd

Gary Edwin Hurd, devoted husband, father to 13 children, grandfather and great-grandfather to 154 children, passed away at the age of 84 on Friday, Jan. 8, 2016. He passed away peacefully in his home in Rockland, ID, from Alzheimer’s complications. He was the 12th child of 14 children, born Dec. 4, 1931, in American Falls, Idaho, to John James Hurd (born Snowville, Utah) and Ida Chandler (born Logan, Utah).

Gary graduated from Aberdeen High School where he enjoyed baseball and other sports. He was an exceptional baseball player and was selected to try out for the semi-professional baseball team in Pocatello. He entered service in the Army in 1950 at Fort Douglas UT, was stationed for a time in Europe, then was discharged in 1953. He completed the Technical School program at ISU. He married Patricia Muir on January 27, 1954 and was the father of five children: Deborah, Pam, Gary, Lori, and Michael Hurd (they divorced). He married Judith Bush Robinson, at the time a widow, on the 27th of December, 1977 and joyfully entered fatherhood of her seven existing children: James, Kristi, Becky, Cindy, David, Andrew, and Nyla Robinson. Gary and Judith adopted and raised his grandson, Jason Hurd a few years later. For many years Gary worked as a printer in American Falls at the Power County Press. He later worked as a farmer, dairyman, ditch rider, and custodian; and worked for several years in custodial and security at the Idaho Falls Temple.

Gary loved being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. While living near Idaho Falls, he and Judith spent many hours going to the Idaho Falls Temple. He served in various callings in the church as well as going on two missions with Judith: Nairobi Kenya Africa and Perth Australia. He loved teaching the gospel to people and seeing the changes they made in their lives. In addition to his church activities, Gary’s main hobby through the years was going fishing near where he was living.

Gary is survived by his children, daughters Debra Ann Hurd and Pamela (Don) Burgess in Burley; his son (adopted grandson), Jason Hurd in Colorado, and his sister June Hurd Kelly in Alaska, Gary is also survived by his wife of 39 years Judith Bush Hurd in Rockland and her children James (Daralis) Robinson, Kristi (Jeff) Thomas, and David (Amy) Robinson, of Rockland, Becky (Steve) Roos of Sandpoint Idaho, Cindy (Brent) Reed, Provo, Utah, Andrew (Celeste) Robinson, Levan, Utah, Nyla (David) Kress, Soda Springs Idaho; 99 grandchildren and 55 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his children Gary Edwin Hurd, Jr., Michael Patrick Hurd, and most recently Lori Jane Hurd; also twelve of his siblings preceded him in death: brothers James, Frayne, Clifford, Nigel, Velmontt, Wilford, Eldon, Dean, Leo, and Loyall; and sisters Opal and Ruby.

Memorial services will be held at the Rockland Chapel (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) at 405 E Shoshone, Rockland, Idaho, on January 16, 2016 at 11 AM with a viewing at 10 AM.

​ Condolences may be sent to the family at www.NelsonMortuary.com.