September 30, 2025

Peacefully, “The Little Buckaroo from Inglewood”, left this world on September 15th, 2025 in the Geriatric Rehab Unit at Parkwood Institute, London, Ontario.  Jack spent a happy week at the Rehab Centre and was proud of his progress. He was in his 91st year.

Jack is the son of Mary Velma (Hall) Hurst and Linton Roy Hurst, born April 20th, 1935 in Inglewood, Ontario.  He is predeceased by his siblings Dorothy (Ken Clarridge), Brampton;  Fred, Brampton;  and Carol  Taylor, Washago.

Jack is survived by his sister-in-law Edna Hurst, brother-in-law Jack Taylor, Hathaway brothers-in-law & ‘outlaws’:  Brian (Sue), Appin; Roger (Deb), London; Herb (Thomas), London; Richard (Melbourne) and Paula (Ingersoll) and by our adopted family, Sandra & Paul Robson & family, London.  Without their caring and help, we would have had to move.  Also survived by his much-loved nieces & nephews, Great nieces and nephews and Great-Grand nieces and nephews.    

Jack is also survived by his wife of 41+ years, Dolena Hathaway-Hurst, London Ontario.  He loved Dolena, his Wonder Dog Duffer, and his Golden Princess, Heather.

Jack began his work-life as a Photo-Journalist for the Toronto Globe & Mail and Toronto Telegram;  followed by working in the Photography Department at A.V.Rowe Canada, Malton.   He was particularly proud of being chosen to be the “air-to-air” photographer of the AVRO ARROW and flying with some renowned Test Pilots.  Photography, Eaton’s Catalogue experience, took him into his first encounter with the Marine Industry.

He was proud of the companies he built:  EZ Loader Canada (sold & retired at age 60) and Do It Industries (sold & retired at age 80). He valued his products and the teams who worked with him.  He made many lifelong friends.

JOHN (JACK) ALEXANDER HURST

Greatest Passions:  Golfing with GREAT friends (at Golf Haven, Thornhill, Bayou, Horseshoe Highlands & Highland); Boating with GREAT friends (both personally & the industry) and his antique boat collection;  Good Food—cooking & eating;  Automobiles: Cars/SUV’s & Pickups—learning about  and driving them;  and Woodworking. Dolena loves his first & last projects, a side table/stool for Marmilwood Boathouse and a floor lamp for their London home!   Most of all he loved making people happy.  He never learned the word “No”.  Jack always had a great story to tell!    As one of Jack’s nieces said, “Uncle Jack may not have been in the best place physically, but he was always someone who just  felt very alive.  He was always able to find joy and brighten up a space.”

Jack (& Dolena) lived on the best circle in London!!  Without our neighbours’ assistance, we would have had to change residences.  We can never express our appreciation or return the love you have shown us.

Jack’s doctors, particularly our family physician & friend of 35 years, Dr. Constance Weicker (& Kerri) of Bolton, Ontario;  his geriatrician, Dr. Laura Diachun, London, Ontario; Dr. Arsh Jain, our next door neighbour,  his physician and friend;  and Alex, his nurse for over 2 years contributed to his long life.  The gentle, kind, humourous and caring attention of Ms Sunshine and his friend, Mike Silver, made Jack’s life fun, challenging and exciting on a daily basis.

A celebration of Jack’s life will take place “when everyone is happy”, obviously at a later date.  Details will be published.  In lieu of flowers, Jack requests that donations be made to The Cardiovascular Surgery Program, Southlake Regional Health Centre, 596 Davis Dr., Newmarket, ON L3Y 2P9 Attn:  The Cardiovascular Surgery Program, Dr Byung Moon; or the Melbourne United Church,  592 John St, Melbourne, ON N0L 1T0; or a charity of your choice.  Arrangements entrusted to Woodland Cemetery, 493 Springbank Dr, London, ON N6J 1H3.  To sign Jack’s Book of Memories, Please visit woodlandcemetery.ca/