James HURTON

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HURTON: James Perry Hurton passed away at the Glenboro Health Centre on Saturday February 22, 2020 at the age of 95 years. Perry was born on November 13, 1924 at home in Glenboro. Little did anyone know that the tiny premature baby born that day would impact and affect so many with his humorous view of life and ever-giving love for others and community. Perry leaves to mourn his passing; his four children Don (Jacqui) Hurton, Allen Hurton, Cathie (Garry) Haasbeek, and Michael Hurton, nine grandchildren Jason (Lee), Scott (Evelyn), Kari (Kent), Jordan (Mariana), Kalee, Alyssa (Stephen), Jared (Veronica), Andrea (Ben), Jack (Pauline), as well as twelve great grandchildren Colin, Addison, Aubrey, James, Leah, Nora, Evie, Hudson, Keegan, Zach, Gavin and Rory. Perry was predeceased by his wife Margaret (nee Gullett) parents Roderick and Nellie Hurton, brother Roderick Hurton and sister Grace (Les) Holler. Perry received his education at Glenboro School and was very actively involved in sports, music, church choir and his beloved trumpet. Perry’s first love was farming and he spent many days at his uncle’s farm in the Carman area. Perry’s love of nature and the land continued through his life; his huge garden in Glenboro supplied family and friends with his produce and famous pickles for many years. In 1944 Perry enlisted with the British Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve, and began training in Kingston Ontario. Upon his return, he attended United College and Fort Garry University in Winnipeg, graduating with a Science degree. He then attended the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Toronto, where he met his future wife Margaret Anne Gullett. After graduating in 1952, he married his beloved Margie in Toronto and joined his father’s dental practice in Glenboro. Planning to return to Toronto after a few years helping his dad out, his dedication to family and the community kept him serving the large rural area for many years. A book could be written about Dr. Hurton’s dental, surgical, and denture making skills, all done with his humour, wit, and practical joking always present. Never was there a more colourful dentist! A family of four children came shortly after: Don, Allen, Cathie, and Michael. Perry and Margie always encouraged and supported their children in their activities, sports and education. Perry’s favourite family retreat was at his cabin just south of Spruce Woods Park. It was his haven, as there was no phone to bother him and bring him back to work. Family, friends, fishing, horseback riding, and many game nights created many fond memories. Perry was always an active community member, involved in all sports and community events. He was always full of fun in whatever he encountered, work or play. Perry played hockey, golf, and skied well into his senior years. Perry served as the Mayor of Glenboro from 1973-1977, the Chairman of Glenboro Health District from 1972-1989, the Commissioner of the local hockey league from 1983-1985 as well as serving on numerous other committees. Perry’s love of flying continued throughout his life, receiving his private pilot’s licence and spending many hours touring about the countryside in his Aeronca Champ, often at tree top level, enjoying terrorizing the locals. Perry was always a voracious reader and lifelong learner. The classics and the Bible were always his favourite, but in his later years, as his eyesight was fading, listening to his dear daughter Cathie reading James Herriot and Patrick McManus brought him hours of pleasure. Perry had a deep and very personal relationship with God; he would often declare, “Take everything to the Lord in prayer!” Perry’s life came full circle when he moved into the Glenboro Personal Care Home. He and Jim Westwood were instrumental in promoting the building of the personal care home in Glenboro and officially broke ground for his future home. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff of the Glenboro Personal Care Home and Glenboro Hospital for the incredible care Perry received during Perry’s stay at the care home. A Celebration of Perry's life was held on Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. in Glenboro United Church with Sandra Rex officiating. Following the service, a reception was held in the CE Building, Glenboro. A family interment took place in the Glenboro Cemetery. Friends that so desire, memorial donations can be made in Perry's memory to Glenboro Personal Care Home, Box 310, Glenboro MB, R0K 0X0.To leave online condolences, please visit www.willmorchapel.comJamieson's Funeral Services of Glenboro in care of arrangements. 204-827-2480.

As published in Brandon Sun on Feb 29, 2020