WILLIAM DONALD HURST

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WILLIAM DONALD HURST (March 15, 1908 - September 25, 2000) At Toronto, after a long illness, W.D. Hurst, formerly of Winnipeg, MB. He is survived by his beloved wife Gytha, his loving son William H.D. and daughter-in-law Karen, his loving daughter Marilyn R. and son-in-law Paul C. White, all of Toronto. He will be missed by grandsons, Andrew and his fiancee Gillian Mann of Oxford, U.K., Christian of London, ON; and granddaughters, Leslie White and her husband Edwin Cass of Toronto, Cynthia Heyd and her husband Roderick of Toronto, Valerie Soper and her husband Phillip of Vancouver. Great-grandchildren Katherine and Madeleine Cass, Kelsey and Connor Heyd, Matthew and Emma Soper will also miss their great-grandfather. Mr. Hurst was born in Winnipeg, the son of Magdelena (Unger), formerly from Blair, ON, and William Hurst. He was educated at the University of Manitoba, receiving a B.Sc.C.E. in 1930, and at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute, receiving a M.Sc.C.E. in 1931. He married Gytha Johnson of Winnipeg in 1934. Mr. Hurst was employed by the City of Winnipeg from 1931 until his retirement in 1972. Until 1944, he was Water Works Engineer. From 1941 to 1971, he was Winnipegs City Engineer and Commissioner of Buildings. In 1972, he retired as Commissioner of Works and Operations. He was best known for his leadership in the disastrous 1950 flood. He was a man of varied interests including music, serving as President of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Philately, and golf. He attained the rank of Captain in the 10th (Reserve) District Engineers, R.C.E., was President of the Association of Professional Engineers of Manitoba (1950-51), held several appointments with the American Water Works Association including Chairman of the Canadian Section, and was the first Canadian to serve as National President (1962-63). He also served with the American Public Works Association and was President of the organization (1959-60). He served on the National Capitol Commission in Ottawa (1971-76) and on the boards of the Misericordia Hospital and the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children in Winnipeg. He was a Freemason (Scottish Rite 33), a member of Westminster United Church in Winnipeg, the Manitoba Club, and a founding member of the Manitoba Chapter of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. Mr. Hursts honours included his appointment as a Member of the Order of Canada, Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineers, and recipient of a gold medal for lifetime achievement awarded by the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers. In addition to his active public life, he was a generous and caring man, devoted to his family and friends. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME - A.W. MILES CHAPEL, Toronto, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 27. A Memorial Service will be held at THE DONWAY COVENANT UNITED CHURCH, 230 The Donway West, Don Mills, on Thursday, September 28 at 3:00 p.m. Interment will take place in Winnipeg on Saturday, September 30 with a private family service. Winnipeg friends will be received at the Manitoba Club, Broadway, on Saturday, September 30 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Alzheimer Society of Toronto, The Wexford Home for the Aged, 1860 Lawrence Avenue East, Toronto M1R 5B1, or to the charity of your choice. The family extends its deep appreciation to the second floor staff at the Wexford Home for all their compassion throughout Mr. Hursts illness.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 27, 2000