Gary Hubert Hurley

Gary Hubert Hurley was born on January 12, 1949, in Florence, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada and died peacefully at home in Lakewood, CA on April 19, 2019 from a lengthy illness, with his loving wife of 48 years by his side along with his loving family.

Gary grew up in Florence, Cape Breton, an island north of Nova Scotia Canada and when he was around 17yrs old he immigrated to the United States and lived in Torrance, CA with his Aunt Georgie and Uncle Jack. In 1969, Gary was drafted into the US Army during the Vietnam war. In 1971 he was discharged honorably and married the love of his life Barbara Ruth Blandford, on September 25, 1971, whom he had met only 6 months before and it was love at first sight. They moved back to Torrance, CA and eventually moved to Long Beach where their first two children, Jennifer and Steven (twins) were born in April of 1974. In 1976 the family moved to Lakewood, CA. and in January 1981 their son Martin was born.

Gary was a great man who loved and cared for his family. He was honest and hardworking and was a loving and nurturing father to his children and grandchildren. After leaving the Army he began his career managing service stations for Chevron corporation and in 1991 fulfilled his dream of being a truck driver, working for Schneider National Trucking company for 18 years until his retirement in 2009. He started as a long haul over the road truck driver, driving all over the United States and in the final years as a local truck-rail driver. He loved his job and the people he worked for and with immensely as he was considered a people person.

Gary had a love for sports, especially ice hockey and baseball. Gary learned how to play hockey at an early age on the pond that was next to his house growing up in Cape Breton Island and played in a men’s hockey league for many years. Gary was a loyal MLB fan of LA Angels, and loved watching the National Hockey League LA Kings (early on) and then Anaheim Ducks team whom he became a loyal fan.

Gary loved watching John Wayne movies, westerns, and WWII films. He had a love for the outdoors and nature and many cherished memories with Gary were with him camping in Calaveras Big Trees state park and in the High Sierras. Gary also loved going to casinos, taking long drives with his wife and walking the Nature Center trail at El Dorado Park. He also loved his Red Rose tea and was rarely seen at home without a cup of hot tea in his hand. Even though Gary dearly loved living in the United States, eventually getting his citizenship in 2012 which was one of the proudest moments of his life, he never forgot his beloved Canada, and the beautiful Island of Cape Breton where he grew up.

Gary was an amazing grandfather and had special relationships with each of his 6 grandchildren. Whether it be helping taking the kids to school or picking them up, taking his granddaughter to karate lessons, going to every baseball game he could for his grandson, or volunteering at the school for his two youngest grandchildren, he was very involved in their lives and he loved them dearly and all of his grandchildren adored him right back. He especially loved it when they were very little when they would sit on his lap in his chair and take a nap together.

He also had many adopted grandchildren that attended St. Cyprian Parish School where he volunteered in his granddaughters’ classes starting in the TK Class all the way to 4th grade until his illness would not let him volunteer anymore. He so dearly loved working with the children and being a part of his grandchildren’s school.

His undying love for his wife Barbara was an inspiration to others and they both shared a very deep love for each other as a best friend, companion and parents to their children.

Gary was always there to help his friends and relatives, or even strangers that were in need. If you were stranded with your car broke down on the side of the road, Gary would be the person who stopped and helped you. He was a kind and gentle soul who always saw the best in people, he was the best definition of a good person and his legacy of love and kindness will never be forgotten.

Gary is survived by his loving wife Barbara Hurley, his children: Jennifer Hurley-Sisemore, Steven (Pam) Hurley, Melissa Holden and Martin Hurley, 6 grandchildren: Katie, Meagan, Aidan, Ashlynn, Dillon & Chloe and 2 great-grandchildren: Ruby and Ramone. His cousins whom he considered his brothers and sisters: Albert, Gervase, Alverna and Elizabeth, 7 brothers in-law, 2 sisters in-law; numerous nieces and nephews; 4 cats and a Salamander.

The family would like to thank Reliance Hospice for the wonderful care and support that they gave to Gary and our family for the past year. We would also like to thank all of the family and friends who supported for months in many different ways during Gary’s time of transition. We cannot thank you enough.

In Lieu of flowers the family requests donations in memory of Gary to The Multiple System Atrophy Coalition or The Salvation Army.

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401