Harold Hurlburt Obituary

HAROLD DUNELL HURLBURT Harold Dunell Hurlburt passed away Sunday, October 3, surrounded by his family. He was born on April 3, 1930, in Willows, California to Marjorie Samuels Hurlburt and Clarence Curtis Hurlburt, their second child, having an older sister, Majorie Claire. His family lived with his grandparents, Henry and Etta May Samuels, on the Durbrow and Twede ranches. They later moved to Willows. He grew up in the rice industry, spending every moment allowed with his father andgrandfather, leaving home early in the morning, and coming home at the end of the day. "Duke" as he was called, attended John Birch Elementary and Willows High School, graduating in 1948. He was an excellent athlete, participating in football,basketball and tennis, taking up golf and becoming an avid water skier in later years. After his graduation from high school, he continued to work in the rice industry, working and learning from his father and grandfather. In 1950, he helped his father construct a 6-bin rice dryer which was in use for over 25 years, of whichhe was the sole caretaker. In 1951, he married the love of his life, Kathleen Alves. Gifted with an acre of land from his parents, and with the help of his father, he built his new bridea home, in which they still live, and which hasbeen extended twice. They became the parents to four busy children. He enjoyed hunting and duringhis early youth spent many annual hunting expeditions on his grandparents stock ranch onElk Ridge, Humboldt County. He farmed rice for over 60 years, on the original family ranch. When not busy in the fields, he could be found in his shop where he constructed much of his own farming equipment, as well as doing machine and lathe work for neighbors and friends. He is survived by his devoted wife, Kathleen, and four children, Jane (Glenn) Hodding, Ann Hood, Curtis (Kathy) Hurlburt & Brian (Shona) Hurlburt, eight grandchildren, Chad Hodding, Hillary Hodding, Tyler (Erin) Hood, Xander Hood, Rachel (JT) Thomas, Frank (Michelle) Hurlburt, Corie (Nathan) Taylor & Josh Hurlburt, three step-grandchildren, Emily (Andrew) Sohnrey, Kendal (Joel) Jauregui & Kalen (Ashley) Hagins, eight great grandchildren, Griffin and Harper Hood, Carson and Andrew Thomas, Adrianna Hurlburt, Harley and Karter Taylor, Cameron Hurlburt, and seven step-grandchildren, Cayden Carrizales, Greyson and Ivalee Sohnrey, Jayda & Hadley Corriea, Aniya Jauregui, Titus Alvord and Drake Hagins. Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 9 at 1pm at FD Sweet & Sons Mortuary, followed with a celebration of life reception at Willows Elk Lodge. Donations in his honor can be made to the charity of your choice.