David Kenerson Hurd

David Kenerson Hurd passed peacefully with family by his side after a lengthy illness. Devoted husband of Linda Ibbitson Hurd, Father of Donna M. Hurd, David K. Hurd. Jr., Stepfather of Brian D. Clark, Heidi Clark McGuire, Stepbrother of Shirley Bragg of Maine, Cousin Tom Claffey, and well-loved “Grampy” and “Grandpa Dave” of Alisha McGuire, Nicholas Clark, Chelsea Melancon, Aiyanna Williams, Marcus Hunt, and Leila Giampietro.

If there was a theme to Dave’s life, it was “he made stars of his scars.” Family came first and he gave all to his loved ones. Funny, smart and sensitive, he spent his life helping others. He joined the Naval Reserve at age 17, then served on the U.S.S. Boston. He was in Cuba at the time of the Missile Crisis and was honorably discharged in 1961.

Dave worked a variety of jobs in his youth: as a milkman for HP Hood, a grinder at Walworth Foundry, a welder at the Quincy Shipyard, a trolley driver for the MBTA, then as a bus driver. In his 30’s, Dave lost his mother due (he felt) to the negligence of a psychiatrist that prescribed too many medications. This prompted him to return to school to study psychology, starting at Massasoit Community College to fulfill his dream of becoming a Clinical Social Worker. He attained his Bachelor’s Degree from Bridgewater State, then graduated Magna Cum Laude from Boston College with a Master’s Degree in Social Work, attaining his license to practice. Among his many career achievements, Dave created a syllabus for Curry College on Alcoholism and was hired to teach the course, helping individuals and families cope with the disease and prevail in turning their lives around. He also taught courses on alcoholism and drug addiction as a Professor at Massasoit State College.

Dave married twice, managing to successfully retain and build loving relationships with his many children and grandchildren. His wife, Linda remembers the laughter and tears, the joy and fears of over 40 years of marriage. Partners in crime, they forged a team and built a family on a foundation of friendship, tenderness, and gallows humor. Their relationship was never dull, and they supported and challenged one another to be their best. She is especially proud of how he became a Guardian Ad Litem in the courts for children whose parents were going through divorces - his work advocating for the vulnerable inspired her deep respect. Daves’ family remember him as fun, loving, and accepting, a role model who taught that respect, honesty, discipline, and hard work were the best ways to reach your goals. He believed in being independent, thinking for yourself, and making an honest living but also striving for personal fulfillment. Dave’s faith was gnostic in nature, and he was strong in his belief that service and compassion could lead to transformation in people’s lives. An avid reader, he especially enjoyed history and discussing it with his grandchildren. A loyal friend, a devoted family man, and “a man for all seasons” he will be greatly missed. 

A wake will be held on April 4th from 4-7 PM at Leighton-MacKinnon Funeral Home, 4 West Washington Street, Hanson. A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Hanson, 214 Main Street on Wednesday, April 5th at 11 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend, and a reception will follow.  In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations in David's memory to Cranberry Hospice, 36 Cordage Park Circle, Suite 326, Plymouth, MA  02360.

To write an online condolence visit www.mackinnonfuneralhomes.com 
 

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