Bruce P. Hurter

Born in Boston to Elsie Burns Hurter and William Hurter, he spent his childhood in Scituate, MA, and his teen years in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

He graduated in 1970 from the University of Wisconsin, earned his Master’s degree in Pharmacology from BU in 1976, and his Medical Degree from UMass Worcester in 1980. He was a resident at Tufts Medical School from 1981-1984.

For three years he served as a psychiatrist with the National Health Service in Florida and later at Harvard Vanguard in Somerville. For the majority of his career, he was a psychiatrist at UMass Worcester where he also taught medical residents. While Bruce enjoyed all aspects of his medical practice, teaching offered him a special satisfaction. In 1994, the National Association of Mental Health honored him with the Exemplary Psychiatrist of the Year award for his work with seriously and persistently mentally ill patients.

Bruce and Maddy always loved to vacation on Cape Cod, and for many years the family rented a cottage on Lieutenant Island. In 2008 a dream came true when they were able to purchase a home in Wellfleet. For three years in semi-retirement, Bruce continued to practice psychiatry at South Shore Mental Health in Hyannis.

A soft spoken, gentle man, Bruce had an inner strength. He protested against those who would obstruct justice, and supported causes that elevate human dignity.

Civic minded, Bruce served on a number of Wellfleet town committees. For many years he was the Chair of the Open Space Committee in Wellfleet, and served on the Board of the Cape Cod National Seashore, focusing on improvements to the trail system.

As a Wellfleet Audubon volunteer, he logged countless miles on foot in all kinds of weather to protect diamond back terrapins and sea turtles. To many in town he was affectionately known as “The Turtle Guy”.

He loved swimming in the ponds of Wellfleet, and could be counted on to raise funds as a participant in the annual Swim for Life.

Bruce had a great smile, a ready laugh, feet made for dancing with his beloved Madeleine, and legs designed for tirelessly pedaling long distances with his competitive biking buddies.

He had great enthusiasm for the Hurter Family Fourth of July celebrations in Ocean Park, Maine, where he and Maddy energetically joined the Kazoo Band.

He had a rich bass singing voice, and enjoyed many years performing with the Outer Cape Chorale. An avid reader, he reveled in thought provoking discussions with his men’s book group. A serious soccer fan, he was thrilled last summer when he had the chance to see Messi play at Gillette Stadium.

Bruce never sought the spotlight, yet folks gravitated toward him. An excellent listener, he truly heard what others had to say. If asked, he offered advice graciously, with a rare sensitivity that made everyone feel comfortable and understood.

A caring, hands-on dad, Bruce coached his sons’ soccer teams and Odyssey of the Mind teams when they were school-aged, and with love, encouraged them along their chosen paths throughout their adulthood. One of Bruce’s great joys in his last days was being able to see the new home his son Lee and partner Jess recently purchased in Easthampton, MA.

During their 47-year marriage, Bruce and Maddy supported each other’s diverse interests, enjoyed time together in the company of many life-long friends, and shared a passion for music, dancing, the theater and travel. They were so happy when just a few months ago they had the opportunity to tour Iceland.

Over the past two and a half years, Bruce fought cancer with grace and dignity. As long as he had the energy, he continued to ride his bike, paddle his kayak, walk the trails, protect the turtles, enjoy the company of friends, and dance with Maddy. Even when his energy began to flag, he still took daily walks, appreciating views from the trails and relishing every minute in the sunshine.

His was a life well lived, of service and friendship and love.

He is survived by his wife Madeleine Entel, sons Adam Hurter and Lee Hurter, siblings Lesley Hurter (John Gatley), Donald Hurter (Patricia Hurter), Robert Hurter (Lisa Hurter), many beloved nieces and nephews and their children.

A celebration of Bruce’s life and legacy will take place in the Spring.

Donations in his memory can be directed to the Wellfleet Housing Authority at Town of Wellfleet, 300 Main Street, Wellfleet, MA 02667.