John Michael Hurley

John “Johnny” Michael Hurley was born August 9, 1980 in Alexandria Virginia to Michael and Kathleen Hurley (now Boleyn). He died June 21, 2021 in Arvada Colorado. He is survived by his mother Kathleen Boleyn of Colorado Springs, CO, his father Michael Hurley of McLean, VA and his sister Erin Hurley of Golden, CO.

Johnny grew up in Colorado Springs and graduated from Air Academy High School. He also graduated from Cook Street School of Fine Cooking in Denver, CO. He made a career primarily in the culinary arts.

Johnny was an adventurer as he faced life with enthusiasm. In skate boarding he could drop into a bowl easy as you please and clean up all the tricks in a skate park. He could cook you a gourmet meal over an open fire at a campsite he hiked into, and snow-shoe farther than you want to up the side of a mountain. He could sink a throwing knife into a tree trunk almost every time with accuracy, and handle a firearm like a marksman. If it interested him, he threw himself into it full bore. Johnny could knock your socks off with his dance moves, sing in a smooth bass line, or break into a jaw-dropping scat riff, pull off a mean beat-box loop, or join the drum circle with the jembe he hand-tied and taught himself to beat with skill. He would have a made a great movie critic with insightful commentary.

People were drawn to Johnny’s smile, gift of gab, intelligent discourse, and compassionate heart. He was admired for his activism, persuasiveness, and for living his beliefs. When you were having fun with Johnny there was no one else you’d rather be with. He gathered friends with hoops of steel and kept them through his life. We were so lucky to have him in ours. He died as he lived – a hero.

On June 21st, when a gunman entered the Olde Town Square in Arvada, CO and shot a policeman in the back, many witnesses say Johnny “didn’t hesitate” but ran toward the shooter who had returned to the square ostensibly to kill others. With clear presence of mind, Johnny downed the shooter, and in the ensuing moments also died. A ray of sunshine has been taken from so many of us, leaving a hole in our hearts.

A memorial service will be held at the Arvada Center for the Arts, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada CO 80003 on July 20, 2021 at noon. There will also be a party at Robby Ferrufino Park, 9001 W. 74th Ave, Arvada, CO 80005 with food and beverage provided.