Stephen was beloved by myself  and my son Michael, now 32. Throughout my sons childhood we would travel to Houston to visit. My son thought of him as mentor and friend. I remember so often looking at the nieces and nephew pictures when we would visit. He adored them and delighted in sharing his latest stories of them. I love the pictures of him hands clasped at his chin. They call up all his wonderful silent expressions that were so full of unsaid comments.  My heart is filled with gratitude that I had the gift of his presence in my life. I hold his family and friends in my thoughts and prayers and him in my heart forever.

I am deeply sad to hear about Steve’s passing!  My heart goes out to his family.  I remember him speaking of them fondly.  Steve and I worked together at Research Farms in the 1980’s, then I was his client for 15 years when he worked at JJL Greenhouses.  I left the industry decades ago and lost contact with him, as I did with many of our compadres, over time.

What a horticulture genius!  I learned much of what I know about flowering plants from him.  I wish he had written books sharing his unusual passion and deep perspective on the subject.  Instead of an encyclopedia format like many horticulture books, I can picture him taking the reader down garden paths, showing beautiful and original, not to mention practical, plant combinations.  His own garden was inspiring.

When I left the plant business to go back to school, he gave me a bag of elementary school supplies, including funny notes like “Don’t Eat the Paste” and other sage advice :)  Yes, the bag included an actual tub of kindergarten school paste, in addition to the requisite box of crayons.  His sense of humor was legendary, and he was equally warm and personable.  He remembered details about people and had a lovely way with clients and friends.  He had a gift for entertaining and concocting beautiful, unusual dishes.  I have a memory of a buttered radish dish he made.  He introduced it with his mischievous smile and raised eyebrows… who, after all, would not want butter with their radishes?

I met my husband through Steve’s neighbor, Heather, whom I met at one of his parties and later befriended.  I spoke with Steve nearly every day for years and truly looked forward to our conversations… always a bright spot in my day.  He was witty and made time for people.  Although we had not connected in over a decade, I have always had fond memories of Steve, whom I knew as Stevie.  Our planet has just lost a uniquely intriguing and gentle soul. 

Steve was a great friend. We knew each other as neighbors for almost 20 years before he passed too soon, way too soon. He was enigmatic. He never discussed Alice in Wonderland but I expect he liked the Cheshire Cat!  We got to know each other on the porch and next to his amazing cabinet turntable or in the kitchen.  He loved to chat and I always felt like he heard what I said and cared about it and would consider it.  Many of my best experiences in the neighborhood were shared with him and David often late night drinking the good wine that Steve insisted was part of Pura Vida.  Or the wonderful times that Cynthia and the kids spent on his porch or exploring the museum of his home.   Not every man will let a three-year-old explore his glass collection! But Steve did.   It’s funny what you remember about a person after all the time you spent together talking and laughing and sometimes if you needed it, Steve could provide cutting and insightful advice. Not much of a shoulder to cry on. He had seen and experienced too much to put up with crybabies.  But he loved and he loved true. Even if he needed his private space. If I’m anywhere near a jukebox today, I am playing Grace Jones until they make me leave! I miss Mr. Steve as my children and I both affectionately called him. He was such a righteous dude. I will remember him for the rest of my life.

My garden is a living testament to Steve’s knowledge and long friendship. Plants from his own garden and ones he inspired me to grow are a reminder of how much he has been missed in our sometimes daily conversations and in the local horticultural community who benefited from his dedication and knowledge. He planted many seeds that have thrived  in all of us. 

I will always treasure the memories of our trip to Costa Rica together.  He was a great travel companion, speaking much more Spanish than I, translating for me as needed. Taught me to  bargain, too, no doubt saving me tons of money! I first knew him when he was at Research Farms and I was at Cornelius, so we go way back. He was one of the most knowledgeable plant nerds I've ever known. I've missed him since he got out of the business and we lost touch. My condolences to all of you. May you all find peace.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Stephen Patrick Hurd

20 juillet 1959 – 31 mai 2021

Heights Funeral Home

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