Our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, 93, passed away May 22, 2020. He was born April 8, 1927 to Dr. Hugh Hurst and Melissa Ann Stephenson Hurst in Tooele, Utah. His life was full of service starting with the Boy Scouts where he earned the rank of Eagle. After graduating from South High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy after VE Day. He was among those who went to Japan after the end of World War II. Before his discharge he was offered officer training but turned it down. He was honorably discharged with title of Fireman First Class. After military service he served an LDS mission to Texas and Louisiana.
Once home Steve attended a fireside and met a young woman, Cecelia Jackson, whom he could easily talk to. She saved him a seat next to her. In August of 1949 he took her to the Salt Lake Temple and was sealed for time and eternity. They spent almost 67 years together raising six of their own children and taking in several others, all of whom were treated as their own. He graduated from The Agricultural College of Utah, now Utah State University, with a bachelor’s degree. He held many callings in the LDS Church but his favorite was scout master. Together with Farnes Berntsen, his neighbor of over 50 years, they guided dozens of young men through the ranks, many ending with their Eagle Scout, and with Paul Swenson in the Explorers. He worked at Kennecott Copper as a chemist for 29 years and then the LDS Church before retiring. Together with his wife he served three missions to the Mormon Trail Visitor Center in Omaha, Nebraska, the Utah State Prison, and at Welfare Square Cannery. Steve served faithfully as an ordinance worker Salt Lake Temple for more than 30 years.
Steve’s family has always been important in his life. He made great efforts to always have a summer vacation and many times included extended family. Many summer vacations were spent at Greens Lakes near Flaming Gorge Reservoir where we would float the Green River from the dam to Little Hole in a surplus Navy rubber raft his father had purchased. Almost all vacations included fishing.
Steve always had a summer garden, learning the importance of self-reliance from his father. He said the crops just tasted so much better than anything you get out of a store. He enjoyed walking in his garden with his grandchildren telling them what everything is and how seeds should be planted. This is the first year he will not be working in his earthly garden.
Steve loved popcorn, root beer, vanilla ice cream, and cookies. He was often taken out to get root beer floats by Stephanie, his oldest granddaughter, where he learned the importance of a selfie.
Steve resided in the East Mill Creek Ninth Ward and was one of the original members. Many ward members remember getting helped by him in one way or another.
Steve is survived by one daughter, Cheryl Galloway, and five sons, Steven (Barbara) Hurst, Michael (Stacy) Hurst, David (Linda) Hurst, Nathan (Tonya) Hurst, and John Hurst, his nephews Philip (Liz) Hurst, Ken (Debbie) Hurst whom he raised as his own, 23 grandchildren, 56 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his wife Cecelia, two grandchildren, and three siblings. He leaves behind his sister Jane and many nieces and nephews.
There will be for graveside service for family members and friends on Friday, May 29 at 11:00 AM at Wasatch Lawn, 3401 Highland Drive, where he will be interred alongside his wife. There will be a viewing for family at the Wasatch Lawn Chapel beginning at 10:00 AM on Friday. The Patriot Guard will escort Steve to the graveside service.
The family thanks the caring staff at the Wentworth at Draper and Jenna and Sarah from Utah Home Health and Hospice for their attentive care for Steve during his final months.
