Robert F. "Bob" Hurd

Robert F. "Bob" Hurd August 18, 2010 Robert F. "Bob" Hurd, 71, of Florence Hill Road, Florence, passed away Wednesday, August 18, 2010, in the town of Webb. Robert Fraser Hurd was born March 3, 1939, in Syracuse, NY, a son of Fraser and Mildred Wadsworth Hurd. He loved to fly, a dream that he had since he was a child. He was a 1957 graduate of Smith Tech. His first job was at Hurd Kinematic Lab, an engineering and innovation company of his father's. He worked for Oberdorfer Foundry in Syracuse, NY, designing machinery for castings for Lycoming engines, an engine that made the Cessna 172 airplane possible. He was instrumental in the formation of the Oberdorfer Flying Club. He was an engineer for Foammold in Oneida, NY, before going into business for himself as a designer of injection molds for his company, Mold Makers. He was a member of the Air National Guard's 138th Fighter Squadron that was called to active duty with the U.S. Air Force in 1961. On July 30, 1966, he married the former Mary Chilcote in North Syracuse, NY. She passed away December 30, 1993. Bob was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church and Starkey Road Baptist Church in Seminole, FL. He was an active member of the Seaplane Pilots Association, the EAA and many pilot organizations and clubs. Bob attended countless air shows and fly-ins from New York to Florida. He loved the terrain of Upstate NY the most, with its hills and lakes. A pilot and inventor, he was always working to improve the flying experience and made many practical and fun improvements to his aircraft. He loved to fly his Cessna 172 and especially his Maxair Drifter MU2 aircraft on floats. More than anything, he loved sharing the amazing world of flight with his family and friends. He will be greatly missed, especially by his grandchildren, Vincent, Ruben, Kramer, Benjamin, Delaney, Soleil and River. Also surviving are three daughters and sons-in-law, Sharry and Lance Whitney of Clinton, NY, Kelly and David Foss of Rehoboth, MA, and Kimberly and Robert Sypert of Erving, TX; a son, Kevin Hurd of Greenville, SC; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Clarence and Sharon Hurd of Largo, FL, and Edford and Shirley Hurd of Liverpool, NY; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Regin`ol. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday from Calvary Baptist Church, Pulaski, NY, under the direction of LaRobardiere Funeral Home, Inc., Camden, NY. Interment: Forest Lawn Cemetery. Calling hours will be 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, 109 Main Street. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Seaplane Pilots Association, working to protect seaplane waterway access (seaplanes.org), or to his church, 5353 U.S. Route 11, Pulaski, NY (cbcpulaksi.org).