Carl Bruce Hurlburt

Carl Hurlburt Obituary

Hurlburt, Carl Bruce
71, of Phoenix, passed away suddenly on November 17, 2014. With God's abundant grace, Carl was gathered up by his angels while on vacation in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. He made his transition embraced in the love of his wife Jeanne and her parents, Shirley and Joe, along with dear friends from Mexico. Never were the skies bluer, never was he happier, and never did he miss the chance to say, "Life is Good!"
Carl was a caring father to four children: Bryan Hurlburt, Denise Sullivan, Brian Sorci and Erin Sorci-Rydzak. He was "Papa" to his grandchildren that he loved so much: Aidan, Harper, Taylor and Addison. Carl is also survived by his sisters Laurel Shahen, Claire Hurlburt and Kristine Drucker.
A proud Vietnam Veteran, Carl was also an exemplary teacher, an amazing leader and mentor, and a good friend to many. His kindness and generosity will be remembered.
Carl's ashes will be scattered on the crystal blue waters of a beautiful reef in
Mexico in early 2015. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, that friends make an education tax credit donation to David Crockett Elementary School in the Balsz Elementary School District. This can be done at www.balsz.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic on Nov. 30, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Carl Hurlburt

7 Entries

Bryan Hurlburt

December 14, 2014

A copy of Dad's tribute on December 7th.
I first want to echo Jeanne's words and thank you all for being here to celebrate the exemplary man we all knew in so many extrodinary capacities. He was a father, a husband, a grandfather, a son, a brother, a mentor, and a friend.

For those of you who do not know I, like my father, am in education. I am an instructor for a private junior college where I teach social science and philosophy courses, but also a speech communications class. I am sure you will all soon discover, however, that I am a classic example of those who can't - teach. Especially, my ethics course.

But I am honored that Jeanne has asked me to share with you all a little bit about the man who I had the incredible privilege to call my father.

All of us here today are here because Carl had the remarkable ability to leave an indelible impression on everyone he came into contact with. His passion for education, his commitment to betterment, and his conviction of spirit were so infectious, it was difficult not to be swept into the excitement he generated.

His early professional career began in the military, and I have always found this fascinating because if there is one quality I admire most about my father was his ability to march to his own drum. Not having ever pursued, or even contemplated, a military life myself I am at a bit of a loss here, but I'm pretty sure that doing things your own way, is not all that conducive to military success. But, succeed he did because he brought to his military career a commitment and dedication that would become the trademarks of his entire life.

His real passion, however, came after the military when he entered the world of education. Here my father embraced the opportunity to bring to people the most fundamental key to a successful life. The power of knowledge. My father understood that lives change when given this power.

I mentioned earlier that I am also in education and believe me, I fought going into it with the fervor my father displayed doing it. As many of you may also know, my wonderful aunt Claire, my beautiful kindred spirit, also spent her entire professional career in education as well. So I grew up surrounded by the world of education. My father went administration, while my aunt remained in the trenches, so the battle between administration and teachers constantly unfolded at every family gathering I remember growing up. The fights at Christmas were epic with my aunt always holding firm to the teachers and my father touting the administration line. I always tell people that growing up with my father I was 12 years old before I knew damn teachers was two words.

My father blessed my life in so many ways, I feel I will never fully be able to do him justice in the mere words I am speaking to you now. But one specific instance in my life is one for which I will be eternally grateful. About 8 years ago when I was living in NY, I entered one of the darkest periods of my life. I was in, what one of my fathers favorite philosophers, Dr. Seuss referred to as The Waiting Place. It was while I was in this trapped and desolate place, my father, like a hero swept into town and rescued me. He not only brought me back into his home, but into his arms, into his love, and into his spirit. Here I was able to discover, through his passion, the world I am now in. I was able to see through him the power of knowledge and the sheer joy and bliss that one gets from dedicating their lives to education. From the day I entered the field, I have not ever worked again. My father gave me his passion, and it gave me back my life. I would never be able to thank him enough.

My father was a classic example of work hard, and if you do so, you can play hard. And that is exactly what he did. The travels my father enjoyed were the greatest moments of his life. Because through traveling, he was able to discover new passions but even more so, new friends. His desire and excitement with being and doing with people brought him so much excitement and joy. He was never more thrilled than experiencing an adventure with his bride and sharing these moments with friends made around the globe. For those of you had the opportunity to look at some of the pictures my wicked stepmother so beautifully put together, you see so many places, so many activities, so much family time, and so many friends; all of the things my father most appreciated in life. He was so blessed and because he knew this, he was so anxious to share it with others.

My father was fortunate to have had the ability to experience so many fantastic, exotic, and exciting adventures. He also was blessed to have this wonderful home we are gathered in here today. And he loved to open his home and share it with people. Yesterday, I was looking around and noticing the beautiful landscaping my father designed and was so proud of. I see so many of the interesting objects he collected. Things that have a story, or mementos of a trip. All of the woodwork he created. I see all of these things that he has left behind. And as wonderful as they are, its not these things he has left behind. What he left behind, his passion, his humor, his generosity, his compassion, his love of the human spirit is here. In my heart. And because he left it in your hearts too, we will always have it, and we will always be able to share it with each other and most fittingly, give it away to those we come into contact with in the future. This, I think, is the legacy he would want most.

As many of you have heard from my fathers own lips the expression, “life is good”, and his was. And he made life for those around him good too. What a remarkable testament for an extraordinary man.

Larry Kelly

December 7, 2014

Shocked and saddened to learn of Carl's death. Many wonderful years were spent together in the Phoenix Union High School District where Carl was an enthusiastic and highly competent leader. In short, we had fun working together. Condolences to Jeannie and family.

Laurel Hurlburt-Shahen

December 6, 2014

Carl lived and loved life fully. He was the energizer bunny... always on the go. His heart and his arms were always open for his dear wife Jeanne, his family and his multitude of friends." Carly Bruce from Syracuse" was my dear brother and The Pied Piper of his band of friends and followers. Life was truly good when Carl was with us.

Dr. Jessica Webb

December 2, 2014

To Carl's family and friends ~ he will be missed. Carl was a great mentor to all of us who serve as HR Directors.

Kristine Drucker

December 1, 2014

You were the best big brother a girl could ever ask for.

Denise Sullivan

December 1, 2014

You are a fantastic dad and wonderful 'papa'. You are loved now and forever. I miss you dad.

Shelby Rahiy-Jasmer

November 30, 2014

Carl was the HR superintendent when I was hired 26 years ago, He always took the time to say hello and would take time to mentor and give advice. I was fortunate to have worked with him at the onset of my career. He was a real asset to public education.

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