Robert Allan Hurlbert

Robert Allan Hurlbert, lifelong Houstonian, died aged 69 on September 6, 2025, having lived and loved life for a remarkable 47 years as a quadriplegic.

Robert was born in Houston on February 29, 1956, the first child of Dr Robert Boston and Janina Patmalnieks Hurlbert. His early years were characterized by high spirits, sportiness and a talent for mathematics. At Johnston Junior High and Bellaire High School, he easily excelled in all academic subjects, earning a National Merit Scholarship amongst other awards. He swam for the Meyerland Aquatic Club team, and enjoyed archery, canoeing, waterskiing, and motorcycling. Shortly before graduating from Rice University in May 1978, where he was pre-med, Robert was injured in a car accident. Paralyzed from the chest down, with minimal use of his right arm only, he gave up his place at medical school and focused on his rehabilitation, with the help of TIRR Memorial Hermann. Although assistive technology was limited in those days, he studied accountancy, became proficient on the computer, and went far and wide in his powered wheelchair. He lived in the family home, cared for by devoted assistants, his parents, and his younger brothers Eric and Marc Hurlbert. The Houston Astros, star restaurants, and Meyerland neighbors and shopkeepers gave him great pleasure. His resilience and will to live impressed all who knew and loved him.

Robert is survived by his siblings, Anya (Ridley), Marc and Eric Hurlbert, and his nephews and niece, Matthew Ridley, Alan and Ryan Hurlbert, Jacob and Justin Hurlbert, and Iris Ridley. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Robert’s name to TIRR Memorial Hermann.