Obituary: Hurley, Dr. John H. “Jack”
Age 85
He was the eldest of three children (the late Jacqueline Turausky and GeorgeAnne Zech).
Early in his life, he developed a love for music, particularly brass instruments.
As a teenager he formed a polka band called “Herrmann’s Hungry Five”.
He excelled in both music and academics and was able to put himself through high school and University on scholarships.
He attended Loyola University and went on to complete a degree in medicine at Loyola Medical School in 1955, the same year in which he was married.
He and his wife moved to Tachikawa, Japan in 1960 where he was a Captain in the United States Air Force.
In 1963, they moved to Spokane where Jack joined the Orthopedic Firm of Brown, Maris and Hurley, which eventually became Northwest Orthopedic Specialists.
He had a successful orthopedic practice in Spokane for 34 years.
An important part of his practice was his work at Shriner’s Hospital for Children.
In 1995 he founded the Gait Lab at the Shriner’s Hospital and continued there until he retired in 1997.
His two greatest passions in life were his work and his family.
He raised his seven children in Spokane, and spent his free time with them boating, skiing and relaxing at the lake.
His childhood dream was to become a pilot, and he eventually achieved that dream later in life when he got his sail plane license in 1983.
After his first marriage Jack met Honor Carey, who would be his companion for the next 19 years until her death in 2007.
They had a mutual love for traveling and visited many places together.
Jack is survived by his children, Lisa (Tony) Crivellone, Julie (Bruce) Walters, Patrick (Kim) Hurley, John (Cynthia) Hurley, Lynn Hurley, Steven (Erika) Hurley, Susannah (Kiyoshi) Hurley; seven grandchildren Amanda, Brendan, Alexis, Liam, Ayden, Yuri, Makoto; one great-grandchild, Kinsley and, most importantly, his beloved Dalmatian, Gus, who was with him until the end.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.
Interment will be at Fairmont Cemetery.
Thanks to the wonderful staff at Valley Hospital and at Hospice of Spokane.
Donations can be made in his name to: Hospice of Spokane, Shriner’s Hospital for Children and the Dalmatian Rescue Society.