James Rufus Hurley, 1943 - March 29, 2021
HURLEY: James Rufus
1943 - March 29, 2021
Rufus Hurley of Wainwright and formerly of Oyen died on Monday, March 29, 2021, at the Wainwright Auxiliary Hospital at the age of 77 years.
Born in England, Rufus immigrated to Canada with his parents, a brother and a sister. His younger sister was born in Canada. They settled in the Wainwright area where he grew up on a farm riding horses, rodeoing and attending school.
After graduation he began working as a second man for Alberta Wheat Pool in Hughenden. He met his future wife Carol there and they were married in 1965 and moved to Chauvin where Rufus assumed the position as grain buyer at Butze.
While working in Chauvin Rufus also drove fuel truck for Imperial Oil and in March of 1970 they moved to Empress to run the Imperial Oil agency. In October of that year they transferred to Oyen where he took over the Imperial Oil agency operating it until Esso closed the agency in 1985.
Rufus and Carol continued to operate their own business, trucking grain and equipment, then branched out into the oil field division. In March of 2006, Rufus sold his truck and trailers.
They continued to operate various businesses such as Greyhound (started as agent in 2000), DHL Express and Purolator depots. In 2005, they opened an antique and collectible store hoping this would be their retirement hobby.
The Hurleys have two sons: Grant was born in Provost in 1968, Rick was born in Oyen in 1971. Both attended school in Oyen from kindergarten to Grade 12.
Rufus was very active in the Oyen community. He joined Kinsmen in 1971 earning Kinsman of the Year in 1974-75. He served as treasurer, secretary, president, deputy governor for Zone 8 and then registrar and bulletin editor.
He was involved in the Oyen Flying Club as first president and completed his first solo flight in 1978, receiving his private pilot’s licence.
He coached the Atoms hockey team, was manager of the Pee Wee team and was a referee for many years.
He joined the Oyen Volunteer Fire Department in 1973 and remained a member for 19 years.
He was president of the Oyen & District Chamber of Commerce in the early ’80s.
In 1988, he joined the Oyen Lions and in 1995-96 was awarded Lion of the Year. While a member he held various positions: vice-president, president, past president, director, bulletin editor and treasurer.
Rufus and Carol also spearheaded the start of the Oyen Beavers, Cubs and Scouts in the ’70s.
They enjoyed travelling, camping, reading and going to auction sales picking up items for their antique store. Both Rufus and Carol believed in keeping busy and helping out in the community.
Rufus and Carol decided to move to Wainwright in October of 2018 to be closer to family.
Due to failing health Rufus went to hospital, then to extended care where he remained except for surgery in an Edmonton hospital.
Rufus is survived by his loving wife, Carol of Wainwright; two sons, Grant Hurley of Wainwright, Rick (Christina) Hurley of Dunmore, Alberta; one granddaughter, Rachel; siblings: Tom Hurley of Ontario, Judy Reid of Wainwright, Sally Hurley of Stettler; sister-in-law, Doreen Bell of Wainwright.
He was predeceased by his parents, Nick and Norah Hurley.
No public services for Rufus Hurley will be conducted at this time. If so desired the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Wainwright CT Scanner Project, MS Society of Alberta or STARS.
Condolences may be forwarded to Carol at 1513 3 Ave, Wainwright, AB T9W 1J2 or by text to 1-403-664-0675.
The family wishes to thank friends and family for all the phone calls, texts, flowers, donations, cards and visits.