Remembering Basil Edward Hurst,
May 9, 1937 - Oct 23, 2021

"Basil was born in London England prior to the 2ndWW and as a child in the midst of it had many memories and stories to share when he moved to Canada in 1968.

Although he trained as an Industrial Engineer and travelled to such countries as Japan, Brazil, and United States doing Kaizen training for Standard Products, Basil was truly a Renaissance man. His love of music led him to sing as a strong tenor voice in many choirs, from his youth in the cathedrals of England, to the Stratford Concert Choir, St. James’ Church choir, Drayton Entertainment’s Gilbert and Sullivan fundraiser, and the Sing for the Joy of It local choir.

For many years he was a bee-keeper with sales of honey at locations in Bayfield and the shores of Lake Huron.
His love of gardening would take him to explore local nurseries each spring for new plant discoveries. Bird-watching was a favourite activity whether from his own backyard or roadside travels and a natural curiosity of insects produced numerous collections in his house.

From his early days in England to his retirement years in Stratford, landscape painting was his delight and thus an involvement with Art in the Park each summer.

For 20 years Basil enthusiastically volunteered at the Stratford Festival in its many duties, always greeting patrons with a welcoming smile and comment.

Because he wanted (in his words) to give back to his beloved community, Basil joined the Rotary Club of Stratford in November 2003, and was a recipient of Rotary’s highest honour as a Paul Harris Fellow. Of particular interest to Basil was the development and sponsorship of Rotary in the Hospice and thus this donation, from his beloved companion Laura Pogson, is made in his memory. We shall all miss his sunshine personality."