Donald Hurley Obituary

October 31, 1951 –
November 30, 2018

Donald Grant Hurley, known to all as Grant, passed away on Friday, November 30, 2018 at Princess Margaret Hospital, surrounded by family and close friends. Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Grant was predeceased by his parents Melvin and Dorothy (Boss) Hurley. He is survived by brother Trevor (Becky), sister Faith (Barry Neil) and niece Teagan.

Grant left home to go to University and travel. On his return to Ottawa, he started working in a record store and the rest is history. He spent forty years helping shape the retail music landscape in Canada, holding buying and management positions at various companies including Record Runner and A&A Records, and eventually becoming the National Music Buyer for Anderson Merchandisers, the distributor responsible for placing music into Canadian Walmart and Zellers stores, amongst others. His buying prowess and attention to detail were crucial to many a Canadian gold or platinum record success story.

Grant moved to Toronto and made his home in his beloved Annex where he lived until recently. Living there afforded him access to all the entertainment and socializing he needed, with the added advantage of being able to walk everywhere. Grant was a fast, knowledgeable walker – and he knew all the shortcuts, everywhere.

The recurring theme of Grant's life was his deep love of life and appreciation for all things evidencing artistic and historical expression; whether a book, music, painting, movie, a city, theatre, photography, or….any show of excellence from the vast range of human endeavour. He loved to travel and visited many exotic locations, from Munich and Berlin; to Istanbul and Marrakech; to Venice and Prague; San Francisco and New York; and more in between, no doubt, that weren't covered in postcards.

He always lived his life as he wanted to live it: uncompromisingly, wildly, full of awareness, loyal to those who earned his respect. So, farewell to an independent, creative spirit who was significant in so many lives. He will be forever loved and remembered.

Many thanks to the several doctors, nurses and staff at Mount Sinai, Toronto General and Princess Margaret Hospitals for their tremendous help in advising and caring for Grant. Special thanks to Drs. Hope, Hahn and O'Leary for their continued dedication and compassionate care throughout his journey.

Cremation has taken place and he will rest at St. James Cemetery in Toronto.

A celebration of Grant's life will take place in Spring 2019.