<i>Editor’s note: Nick Hurst composed his own obituary before his death at home on Monday, April 21, 2008.</i>

I was born to Gordon and Nadeene Hurst on Saturday, Aug. 20, 1948, at Hopkins Hospital in Glenwood Springs. I was the third of four sons.

My youth was filled with days exploring the region around Glenwood. I learned from family members how to hunt and fish the hills, lakes and rivers of western Colorado. From my two older brothers, Fred and Gary, I was encouraged to do my best in whatever task was at hand to try my skills in playing musical instruments and sports. They, along with my parents, urged me to always treat others as I would like to be. As I grew older, I eagerly listened to my two older brothers as they passed along to me their knowledge of automobiles. I would bet that my brother was and probably still is the only person in Garfield County or western Colorado to have a complete car in his bedroom minus the engine and frame.

He was in the process of rebuilding a 1952 MG-TD. My friends would stare in awe at what was before them. I could have made a ton of moolah by charging admission. One might ask: Why did the parents allow this? His bedroom was on the second floor, and he always kept his room clean and door shut — no problem! This knowledge of cars that I absorbed would benefit me many years later.

I also took advantage of what Glenwood had to offer its youth at the time — namely the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool; West Glenwood Golf Course, where I caddied and learned to play the game; and the ski area on Red Mountain, set above Glenwood, where I first strapped on a pair of wooden skis with leather bindings that still hang in my garage. I did everything I could to keep busy and entertained and not be a burden to the family.

I attended school in Glenwood Springs, graduating from high school in 1966. I enrolled at Western State College in Gunnison in the fall of 1966 and stayed for four quarters. I transferred to Colorado Mountain College (CMC) in Glenwood and graduated in 1969 with an Associate of Arts degree. My class was the first to graduate from CMC. I completed my undergraduate studies at Colorado State University in 1972. I received a Bachelor of Science degree with a teaching certificate for industrial arts and driver’s education.

In 1970, I married the former Cheryl Alsdorf of Glenwood Springs. We were blessed with two marvelous children — Kriska Daltonhurst of Thornton and Todd of Glenwood Springs. Cheryl and I divorced in 1982.

I taught junior and senior high school from 1972 to 1978 in Springer, N.M., which is located in the northeast part of the state, south of Trinidad. I tried to make a trip back there every year or so to visit with friends and former students.

I relocated to Glenwood in 1978 and was employed by the city of Glenwood Springs for the next two years.

I began my career with the U.S. Postal Service in 1980. For the next 25 years, I worked various shifts doing multiple tasks. The last 10 years, I was a retail sales associate (window clerk). I retired in December 2004.

1983 was an eventful year for me. It was when I met the most charming lady, Shannon Gleason formerly of Steamboat Springs, who became my wife in 1985. A more perfect match, in my opinion, has yet to be made, if it ever is.

In my leisure time, I kept myself busy spending time with family and friends. As a former industrial arts teacher, I did a lot of woodworking and crafts. I journeyed into the hills of Colorado each fall to hunt with my brother Mike and son Todd. Shannon and I would take trips, long or short, on our Honda Gold Wing motorcycle and sometimes by auto. We always looked forward to our travel adventures. Gardening and yard work even became more tolerable as I got older.

I was an active member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles for 40 years. I was also a member of the Benevolent Protective Order to Elks and a lifelong member of the National Rifle Association.

Participating in car shows, especially with my granddaughter Mary by my side, was very special. My 1968 American Motors AMX was the first car that I purchased new. The AMX was bought from Berthod Motors in Glenwood Springs in 1969. I did a final rebuild on it in 2002/2003. In 2003 and 2007, I won national championships in my class at two distinguished National American Motor Shows. What a thrill!

Someone once asked me many years ago, “How would you like to be remembered?” I would hope that people would say that I was a loving, caring and giving sort of fella. He treated people with kindness and respect. His smile was always present as was his unforgettable handlebar mustache. He was a guy who was down to earth, and gave freely and willingly of himself to others, expecting nothing in return.

I am survived by my precious wife, Shannon; my two children, Kriska and Todd; my son-in-law, David; brothers Gary (Jean) of Boulder and Mike of Glenwood Springs; and two grandchildren, Mary and Hunter. I was preceded on the last journey by my parents and brother Fred.

In closing, I want to thank the many friends for all the memories throughout the years. What a blast we had back in the day. I thank my family for the love and support they gave to me. I’ll be seeing you all sometime. In the meantime, enjoy your journey and keep the shiny side up. My love to each of you. — Nick

A celebration of Nick’s life will be held on Saturday, April 26, at 1 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 824 Cooper Ave. in Glenwood Springs. A reception will follow.