Obituary of Dale "Kelly" Kelly Hurst

Dale Kelly Hurst 6-29-1946 - 10-18-2020 Kelly was born to Dale and Marjorie Armstrong of Tacoma. After his mothers divorce and remarriage, both Kelly and his sister Carolee were adopted by John A. Hurst. Following graduation from Shelton High School, Kelly joined the United States Navy, completing Naval Hospital Corps School in San Diego on his birthday in 1967. He served as a combat medic with the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines (infamously known as the Walking Dead. He was awarded both the Bronze Star with Combat and the Purple Heart for action at Khe Sanh (citation below). He spent six months in the Oakland Naval Hospital recovering from wounds suffered while attending Marines in the field of battle. Upon discharge, he worked briefly for Public Health in Yakima and St. Peter Hospital, Olympia. Kelly was a talented artist, shipwright and carver. He apprenticed with the famed architectural woodcarver, Lynn Ford, in San Antonio, Texas and his carvings appeared in the homes of celebrities such as Gregory Peck. Kelly built numerous boats while working at Nexus Marine in Everett, Vic Franck Boat Company on Lake Union and Port Townsend Shipwrights Co-op. Kelly skillfully crafted elegant dories and other boats for family members over the years. He was renowned for generously gifting beautiful three-dimensional carvings of wildlife, pottery and silkscreen works. Upon retirement he devoted his life and resources to homeless people and to the tireless care of animals. Kelly is survived by his siblings, Carolee Walentin, John Hurst and Mark Hurst. Also surviving are three nieces: Tara Hurst Schneider, Carrie Kilbourne Reaves, Kristen Kilbourne Queen and three nephews: Joe, John and David Kilbourne. In lieu of flowers, the family encourage donations in Kellys name to Adopt a Pet, Shelton. A celebration of life will be announced when Covid restrictions are lifted.