He was born Dec. 16, 1947, in Bath, Maine. He is survived by his mother, Claire Hurd of Williamsburg, VA, his wife Laurie and his three children, Zach and Meredith of Brooklyn, NY, and Georgia Hurd of Los Angeles, CA. He is predeceased by his father, Paul William Hurd.
Growing up in Woolwich he graduated from Morse High School and then enrolled for a post graduate year at Hyde School in Bath where he was a member of the first graduating class of 1967. While at Hyde he excelled on many fronts including scoring the first touchdown in the school’s history and setting records in track and field. He went on to graduate from Bowdoin College in 1971 with a degree in history. While at Bowdoin he was a James Bowdoin Scholar, a member of the Chi Psi fraternity, and sang bass with the Meddiebempsters double quartet. After receiving his MAT from University of Chicago, he embarked on a distinguished career in teaching.
Following a year at Beaver Country Day School (MA) he returned to Hyde. During the next 40 years he served in a variety of roles from teacher to head of school. He was also a pioneer in establishing additional Hyde campuses in New Haven and Woodstock, CT, but his true love was teaching. Generations of Hyde alumni knew Mr. Hurd as perhaps their most demanding teacher, but also one who always believed in their best.
His government class was a signature rite of passage for all Hyde seniors. His course focused on one’s need to balance personal freedom and responsibility. It was not unusual for a class session to incorporate Aristotle, The Band, and surfing. Mr. Hurd was also a lifelong student of history having served on the staffs at Colonial Williamsburg and the Ohio Historical Society.
Above all, Paul Hurd was a family man. As a teacher in his early days and a member of Hyde’s performing troupe, America’s Spirit, he met his life partner, Laurie Gauld. They were married in 1977. Together they spent Paul’s most cherished moments: walking on the beach collecting sand dollars at Popham beach, strolling through Colonial Williamsburg, or running and cycling with family members and friends.
Paul Hurd was a gentleman who lived a full life as a student, teacher, son, husband, and father.
Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 19, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Mansion at Hyde School. A celebration of Paul Hurd’s life will take place on the Hyde campus at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hyde School, 616 High St., Bath, ME 04530.
Arragements are by Daigle Funeral Home, 819 High St., Bath. Condolences may be made online at www.Daigle- FuneralHome.com.
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