John A. Hurt passed away the evening of Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at Collier Hospice Center in Wheat Ridge, Colo. He was a native Coloradan, born in Monte Vista and spent the majority of his youth in the middle of the San Luis Valley, where his grandfather had provided land to found the small town of Center. In Center, John led an active life representing his community. He was a DeMolay International member, a participant in the Colorado All State Football game of 1962, and a Student Ambassador to Europe through the People to People Program.
John earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1967 and then went on to earn a Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver College of Law in 1974. At that time, John began what would become a 50-year career as a productive and widely recognized Realtor in the Denver Metro area. He spent 9 years as a realtor at Re/Max and Van Schaak before co-founding a Metro Brokers office in Westminster. Throughout his time as a Realtor, John received numerous accolades and served in various esteemed leadership positions. He was named North Suburban Board of Realtors Rookie of the Year in 1974 and Realtor of the Year in 1983. John served as the President of the North Suburban Board of Realtors and was an active member of the Board of Directors of Colorado Association of Realtors.
As a person who placed great importance in community, John served as a City of Thornton Council Member from 1979 to 1984, as well as serving on the Adams County Economic Development Council. Additionally, he was active with the local Chamber of Commerce, Rotary International, and was aptly recognized as one of the outstanding community leaders during the first 50 years of the City of Thornton’s existence.
Above all, John valued relationships and human connection. His family was the center of his universe, and he always operated from a place of love, kindness, and generosity.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Nancy; children Piper French (Lance), Austin Hurt (Carrie) and Holland Laurin (Eric); Grandchildren Brielle, Isaac, Andy, Caleb, Clara, Fox, Weston and Layna; brother Albert Hurt, Albuquerque, N.M.; and cherished nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his sister Anne Henningsen and niece Erin Henningsen.
Services and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date this summer yet to be announced.
