William “Bill” E. Hurd, 55, a lifelong resident of Franklin died at his home on August 18, 2016. Bill died peacefully in the surroundings of his home that he so enjoyed over the years with family and friends.

Born in New London on March 18, 1961, Bill was the son of Charles E. and Marilyn (Hazen) Hurd. He was a graduate of Franklin High School, Class of 1979. He was the ultimate optimist, which served him well in his long battle with cancer. He never gave up once over the six years of his illness.

He began running heavy equipment at the young age of 13. He owned and operated WE Hurd Construction from 1981 until his death. In 2014 he went to work for the City of Franklin, employed as supervisor of the water-sewer department. He was a passionate golfer and longtime member of the Den Brae Golf Club in Sanbornton, serving as president of the men’s twilight league for several years. He always considered the folks at Den Brae as his second family.

Bill believed strongly in community service. He was very active with the Franklin Outing Club, currently serving as president and in 2012 was honored with the Hurst Award, as “Community Hero.” He served as past president of the Lakes Region Snowmobile Club, which he had been active with for years. He also served on the Club’s Board of Directors.

One of Bill’s greatest joys was time spent at his camp in Stark. He loved the North Country and spent a lot of time there with family and friends. He especially looked forward to bird season and hunting with his bird dog Cameron.

Over the years, Bill served as a volunteer with the Franklin Fire Department and was active with the Explorer Program. He had been a longtime member of the Franklin Lodge of Elks.

Bill was predeceased by his father, Charles E. Hurd, who died in 2015.

He leaves his wife Heather Hurd of Franklin; his mother Marilyn (Hazen) Hurd of Franklin; daughters MacKenzie Hurd and her son Aiden Miller of Lochmere and Veronica Hurd of Gilford; stepchildren Emily Kosowicz and husband Ryan of Pembroke, Natalie Rocheleau of Franklin, and Zachary Adams and his long time partner Haley Beyer of Franklin; brother Vincent Hurd and his wife Melissa and their son Nicholas of New Boston; sister Melissa Thompson and husband Jerry and their children India and Alan of East Andover. Bill also leaves his longtime close friend, Alan Carignan of Franklin as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, August 26, from 3 to 7 PM at the William F. Smart Sr. Memorial Home at 584 West Main Street in Tilton. Burial will be at the convenience of Bill’s family in the North Sutton Cemetery in Sutton.

A gathering to celebrate Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, September 24, at 2 PM at the Veterans Memorial Recreation Area on Flaghole Road in West Franklin. It would be Bill’s suggestion that all come casually dressed.

For those who wish and are able, in keeping with Bill’s thoughts about community service, contributions in his name may be made to either the Franklin Outing Club, c/0 Kathy Fuller, 200 Prospect St, Franklin NH 03235; or to Camp Sno-Mo, Easter Seals, 555 Auburn St, Manchester NH 03103.

Bill’s family expresses their “deepest gratitude” to his oncologist, Charles Catcher, MD; all the nurses in Oncology/Hematology; and the entire staff who cared for Bill at LRGH in Laconia for the past six years.

For more information, visit SmartFuneralHome.com.