Stuart was born on a Friday the 13th, 1951 in Yakima, WA.  His lucky day, as he called it!  Most of his growing up years were in Seattle; as the family moved there, when he was two.

His kindergarten buddy, Jerry Dohms, stayed his best friend throughout his life.  We have all heard tales of fishing, hunting, kayaking, and tote gote riding!

Stuart's love of art and metal sculpting began in the 2nd grade, when an art project involved tin foil.  The story goes, that he was using more than his share of the tin foil for his artistic creation!

Stuart met the "love of his life" while attending Yakima Valley College.  They were married on Sept. 11, 1971, and had 54 wonderful years together.

Daughter Kristina was born 4 years later, and was the "apple of his eye" He was so proud of her!  Kristina was just 6 months old at their first, of many, art shows.

He was a self-taught metal sculptor, with emphasis on detail and accuracy.  It wasn't long before metal sculpting became his passion! A move to North Idaho in 2001, where they bought property with a view they never tired of; it gave him even more inspiration to create.  Long hours were spent in his shop, wearing his favorite attire…coveralls and his welding helmet!  The end result, showing his love of wildlife and of the great outdoors, in each of his sculptures.  His life long goal had been to retire from metal sculpting at the age of 92.

Rest in peace, Stuart. Your love for your family and friends, your sense of humor, your love of wildlife, and your artistic creativity will forever be remembered and cherished.

Stuart is survived by his wife Karen, Priest River, ID; daughter Kristina (Chris) Cass of Burien, WA; brother Michael (Judy) Rainy of Kenya, East Africa.  He is also survived by his mother-in-law Betty Werre of Yakima; sisters-in-law Alana Hudson (Ben) of Locust, NC; Brenda Gudmunson (Mark) of Puyallup, WA; Roberta Werre of Simi Valley, CA; and numerous nieces and nephews. Also many cousins; stretching from Oregon to South Dakota; many of whom were more like brothers and sisters, than cousins! Stuart was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Maria Hurd, father-in-law Allen Werre and brother-in-law Dale Werre.

A celebration of Stuart's life will be held on November 8, 2025 at Terraces at Summitview, Yakima, Wa.

Many thanks to Hospice of Sandpoint, for their dedication and care for Stuart, and for the family.

In Lieu  of flowers please make Memorial donations to Bonner General  Community Hospice, 520 N Third Avenue, Sandpoint, ID 83864 or www.bonnergeneral.org/donate-to-hospice/