Robert J.” Santa” Hurst, age 79, passed away peacefully from Alzheimer’s in Hospice in Colorado Springs, Colorado, surrounded by his family on Friday, Oct. 12, 2018.

He was born July 10, 1939 in New Market, Tennessee to Thelmer and Pauline (Grubb) Hurst. He graduated H.S. from Wayland High. On Dec. 9th, 1960, he married Stephanie (Hall) in Wayland, MI.

In 1980 he moved his family from Grand Rapids, Michigan to Colorado Springs. He managed car dealerships, in Grand Rapids, MI. and Colorado Springs, CO. for several years. He retired from Ford Motor Credit in 2004. His passion was singing, which he started up his own country western band “Bob Hurst and the Midnight Riders” and “The Bob Hurst Band”. He performed all over Colorado for many years. In 2004 he joined “Natural Santa” where he traveled to Iowa, Texas and Colorado to give children a joy during Christmas time. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Stephanie (78) and his daughter Elizabeth Velasquez (52) and his 2 grandchildren Anna Velasquez (24) and Joseph Velasquez (17); a niece, 2 nephews, many cousins and friends. He is followed by his parents and brother David Hurst. He was a passionate, caring and loving person and had open arms for everyone. He was always there to help other in need and loved making people laugh. He loved being a husband, father and a papa. He will be deeply missed. There will be no service, but if you would like to give your condolences and reach out to the family you can contact them at: 2170 Leoti Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80915;

719-203-6693; eavelasq@yahoo.com