Kristin Hurlburt leaves behind a legacy of love, of hope, and of kindness. (Photos courtesy Sylvia Hurlburt)
One by one, they followed her home.
Drawn by her smile, which crinkled at the edges, mischievous joy in her eyes.
Brought close by the tenderness which flowed through every action.
Safe in her care, loved in her presence, the animals always followed Kristin Hurlburt, when she was a young child, and when she was a grown woman.
And she welcomed each and every one of them, from the rat she smuggled into the house in her pocket, to the dogs and cats, chickens and cows, and, most of all, her beloved horses.
Kristen was the youngest of Rex and Sonia Miller’s three children, born in Edmonds, Washington in 1965, following eagerly behind older siblings Monica and Greg.
Her parents let their bright-eyed daughter fully embrace her connection with animals.
Even the rat was welcome in their home, living out its life covered by Kristin’s love.
The animals came and went, embraced with the same gentle touch she would bring to raising her own children, Larry and Sylvia, who brought a glow of pride to her cheeks when she talked about them.
Kristen had landed on Whidbey Island in 1975, after a family move when she was in the 5th grade, and she blossomed while attending local schools.
A 1983 graduate of South Whidbey High School, she met her future husband, Troy Hurlburt, while in her early twenties.
He roared past on his motorcycle, blasting his music while on his way to work, while Kristin was the girl who rode her horse everywhere.
One zoomed along, the other ambled, but they saw each other almost every day, and the seed was planted.
After officially meeting at Joli Farms in Freeland, they married in 1992, and began their own family.
As Larry and Sylvia grew up, both competing in track and field, while Sylvia danced and was a cheer captain, Kristin’s children took after their mother in so many ways.
One small grace note was their complete support of one another in all they did, a trait which brought a quiet smile to their mother’s face.
Kristin’s joy carried over to her “other” children as well, as she embraced Larry and Sylvia’s classmates, with a gentle word, a smile, and support which never waned.
Luxuriating under a rare blazing sun, or holding on to her coat with an iron grip as the rain and wind swirled around her, she was a constant presence at school events.
Always looking like she was having the time of her life.
“It was special,” said Sylvia. “She helped me feel more confident, and when I could find her in the crowd it made me smile.
“Knowing she was there was always a good feeling for me, like a comfort almost.”
Working in the lunchroom at Coupeville High School, Kristin showed the same grace to every student, and those she shared the kitchen with.
“She is truly a soul who can never be replaced,” said co-worker Bobbie Massengale.
As friendly and kind as Kristin was, she was a fighter, as well, holding off the breast cancer which entered her life in 2019.
Less than a year later, she was in remission, only to have the disease return in 2021.
“While she showed unparalleled resolve against her relentless foe, her body had become too weak, and could no longer support her efforts,” said her son.
Kristin’s final day on Earth came June 25, as she passed away peacefully after spending the morning with family.
She leaves behind a legacy of love, of hope, and of kindness.
Kristin’s smile is reflected back at the world by her granddaughter, Kinslee, who adored her Nanna K.
Her kindness echoes through the actions of her children, her husband, and her family.
And her spirit? Her love?
Travel back in time, look into the eyes of every animal whose path she crossed, and you will know.
From her first pony, Friskey, to her last horse, Bar, from the rat who found a new home, to the dogs and cats, chickens and cows, all of whom found their soul mate in her, the answer is simple.
Kristin, in small ways and big ways, in acts of kindness, in choosing to seek out positivity above all else, changed all of our lives for the better.
Animal or human, if you knew her, you knew love. Always.
There will be a graveside service July 24, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Sunnyside Cemetery with a reception to follow at Living Hope Church at noon.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to WAIF in Kristin’s name.
