Lawyer Helped Renew Mount Baker -- Bruce Hurst's High Standards Defined His Work

Bruce Hurst, a real-estate attorney who helped plan shopping centers and prodded the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to support the rehabilitation of Seattle's Mount Baker neighborhood, brought intensity and precision to work and play.

He once told a junior member of the law firm Betts, Patterson & Mines, where Mr. Hurst worked for 30 years, "Look. Here's what I expect of your work: Perfect, every time, on time, all the time."

"He had only one standard," said James Nelson. "People who couldn't meet it didn't work here very long."

That same attention to the thing at hand had gratifying results when applied to personal and community dealings. He remembered secretaries' birthdays, created an enviable garden and supported the arts. His collection of Northwest art included a large selection of glass works.

Mr. Hurst died last Wednesday (Dec. 8) of brain cancer. He was 55.

He worked long hours as a real-estate attorney, helping investors develop shopping centers.

He liked to be available seven days a week, and sprinted to and from the restroom "because he did not want to miss a client's call," Nelson said.

Mr. Hurst poured much private time into improving his Mount Baker neighborhood. He obtained a promise from HUD officials in the 1970s to allow 60 boarded-up and neglected homes to be sold "as is," with the stipulation that the buyers occupy the homes and bring them up to code.

"He used his legal expertise," Nelson said. "He was a lawyer's lawyer . . . a real hard-working Mount Baker liberal."

Born in Gary, Ind., Mr. Hurst earned a bachelor's degree in liberal arts at Miami University in Ohio. He earned a law degree at the University of Michigan.

After exhaustive research, he chose Seattle, sight unseen, as the place to work and rear a family. The nearness of nature and opportunities to fish, ski and hike figured in his decision. He subsequently bought a getaway home in Vaughn, Pierce County.

He had friends from all walks of life who enjoyed his energy and boundless, fun-loving spirit.

His wife, Sally Hurst of Seattle, said he offered a "wonderful example of the value of hard work while making time for recreation and family."

Also surviving are his sons Spencer and Brian, both of Seattle; mother, Lois, Seattle; and sister, Susan Hurst, also Seattle.

Services have been held. Donations may go to Catholic Community Services of Seattle/King County, 100 23rd Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98144; or to the Salvation Army, 111 Queen Anne Ave. N., Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98109.

Carole Beers' phone message number is 206-464-2391. Her e-mail address is cbeers@seattletimes.com