Basil Anthony Hurd was born on September 2, 1958, in Kingston, Jamaica, to Gwendolyn and Herbert Hurd. The youngest of four boys, Basil—affectionately known as Junie—grew up under the watchful eyes of his older brothers Derrick, Delroy, and Lascelles. 

Like the rest of his immediate family, Junie later migrated to the United States, where he attended Springfield Gardens High School in Queens, New York. No matter where life took him, his easygoing spirit never changed. Basil was a fun-loving soul, always ready to greet you with a smile, a joke, or a story. He was always very fashionable and dressed to the nines, making sure he was fresh wherever he went. Anyone who had ever spoken with him knew how he liked to end every conversation with that signature phrase: “Alright, cool runnings”.  It wasn’t just a goodbye; it was his way of sending you off with good energy and love.

Over time, he found his spiritual home at Dundee Methodist Church, where he worshipped, built relationships, and deepened his faith.

Junie is survived by two of his older brothers, Derrick, aka Dwight (Joann) and Delroy; many nieces and nephews: Dwight, Lisa, Ileana, Jensen, Jem, Jamal, Leon, Antoinette, Tony, Lamar, and Linda—numerous cousins and other family, along with all those who loved him and were touched by his life. 

Though Junie has left this earthly home, the memory of his humor, and his signature “cool runnings” and "everything is copacetic" will remain with us always. His life reminds us to cherish each other, to laugh often, and to walk with love.