Toby Darrin Hurt

Toby Darrin Hurt (27), born October 12, 1997 in Toledo, OH. To know him was to love him. It was impossible not to. As a young boy, Toby loved to climb trees and roofs, he had a raspy voice and dimples at the tops of his cheeks when he would smile. He took karate classes, eventually earning his black belt at All American Karate. He never lived in fear and showed unwavering strength and bravery throughout his life. He had to have ranch with almost everything and he loved coffee. Toby was passionate about art, colors, music, tattoos, skateboarding, fishing, riding bikes, being outside, and above all, his two daughters-Remi and Sailor. They will always be his greatest joy, his deepest love, and his most important motivation.

His presence made people feel welcomed and loved as though he had known them forever even in a single moment. To him, nobody was a stranger. Whether it was sharing jokes, silly faces, or heartfelt conversations over a Mountain Dew and a cigarette, His personality- radiated warmth, laughter, authenticity and love in every room he walked into. He unapologetically cared deeply for his people. Described by many as the most kind, gentle, genuine, calm, free spirit, beautiful soul. Toby was a rare light in this world-something he was not able to see for himself.

From an early age, Toby wanted to be a tattoo artist. As a kid, he covered himself-and anyone willing to volunteer their skin-with Sharpie tattoos. At just 14, he used his Amazon gift cards to buy a tattoo gun. Too eager to wait for formal training (too scared to let his mom find out), he gave himself a skateboard on his wrist. His left arm soon became a canvas, filled with his early practice pieces.

Toby's journey was one of constant evolution. He worked construction and painted houses but ultimately his goal was always to be a tattoo artist. He lived in Ohio, Michigan, California, Texas, and Tennessee, leaving a lasting impact on the friends he met along the way. He apprenticed at Newport Tattoo in California, where he found a community that believed in him and his work-a community he felt like he finally belonged. Though it was not in his nature to ever stay in one place for too long.

He returned to Toledo briefly but said "I cannot do another winter here". In August 2024, he moved to Tennessee, where he embraced a new chapter by skating every day-a taste of what he described as "Heaven on Earth." In his final days, Toby devoted himself to his art, tattooing and recently joined a metal slam band. He looked forward to mastering the bass-his latest pursuit.

He mostly looked forward to visiting his daughters soon.

Though his time on earth was far too short, Toby's spirit lives on in the art he created, the music he loved, and the countless lives he touched across the States. Toby is remembered for his big genuine heart, fearless creativity, contagious laughter, and unparalleled ability to make everyone feel loved. His resilience, love and energy never truly fades. The pain we feel from his absence cannot compare to the pain he lived with everyday. May he finally be free and rest peacefully. He is now everywhere, in all things beautiful.

Left to cherish his legacy are his parents Kim Kirkham & Don Hurt; his children, Remi (4) & Sailor (2); sister Hannah Gribble (Austin); nephew, Risden. And his Grandma Linda Rokicki.

You are invited to share a personal memory of Toby or your condolences with his family at his online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Cleveland and the Cody family are honored to assist the family with these arrangements.