Kurt William Krucke died at home unexpectedly on July 13, 2021. Born in Summit, New Jersey on February 20, 1958, he moved with his family to Summerville, South Carolina in 1974. There he graduated from Summerville High School and attended Clemson University. Unable to thrive in an environment enclosed by walls, he soon left to pursue his abiding passion for a life of learning and living outdoors. Kurt’s professional career began at the Middleton Place in Charleston where he worked his way up from gate keeper to Stable Manager.

While at Middleton, he acquired the skills of a professional huntsman. Subsequently, he was the huntsman at the Camden Hunt, the Aiken Hunt, Flatbranch Hounds, and the Tennessee Valley Hounds. His rapport with the hounds was widely known and respected. Spending a day with Kurt as he trained his young hounds was a treasured experience for anyone who loves animals. At the time of his death, Kurt was the loving caretaker of the historic Harmony Hill Farm in Liberty Hill.

Known by some of his friends as “the Professor”, Kurt was a life-long learner and a voracious reader. He was an accomplished white-water kayaker, an avid cyclist and skilled amateur naturalist.    

He is survived by his life partner, Clare Buchanan, his parents, William and Constance Bruce Watts Krucke, his brothers, Carl and John Krucke, and his niece, Lauren Krucke.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made to Catawba Land Conservancy or the Catawba River Foundation. A celebration of life for Kurt will be held in the near future at the Steeplechase Museum in Camden.

Kornegay Funeral Home, Camden Chapel, is assisting the family.