Doug Hull passed on November 18th from complications with cancer and a life long struggle with diabetes. He died peacefully with his life partner and love, Catherine M. Reed at his side, and after saying farewell to many of his close friends.
Born in Windsor Vermont, he grew up the son of Douglas H. Hull and Hilda Jock. His early years were marked with just enough deprivation to instill in him an indomitable work ethic and resourceful spirit that would serve him well throughout his life.
To list just a few significant markers in his life:
Being a ROTC officer from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts during Vietnam, he served in the 41st signal Battalion during 1965 and 1966. Never conflicted about the war or his role, he always possessed a quiet but fierce patriotism that was never jingoistic. His patriotism was only matched by his interest in trying to talk with and meet the other, even if they had no common language. Both his children can remember standing to one side, a bit embarrassed as he carried on a jovial and largely one way conversation with some shopkeeper or passer-by in whatever country he was in.
Passing the CPA exam on the first try, he started his own practice in 1973. He didn’t care too much about numbers — the people he was able and meet and talk to about their lives was the real motivation. If people needed his help but couldn’t pay, there was always other accommodations. He often joked that he was happy to do taxes for friends in return for a nice dinner and good company.
He and Cathy adopted 3 children, Kim died in infancy, but Lyn Soon and Yang grew and now live in North Carolina and Illinois, respectively. He and Cathy also hosted Gii Sirmaskasem Grimes, an exchange student from Thailand. She still calls him Dad, and lives and works in Tokyo for the US State department. His family is also survived by his brother Stephen Hull of South Royalton. Doug also made it to Grandfather hood with the arrival of WooJoo, Yang’s child, adopted from Korea, just as Yang was 41 years earlier. He found this new status deeply enjoyable and satisfying, constantly amazed at how much energy a 3 year old can muster.
Always a prolific writer, Doug filled his retirement writing two books, drafts of others, and innumerable letters. He also edited and assisted other writing projects like the history of Worcester, VT, written by J. David Book.
Throughout everything, he traveled alongside Cathy. They just made it past the 50 year mark this year. She continues to reside in Arizona, a state they both have come to love deeply. Doug loved the warmth, the light, the easy spirit of the fellow northern refugees in their retirement community. All these things made his last years full of life and more than mitigated his declining health.
If a remembrance is preferred, Doug’s request is that any gift in his memory be given to: Worcester United Methodist Church, PO Box 125 Worcester VT, 05682; or the Worcester Historical Society, PO Box 329, Worcester, VT 05682.