Obituary of Donald William Hulse
Born July 3, 1927 to Clarence and Annette Hulse in Newark, New Jersey and spent the majority of his childhood in Union and Bloomfield, New Jersey. Upon turning eighteen, Don found himself joining the Navy to serve his country. After joining the Navy, he had a severe burn accident while on shore leave, which culminated with 10 ½ months of rehabilitation before being honorably discharged from the service. With time on his hands, Don made the bold step to move to southern California for a fresh start. After getting settled, he found himself a career path as a data processor for Farmers Insurance Company. This career would take him 32 years while providing for his wife Joyce and their two children Jody and Christopher.
He retired in northern California, to the small town of Boulder Creek, in the Santa Cruz Mountains. It was there that his wife would fall ill and pass. A few short months after her passing, a mutual friend would introduce Don to Paige Thibodeau, D.C. in 1987 and they married in 1991. Don found himself with four beautiful step daughters, whom he would love and guide as his own.
Those who knew Don would recognize him as a gentle giant. A man with a large stature with huge hands and feet, and a heart equally as large and giving. He found great gratification from serving others. Whether that be his military service or volunteering at Dominican Hospital or shuttling veterans to the VA hospital for appointments. His genuine nature brought him a great appreciation for health and wellbeing, leading him to become a certified massage therapist.
He also was a marshal at the Boulder Creek Country Club for 21 years. His stepsons often enjoyed a round of golf, taking in his tips and tricks for a successful game. As well, he loved fishing and became a fly fisherman, developing skills in tying his own flies, and then sharing that knowledge with his grandchildren, often making fishing poles and teaching the technique of casting a fly. He would often intrigue and entertain folks with his talent for making paper airplanes. Ping Pong and bowling were additional pursuits that he enjoyed, but had a strong love for swimming, He would take time numerous times throughout the week to swim at a local fitness center.
Don is survived by his wife, Paige Thibodeau, D.C. and her four daughters, Dale, Lael, Camille, and Ellen. As well as his son, Christopher Hulse and daughter, Jody Henderson. He was blessed with five grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. He will be missed for his generosity and caring nature, by all his friends and family.
In Loving Memory
Donald Hulse
1927 - 2018
