Donald A. Hulst

Integrity is defined as the quality of possessing and steadfastly adhering to high moral principles. This very word paints a vivid picture of the man that Donald “Red” Hulst was each and every day; the man he was when no one else was looking. Don brought harmony to the everyday melody of life and like a ray of sunshine, he brightened the lives of all those placed in his path by sharing laughter, a wave, or a smile. He viewed each day as a precious gift and to Don, life was not about accomplishments or the acquisition of material wealth, but about the relationships he fostered with those he treasured most, his beloved family.

During a time known as the “Roaring Twenties,” Donald A. Hulst was born, on January 13, 1927 to Mr. and Mrs. Hulst in Holland, Michigan. As the youngest of eight children in his family, Don experienced tragedy early in his life with the death of his father, when Don was only six years old. As a student Don attended local schools where he discovered that he rather enjoyed school and also became involved in sports. Don played basketball, baseball, golf, football, and he bowled as well. His mother even allowed him to miss catechism for several weeks in order to attend football practice, an endeavor that was less than pleasing to the pastor at Ninth Street Christian Reformed Church where he was a member. Don graduated from Holland High School in 1945 and he dreamed of continuing his education in college, but this dream was not to be as he was drafted into the Marines where he valiantly served during WWII.

Upon his return to civilian life, Don spent the next several years tenderly caring for his mother and wheelchair bound brother, Russell, and his wheelchair bound sister, Marion, as well. His devotion to his family was clear as he even recalled times that he carried his brother and sister to a spot on the bleachers at Riverview Park so they could watch him play on his semi-pro team. Also during this time, Don experienced many adventures with his buddies and even “sowed his wild oats” twice, his antics unbeknownst to his mother, of course!

Although Don had no intent to get married, this perspective changed when he met the love of his life, Patricia Atman, during the spring of 1958. A whirlwind romance soon ensued and after dating for a short time, they were married in October of 1958. The newlyweds were soon blessed with two sons: Doug, in 1961 and Bob, in 1964. Don and Pat raised their sons in the Holland area where Don worked hard to support his family. He had a strong work ethic that was established during his younger years as he worked at a gas station, then and as a butcher, drove both gas tanker and delivery trucks, and worked construction as well. When General Electric established a plant in Holland, Don got a job in the Sample Shop where he worked for more than thirty three years before he retired.

Together the Hulst family made many memories which will be forever cherished. Each summer they rented a cottage on a lake where they enjoyed fishing and swimming together. The family favorite was the place on Big Star Lake which they rented while the boys were younger. Don was proud of his son when he graduated from college as this was a dream that had eluded him.

Life drastically changed for Don when his beloved Pat died in1986, leaving him to remain alone in the house where he raised his family and his heart to always remain connected to her as well. Don’s love for his family, which had grown to include grandchildren, remained strong, spending as much time with his children and grandchildren as he could. Don again began renting the cottage on Big Star Lake where they continued to make memories as a family. He could often be heard singing to the deer as he went out to look for wildlife at dawn and dusk and “On Top Of Old Smokey” became a song that his grandchildren will always remember him singing. Don enjoyed deer hunting and each November, he shared this passion with his sons. He was always sure to recognize the birthday of each family member with a card that always managed to arrive in the mail on just the right day.

His family wasn’t the only recipients of Don’s warm demeanor as it radiated to everyone around him, whether the mailman, store clerks, or doctors and nurses. In fact, he was known as the “Candy Man” handing out treats to the neighborhood children and the garbage and yard men too. Don always had a friendly wave for anyone walking past his house and he never judged another, always just accepting everyone for who they were at face value. He even kept his feelings and opinions to himself so as not to offend anyone.

When he had leisure time, Don enjoyed doing word searches and exercising, even racking up close to 11,000 miles in his Air dyne bike though the years. Faith was an important cornerstone in Don’s life and he was always sure he read his daily devotions each morning. He was also a member of Maplewood Reformed Church where he enjoyed the fellowship with his fellow believers. Don could often be found watching some type of sports on television and he always kept abreast of any and all pertinent information within the world of sports. He enjoyed all types of food except beets and he especially treasured Saturday morning breakfasts with his sons which occasionally included a grandchild as well.

Don Hulst was an extraordinary man who lived his life with others in mind, impacting the lives of many in profound ways. He was no stranger to hard work yet he balanced his work with good old fashioned fun as well. Don continuously carried himself with strength and compassion, a dedicated family man if ever there was one. Don embraced both the easy and hard times along life’s journey and he made precious memories which will be forever etched on the hearts of all those he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed.

Donald A. (Red) Hulst of Holland died on Friday, April 17, 2009 at Hospice House of Holland. Don’s family includes his children, Doug (Deb) Hulst of Holland and Bob (Lisa) Hulst of Holland; 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren; sisters-in-law Judi Atman, Ginny Atman Grissen, and Marilyn Atman all of Holland; also nephews, nieces, and cousins. Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes-Downtown Chapel, 29 East 9th Street with the Rev. Carl Balk officiating. Burial will be in the Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Visit with Don’s family and friends from 7-9 p.m. Monday at the Downtown Chapel. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can leave a favorite memory or make a memorial contribution to Hospice House of Holland.

His children affectionately added:

Dad, you will be missed dearly by your family, grandchildren and great grandchildren. May you rest in peace…And by the way…Please say “Hi” to mom from all of us!