Bill Hull

MESA, ARIZONA-On July 10, 2011, William (Bill) Robert Hull, 78, passed away at the home of his daughter in Mesa, Arizona. He valiantly fought the aggressive cancer that invaded his body, but finally lost the battle while surrounded by loved ones. Bill was born on December 29, 1932, in Ogden, Weber County, Utah, to Robert Rigby Hull and Grace Evelyn Bailey. The third of seven children, Bill was the oldest son and took that responsibility to heart as he watched over and protected his family throughout his life. Bill graduated from Ogden High School and attended Weber College for a short time. He attended Utah Agricultural College (now Utah State University) in Logan, Utah, where he was the star Center of the basketball team. There he met his beautiful wife, Jean Bateman, and they were married on May 29, 1953, in the Salt Lake L.D.S. Temple. Bill said that Jean has been the driving, supportive arm for good in his life. Bill graduated from Utah Agricultural College in 1954 and then attended Stanford University in Palo Alto, California, where he earned his Physical Therapy degree. He served as 2 nd and 1 st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Medical Service Corp in Darnstadt, Germany, from 1955 to 1957. Bill and Jean lived a short time in Ogden, Utah, and Sunnyvale, California, until they moved to Pocatello, Idaho, in 1960 where they lived the rest of their life together. Bill was the first Registered Physical Therapist in Pocatello, Idaho, and worked hard to build his practice. He immersed himself as a member of the community and was a member of Rotary Club. He loved his profession of service and had a hand in healing many people who are still close friends to this day. Bill was extremely active and loved life. He valued the camaraderie he had with friends and family through work, tennis, basketball, hunting, fishing, camping, church and community service. Bill, as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, served in many leadership positions, including Bishop and High Council. The calling closest to his heart was as a Scout Master. He believed the soul of a boy was priceless, and he gave of himself 100 percent to the nurturing of helping young boys become men and great leaders. He changed many lives through his love and tireless service. Bill was a Wood Badge leader and was awarded the Silver Beaver. Most of all, Bill was a man of high integrity and believed a promise and handshake was worth more than a written contract. He was a noble father and faithful husband, and his family meant everything to him. He has left an honorable legacy for his children and grandchildren. Bill is survived by his wife, Jean Bateman; his children Robert Edward (Shannon) Hull of Auburn, Washington, Kristin Kay (Dean) Cook of Mesa, Arizona; Janet Sue Hull of Mesa, Arizona, and Karen Jean McFarland of West Jordan, Utah; twelve grandchildren; three sisters and two brothers. He was preceded in death by his parents and oldest sister. Funeral services and celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2011, at 3:00 p.m. in the L.D.S. Bonneville Park Ward building, 135 South 7th Avenue, Pocatello, Idaho. Family will receive friends beginning at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday at the church. Burial will have taken place in the Hooper, Utah City Cemetery on Friday, July 22, 2011. The family expresses deep gratitude to Hospice of the Valley of Mesa, Arizona, for the tender care they gave Bill the last two weeks of his life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Hospice of the Valley, 777 W. Southern Ave, Suite 301, Building C, Mesa, AZ 85210.