Dr. Roland August Hublou

1933 - 2022

Dr. Roland Hublou, 88, known affectionately by his many friends as "Doc" and "Hub", passed away peacefully on February 9, 2022 in Everett, Washington. Roland was born on October 6, 1933 to his parents, Francis and Blanche Hublou, in Minot, North Dakota. He spent his younger childhood days there with his four siblings before the family moved to Everett in 1941. As a son of Everett school teachers, Roland led a disciplined, yet adventurous, life. He attended Immaculate Conception School until his junior and high school years. He was a trailblazer, inquisitive and curious at a young age, enjoying many hunting and fishing trips with his dad and brother. He was raised on Grand Avenue, where he fondly recalled going down the 144 stairs behind his home to his personal playground, the Everett waterfront, which he viewed from his bedroom window. There are many a story of his boyhood antics and inventions, including the raft he made to enable him to explore the water he loved. Roland graduated from Everett High School in 1951, and went on to attend both Washington State and Seattle Universities. In his early undergraduate years, he was on the WSU Boxing Team, and a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, where he still holds honors for his academics. Roland was an ace student in anatomy and courses in the math and sciences. He went on to complete his education at the University of Washington Dental School. His workmanship was perfection and beauty. He demanded that of himself, but Roland was a natural artist. He and Dee were supporters of the UW Dental School Program and scholarships throughout their lives. He served as president of the Dental Society and continued to be involved in his retirement years; remaining affiliated as a faculty member of the UW Dental School, where he also provided pro-bono services for the handicapped, both lecturing and clinical instruction, until age 85. Roland was talented with remarkably steady hands, and there was no one better at the art of dentistry or filleting fish. Roland briefly met the love of his life, Dee, at the UW Dental School. As fate would have it, their paths would cross again two years later while Dee was employed as an airline stewardess for United Airlines, and Roland, a senior dental student. Roland decided not to let her get away, and he married his special bride and lifelong partner in 1958. Together they shared 4 children. Roland was a man with many facets, and a "diamond in the rough", with Dee smoothing his edges over the years allowing him to shine his very best and brightest. Together they grew through perseverance, dedication and love. He was so proud of Dee, and to celebrate their special milestone 60th wedding anniversary in 2018 with family and dear friends at their beloved Fobes Hill home, "The Ranch", of 53 years. During their early years, 1958-1962, Dr. Hublou was inducted into the U.S. Navy Dental Core Program, where he became a lieutenant officer and department head of the dental clinic through two full deployments to S.E. Asia, aboard the US Salisbury Sound, AV-13. He was a proud patriot, and served until he was officially honorably discharged to begin his private dental practice in 1962. Roland was an excellent dentist, practicing at the Everett Medical Dental Building until his retirement in 1997. He would recall standing on the corner of Colby and California streets and smelling the fresh salt water when he first arrived in Everett as a boy, looking at the very same building he would find himself in, years later, practicing the profession that he loved. Roland's other love was fishing, which led him to his second career in the commercial fishing industry. He was an active and successful commercial fisherman with his sons, from 1973-2007, building three commercial gillnetters over the years; "Persistence", the "Eagle Jack" and his final boat, "Doc's Eagle". He was elected President of the Puget Sound Gillnetters Association in 1980, and spent many years in all aspects of the fishing industry; including traveling to Washington DC in support of fishing rights for all, and participating in the Everett Fisherman's Tribute proudly displayed at the Everett waterfront. His joy of the water and fishing was paramount in his life. His other sport was competitive and accomplished tournament handball where he won several awards; Everett Elks Single Champion (several times), Doubles Champion in the Seattle Seafair Tournament, and Washington State Singles Champion (3rd place). He made many lifetime and good friends in both fishing and handball. Roland was a lifetime member of the American Dental Association, Pierre Fauchard Academy, Elks Lodge 479, Knights of Columbus Council 763, and the Delta Sigma Delta Dental Fraternity. Amongst the many awards during his lifetime, one of his most prized was the "Lifetime Service and Dedication to the Puget Sound Commercial Fisheries" award he received in 1996. Roland had many interests, the first and foremost was his family's love and welfare. His pursuit of continuous learning and education was passed to him from his parents. He loved to garden, tending one all of his life, or tinker around "The Ranch" smoking salmon for his friends. As an avid sportsman, Roland enjoyed hunting birds in Skagit Bay, playing league softball, skiing and golfing. In his younger days, he was passionate about coaching boys' basketball, including his sons, and the family was a constant fixture at the Everett Boy's Club and other gymnasiums in Snohomish and around the area. He read extensively and had knowledge and interests about many things. Roland successfully managed his dental profession, commercial fishing and the love of his family with the support of his wife, Dee, whom he credited with any of his successes. He loved his family, including his big, extended family, where he spearheaded the reunions with Dee for over 25 years. He had many friends from all areas, and was quick with questions and conversation. He never liked talking about his own achievements, but rather, wanted to focus on others. He was genuinely happy for everyone and their own successes and joys in their lives. He enjoyed people, and loved to laugh with family and friends and share a great joke. He always said how lucky and blessed he was in life. Roland is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Dee; his son, Luke (Cathalynn); daughter, Cindy (Lars); and sons, Matthew and Jon. He also leaves behind four grandchildren and one great grandson, as well as twin sisters, Sharon and Charlotte. Roland was predeceased by his loving parents, Francis and Blanche Hublou, brother Wally and sister Barbara. We are forever grateful to Golfview Residential Care Facility (owners, Adan and Deborah Balangue, and their wonderful staff, Wandy, Del and Gloria), for embracing "Hub" and our family with love, compassion and kindness during his last several years. He truly felt at home with the warmth and special closeness. We thank you with all of our hearts. We have been a very blessed family to have Roland for 88 years. He was a friend to many, and to everyone who wanted to be his friend. Although our hearts are broken, we are so happy for him, that he is flying free with the eagles now. We will love him forever. A private family gathering in remembrance and to honor Roland was held on February 12, 2022 at Solie Funeral Home in Everett. Memorial Services will be determined at a later date. We thank Solie for their kindness, professionalism and care for our family. October 6, 1933 - February 9, 2022