E. Merritt Hulst

1944 - 2020

BORN

1944

DIED

2020

E. Hulst Obituary

Name: Memorial service for E. Merritt Hulst
Start: 2020-12-13T19:00:00.000Z
Location: online Zoom memorial service

E. Merritt Hulst
November 16, 2020
Severance, New York - On November 16 Merritt Hulst, 76, of Severance, NY, peacefully passed away after a courageous battle with cancer at home surrounded by loving family and friends. Merritt was born in Ticonderoga, NY, on July 26, 1944, to Edward and Dorothy Hulst of Severance. Always curious and active, he rarely left a stone unturned. He played high school varsity basketball, was an Eagle Scout, graduated Pacific University in OR, helped maintain a church camp in the Sierras, and spent two years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ethiopia from 1968-1970. By 1972 he had earned his Masters of Theology from Earlham School of Religion in Richmond, IN. For 17 years he pastored Church of the Brethren congregations in New Paris, OH, and Waterford, before joining his brother in agricultural research and construction jobs. Merritt was most happy with simple pleasures and always ready to lend a helping hand or a chance to spin another story. In 2008 he returned permanently to Schroon Lake, NY, where his historical family home was at the center of his heart. There he participated on the Schroon Lake Association Board for a number of years. His love for Schroon Lake was only surpassed by his desire to educate people on the history, benefits and enjoyment of the lake. This community oriented man with a Quaker sensibility always viewed people through a gentle pastor's heart. He will be missed. He was predeceased by his brother David Hulst, and is survived by his wife Analise Rigan, sisters Patricia Galt, Dianne Warn, and 10 children: Torrey Rigan, Deborah Brandt, Damon Hulst, Miriam Hulst-Forney, Julie Brown, Sarah Wood, Jonah Hulst, AnnRachel Clark, Noah Hulst, Daniel Hulst, and 11 grandchildren. An online Zoom memorial service will be held December 13 at 11 am PST. If interested in attending, email [email protected] for Zoom link.

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Published by Modesto Bee on Nov. 29, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for E. Hulst

4 Entries

Kathleen Earle Anderson

January 31, 2021

My name is Kathy Earle Anderson, also a 1967 Pacific University, Forest Grove OR graduate! I moved to Modesto CA from Seattle Sept 1967 & was a social worker for the disabled & old age security for 2 yrs.
Will always remember riding horses w Merritt on his family ranch in Hughson, enjoyed family meals with them; at 1 dinner Ed told him "to get a job!" Soon after. he lived in a trailer on a turkey farm in Turlock. Visited him there only once when I was chased by those fast-running birds!
Am sending Diane special photos: she and David by my Apt swimming pool opening gifts from Merritt of beautiful saddles from Ethiopia colorfully decorated.

Also photos of Merritt in OR helping friend Fred Moore in his logging camp; Fred was a missionary at Christmas, going to Mexico to bring gifts to the Tarama Natives who lived in the hills. Merritt & Fred were very much alike, caring for others.
Am very sorry for your loss, Diane & family. It was so heartwarming to learn of all the good deeds Merritt did in his life.
Briefly Diane, I married Gordon in 1978, we had 2 wonderful daughters, Betsy & Bonnie Jean, was widowed 7 yrs ago when Gordon also died after a 7-yr battle with Multiple Myeloma. Bonnie, a PA-C has a beautiful daughter,Willa Jean BD 7- 31-2018 & Willa will Have a brother in June!!

Thanks for your patience in reading such a long message.
LOVE to you Diane & family.

Clifford Starn

November 30, 2020

My condolences to the Hulst family. Merritt came to Hughson High for his senior year and we played together on the Hughson basketball team, winning the TVL championship. Merritt played hard and he played to win but I never saw him lose his composure or his temper, he always had this big grin on his face which was frustrating at times when I thought we should be showing a little more attitude toward the other team. But that was Merritt, impossible to anger, and that's why we loved him. What a great teammate and friend. He will be missed.

Lynette Miller

November 30, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I remember Merritt very well and the part that he played in our family's lives - praying for God's peace for you all!

Christine Blanchard

November 29, 2020

My condolences to the Hulst family. So many fond memories of your dad while attending the Waterford Church of the Brethren. Some of my favorite memories was going up to the snow in your dad’s Volkswagen bus. And many backpacking trips in the Sierra’s. And Camp Peaceful Pines! Your dad’s woodwork was incredible. My dad still has his surname sign hanging on the front of the house. Your dad truly cared about people. My love and prayers....
Christine Blanchard (Mason)

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