Lyman Walker Hull

Lyman Walker HULL Lyman Walker Hull, 82, of Seattle, Washington, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2011, of complications from Parkinson's disease. He was born on November 12, 1928, in Evanston, Illinois, to Denison Bingham Hull and Marion Walker Hull. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Gretchen; his sons Tom (Julie), Dan (Nancy), and Gordon (Jeffra) and their respective families, including seven grandchildren; and his sisters Eunice and Katherine. He is preceded in death by his brother, Morton. Lyman grew up in Winnetka, Illinois, and attended North Shore Country Day School from kindergarten through high school. After graduating from Harvard University in 1950, he worked as a news writer for CBS in New York City and then for NBC in Chicago. Drafted into the Army during the Korean War, he served as a second staff sergeant in South Korea until the war ended. Following his return from Korea, Lyman attended Northwestern Law School, graduating in 1958. He enjoyed practicing corporate and real estate law for 35 years, first in Chicago and then in Seattle, where he was a founding partner of the law firm George, Hull, Porter & Kohli. Partners and clients alike held him in high regard for his honesty and fairness and for treating others with a sense of courtesy that distinguished him as a true gentleman. Lyman's life was guided by a deep dedication to family, community, and the environment. He took immense pride in the accomplishments of family members and enormous joy in every family gathering. The Meadow House on Henry Island also occupied a special place in his heart. He loved any excuse to visit, whether to cut firewood, mow the walking paths, or simply observe the quiet beauty of the forest, meadow, and beaches. Lyman was an accomplished oarsman who devoted much of his life to the sport of rowing. He won a gold medal in the single scull at the 1998 World Masters Games, and he was a devoted member of the Ancient Mariners Rowing Club. His definition of a perfect day began with an early-morning row followed by breakfast with his fellow Mariners. He was an ardent supporter of Seattle-area rowing organizations. He co-founded the George Pocock Rowing Foundation, served on the board of Lake Washington Rowing Club, and chaired the 1987 U.S. Masters Rowing Championship in Seattle. Lyman was also actively involved in a wide range of civic and environmental organizations including Plymouth Church, Plymouth Housing, Epiphany School, the Northwest Parkinson's Foundation, San Juan Preservation Trust, the Seward Park Restoration Project, and Harvard's Class of 1950. Through these and other endeavors, he was a great inspiration and role model for everyone who met him. A service celebrating Lyman's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 19, at Plymouth Church, 1217 Sixth Avenue, Seattle, Washington. Memorial gifts may be made to Northwest Parkinson's Foundation (www.nwpf.org), George Pocock Rowing Foundation (www.pocockrowing.org), or the charitable organization of your choice.