EULOGY – ELTON PHILMORE HULL

30.APR.09

by Foster Hull – nephew

BIRTH AND FAMILY DETAILS

Born 28th March, 1933, at Cedars, to Wellington and Ruby Hull and was the 8th of 9 children which comprised of 3 girls and 6 boys. All have predeceased him. He married Peggy Hull née Ince in September 1967 and that union produced 4 children: Monique, Yves, Nadine and Dane. Prior to this he had five sons: Gregory, Brian, Roy, Bert and Brian.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Uncle Phil or Uncle Philly attended the Biabou Methodist School and became a teacher there for a while. He was progressive and seemed to possess an innate desire for improvement in all areas of his life – was never one to be satisfied with just getting by. So after that teaching stint he moved to Kingstown to seek better life and greater opportunities. He worked at several business institutions over time – Coreas, Hazells, O.D. Brisbane, Singer, British American Insurance Company (not in chronological order).

After these stints the desire for enhancement of his education and skills led him to the University of Waterloo in 1968-69 to pursue studies in Management and Export Promotion. On return to SVG he then worked stints at the St. Vincent Agriculture Bank, the Vincentian and as a Cooperative Field Officer for government. These jobs provided him with a broad and diverse range of knowledge and skills because of the training it afforded him in places like Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana and other islands. His last significant job was as the Deputy Manager of St. Vincent Philatelic Services, after which he chose to be more of a freelancer and business consultant.{{more}}

A DEDICATED MAN

The outline of his career and educational achievements would already have provided an insight into the type of commitment and dedication evidenced in his life. But let me hasten to add to those, his commitment and dedication to family:

He was always there for his parents. He made sure that he went to Cedars in the country very often on weekends and holidays to be with them. No stone was left unturned at Christmas time to give them all the necessary Christmas goodies, which were delivered well on time before that day. Their first radio, stove and other household appliances were sure to be supplied whenever the need arose. My grandmother had a very special bond with him and often referred to him as “Her birthday gift”. He was the one who coordinated with the others to meet the needs of his parents. His mother was given the opportunity to meet all this girlfriends, whether by plan or excuse.

He was always there for his brothers and sisters. He was like the “Family Advisor” and “Counselor”. When Alford, Clarence, Pearl or Verna etc. had any pressing issues, decisions to make or just to seek guidance, it was to Uncle Phil they went. If there were any family disagreements you would always hear “Let’s hear what Phil would say”? Money matters were for sure part of his portfolio. The extended family of nephews, nieces, cousins etc received the same attention and interest. Indeed I remember receiving from him my first terrylene long pants (with sharp cutting seams). Lennox (Scully) Hunte remembers him giving him his first guitar and credits his musical skills to this gesture. He was not only an uncle for us, but was like a father, big brother and mentor. He could be counted on at any time and for anything.

He was always there for Peggy and the children. After marriage, he brought that same love and commitment and dedication shown to his parents and siblings to Peggy and their children. He ensured that they were provided for and encouraged educational overall development of Monique, Nadine and Dane. Wherever he roamed, he always was sure to return home.

An amiable man (Loving, pleasant, alluring agreeable etc). Lennox says about Uncle Phil. He was very approachable, had a positive outlook on life, a wonderful and encouraging role model, ambitious, someone you loved to be around and very unassuming.

Norrel says he had a comely personality, very community spirited, kind, sympathetic, unassuming and selfless.

Whenever, you met him he always had a joke or some funny comment that got you laughing and which was able to disarm or diffuse the most serious attack or situation at the time.

A Community Minded man. This was reflected in the fact of him becoming a member of organizations like the Auxiliary Police and Jaycees to name a few. Those involved with him could no doubt account to his level of commitment and dedication in ensuring the proper and effective functioning of these for the benefit of the community and the island in general.

CONCLUSION

Uncle Phil appeared to be a man for all seasons and all persons. Like all of us he made his mistakes over the years, but I believe that all he experienced helped to make him the person we remember, celebrate and give God thanks for. Uncle Phil leaves us a legacy of dedication, goodwill and caring for others. It is, therefore, up to us to follow his example and be sure to make God’s will our own. He was never overly expressive about his commitment to God, but as I spoke with him from time to time I realize that he was conscious and acutely aware that God was in charge of his life. Indeed I was told by my sisters Patsy and Jennifer that while in the hospital as they prayed with him he was heard to say that he had resigned himself to God’s will. He loved life and lived it well. Indeed we are so grateful for the time God allowed him to be with us. I close with this quote from the “Psalm of Life” a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, which aptly describes and sums up his life.

May he rest in peace