Harold B. Hulme, M.D., 77, passed away on March 11 [1998], at St. Lukes
Hospital after a brief illness. Funeral services will be held Monday, March 16,
at 10 a.m. at the LDS Chapel, 2290 Warm Springs Avenue. Burial will take place
Tuesday, March 17, in Bloomington.“Grampa Hero” (his proudest title) was born on March 23, 1920, in Montpelier, Idaho, to Ben and Louise Hulme, the oldest of six children. His childhood was spent in Bear Lake country, and in Panguitch and Logan, Utah. From the very beginning, he had a brilliant mind. Within a week of starting first grade, he was advanced to second, and then to third grade. He told of how he would help the teacher with tutoring duties, his students all being older and larger than he, and they would subsequently extract revenge during recess time on the playground. His mother taught him to play piano at an early age, and music was always a big part of his life. He loved to tell his children and grandchildren of his childhood adventures, especially of his numerous encounters with skunks.
Harold graduated from Fielding High School in Paris, Idaho, and went on to Utah State Agricultural College (now Utah State University), where he was Cadet Colonel in the ROTC program. He graduated salutatorian, with the first class to graduate from University of Utah Medical School.
He served his country during World War II as an officer/physician, stationed at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Denver. Another of his favorite tales was of the day he delivered a daughter to the wife of an enlisted man, who was anticipating a son. The soldier was in the waiting room, slightly intoxicated, with sports equipment for his new baby boy. When Harold told him he was the father of a bouncing baby girl, the soldier lost his cool, and knocked Harold’s front teeth out. The teeth were later replaced.
After the war, Harold returned to Salt Lake City, where he worked as a doctor and teacher at the medical school. He met Gloria Joyce Madsen on a blind date; they went to see “Harvey,” starring Jimmy Stewart. They were married on April 2, 1951, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They had a baby boy, David, who died an infant. Fortunately, they gave parenting another try.
In 1952, Harold and Gloria moved to Boise, where he went into a private ob/gyn practice with Dr. Max Gudmundsen. He taught evening classes at Boise Junior College for several years. Boise was home, and they raised three sons and four daughters here. Despite a very busy profession and numerous church assignments, Harold always made time for his kids. When he was home in the evening, he could usually be found reading to them, or singing and playing his accordion. An apology may be in order to his patients who were occasionally kept waiting; if one of Harold’s kids showed up at the office, the child always moved to the front of the line (despite half-hearted objections from the nurses, who seemed more concerned about his schedule than he was). His patients generally recall that he always had plenty of time and attention for them, too.
Harold delivered more than 9,600 babies in Boise (9,976 total, if you include the Salt Lake City babies), during his practice with Drs. Gudmundsen, and later Clyde Gerhard and Glen Pool. He derived much satisfaction from helping in what he believed to be God’s miraculous work of childbirth. He especially enjoyed the occasional adoption he helped arrange with his good friend, attorney Marion Callister.
Harold held numerous positions of leadership and teaching in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in three bishoprics, and on the Boise Stake High Council for sixteen years. More often than not, a handful of his kids would tag along as he carried out his church work. He had a firm testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and shared it in his words and actions.
Harold was proud of his children and their accomplishments. He seemed especially pleased that his sons all were Eagle scouts, and served their church as full-time missionaries. He was equally proud of his daughters, for their achievements in academics, family, and service. In later years, he has taken great satisfaction in watching the good works of his grandchildren.
He was actively involved in community affairs. Boy Scouting was close to his heart. As his sons went through the ranks in Troop 13, Harold earned merit badges and rank advancements, and went on outings and 50-mile hikes with them. He was disappointed when a new rule was adopted, requiring that the Eagle rank be earned by the 18th birthday. He only made Life Scout. Later, he was awarded the Silver Beaver badge for his many contributions to scouting.
After his retirement, Harold and Gloria moved to Provo, Utah. They were later divorced, and both ended up moving back to Boise, to be closer to children and grandchildren. Harold took up apartment dwelling, at Hillcrest Retirement Center, until the time of his death. As his health faltered, he spoke of how he looked forward to the day when he would put off his “mortal coils” and await a glorious resurrection with a renewed and perfected body.
Those who knew Harold are aware of his big heart and friendly nature. He had a congenial and gentle way, a twinkle in his eye, and a fine sense of humor. He made friends easily, and had a positive impact on countless lives.
Harold is survived by Gloria, three brothers and a sister, three sons and daughters-in-law: Steve and Robin of Boise, Jared and Valerie of Weiser, and John and Michelle of Las Vegas, three daughters and sons-in-law: Heather and Kelly Grange of Boise, Heidi and Stephen Weed of Boise, and Margi and Greg Nettles of Boise, and twenty-six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, his son David, and his beloved daughter Susan.
Harold’s family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made in his name to Booth Maternity Home, 1617 N. 24th St.
