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RICHARD (RICK) VAN HULL Obituary pic

RICHARD (RICK) VAN HULL

Born: Jul 23, 1948

Date of Passing: Mar 11, 2025

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RICHARD (RICK) VAN HULL

1948 - 2025


The family of Richard (Rick) Van Hull is deeply saddened to share that he passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, surrounded by his wife Eileen and loving family.

Rick was the youngest of three children born to Marinus and Dena Van Hull in Winnipeg, Manitoba on July 23, 1948. He was predeceased by his parents as well as his sister Joan Spence and brother-in-law Norm Mitchell. He is survived by his sister Shirley Mitchell and his brother-in-law Ray Spence.

Rick was a positive person who truly lived life to the fullest. Fun abounded when he was around and laughter followed, particularly his own infectious one. He was a bright light at gatherings and his welcoming demeanour ensured he had countless friends. He treasured them doing his best to keep in touch with them over the years and miles. Rick also had a beautiful and warm smile that he shared with everyone until the very end. In his final difficult days, he still managed to grace all of the wonderful nurses at Riverview with that smile. He took interest in those he met and made a point of always knowing everyone’s name and remembering it.

Rick was a very entertaining storyteller and loved sharing tales of youthful antics, especially of days spent in his beloved Mexico, a country he travelled to almost yearly since his 20s. The early days there gave birth to many nicknames from his buddies such as Julio and Diablo Rojo (acquired after a bad sunburn). His enjoyment of travel extended elsewhere including Italy, Portugal, and Argentina. Recent decades were spent escaping the winter in San Jose Del Cabo with the love of his life Eileen. They so treasured their time together there and everywhere.

Rick attended the University of Winnipeg, financing his education by waiting tables at The Keg, a job he thoroughly enjoyed. He often said “It’s the waiter in me” when he meticulously corrected a table setting that was not up to his standards. Later he became a dedicated Real Estate professional, a career that extended 40 years, ultimately becoming a partner at Coldwell Banker. Wherever he travelled in the world, if he saw a Coldwell Banker (CB) office, he couldn’t resist going in to say hello and to introduce himself as part of the Coldwell team. He was an unofficial but proud CB Ambassador.

Rick had many interests and loves including classic cars, classic movies, fine wines, history and was a voracious reader. One of his delights was Eileen’s cooking. Her gourmet dishes brought a special smile of satisfaction to his face. But what he loved the most was sharing 30 plus wonderful years with Eileen, hanging out, enjoying simple pleasures and creating many cherished memories.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A private gathering with friends and family will take place at a later time.



Tributes: www.GreenAcresFuneralHome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 22, 2025

Condolences & Memories (13 entries)

  • Our sincere condolences to you, Eileen and to the family. Ricky was a great friend to us all these years. He was best man at our wedding and we also bought our first house from him. Ricky was always there to help with a smile and a laugh that was truly “one of a kind.” You will be missed my friend. - Posted by: Harry & Yvonne Holbrook (Friend) on: Mar 30, 2025

  • First of all, my condolences to Eileen and Van Hull family. Growing up in St Vital was even better when I met Rick at the age of 14..him 19..My life was transformed into a "party on wheels" hanging out with Rick and our friends. And there were many as you can well imagine. This fun loving care free gentleman brought joy to all who knew him. Hanging out with Rick meant going to TWO socials on a Friday night!! "Mr St Vital"!! Everyone had a smile on their face as a friend of Ricks. He drove 2 cars back then. A green 2 dr '57 Chev Belaire or tbe brown one. Life happened but we'd cross paths along the way just as good friends do picking up where we'd left off. In the past few years I had a few occasions to see Rick and catch up and reminesce as usual. His smile always the same! Thank you Eileen for your longstanding caring relationship with Rick as he thought the world of you and mentioned you always. Rick was a "special" friend to so many who had the fortune to know him... leaving us with the fondest memories of his vibrant soul. RIP Rick - Posted by: Myrna Moore (Friend) on: Mar 26, 2025

  • I was completely saddened to read of Rick's passing. I hadn't seen or spoken to Rick for quite some so this news. Hits home hard. We were always good friends and relished hearing the humour coming out of Rick's mouth. Best years of my life. Condolences to Rick's family and loved ones. Danny and Marta Bartlette. - Posted by: Daniel Bartlette (Friend) on: Mar 26, 2025

  • We are saddened to hear of Rick’s passing. As part of the Alf and Marie (Van’t Hull) family, I recall several visits back in the day to the old farm on St Mary’s. More recently , we were able to connect with the Winnipeg Van’t Hulls at several reunions. Our prayers are with your family. Neil and Val Sander - Winnipeg - Posted by: Neil Sander (Cousin back a few generations) on: Mar 24, 2025

  • We are so sorry to hear of Rick's passing. It is with fondness we remember his kindness in showing our extended Vant Hull family reunion members around his parents' farming area- cum- Vant Hull Estates...and sharing stories. Family ties were celebrated! Sending our sincerest condolences and love. Eleanor and Ingemar, Sweden. - Posted by: Eleanor Sander and Ingemar Lavesson (First cousin once removed) on: Mar 24, 2025

  • Rick has been a good friend and associate for three decades, always engaging with a smile and laughter. I was glad to be able to help out with one of his last requests and to give him a Hug on March 10th on behalf of all of his friends and for myself. Eileen and Rick being together daily through his struggle before his passing was an appropriate expression of their long relationship. As an associate he was always detailed, clear of thought and fast to respond to matters at hand. Rick will be missed and remembered fondly. - Posted by: David Moffatt (Friend and fellow Director of Coldwell Banker Preferred Real Estate) on: Mar 23, 2025

  • Hi Eileen, I'm really sorry to hear about the passing of Rick. I know he was very dear to you in so many ways we've had some great times with you it's Gordon Esther here insane and Manitoba and we were very sorry to hear about Rick's passing away and we only hope that we would have gotten together a lot sooner to to say hello and reminisce about all our wonderful times of all his stories about peelaquesta and the red napkin on the triscuit that has he played a few games with him from time to time you know what a wonderful man you know in so many ways he is going to be terrifically missed I miss him already keep in touch with us please if you can our phone number is 204-355-7767 or you can get a hold of Esther i e s e at 204-227-2294 give us a call we want to we want to get together with you Eileen as soon as possible please and once again we're very very sad and I will have a prayer many prayers for Ricky and I know where he's going will be a good place he was a great guy hey take care of yourself stay healthy talk soon bye. Eileen you can reach us at Esther at 204-227-2294 or myself Gord 204-355-7767 and we would certainly like to know and gather with the friends and family at a later date as a tribute to Rick thank you. - Posted by: Ester Gale (Essy) / Gordon Penneys (Friends 😀) on: Mar 23, 2025

  • Our deepest condolences on your loss. Chris and Marge Daman - Posted by: Chris Daman (Cousin) on: Mar 22, 2025

  • Rick was always fun to be around. His lighthearted nature and fun living spirit will be deeply missed. Condolences to his wife Eileen, his sister Shirley and all of his nieces and nephews. May you find comfort in the warm and loving memories - Posted by: Lori Tresoor (Family) on: Mar 22, 2025

  • Our sincere condolences to all who knew and appreciated this "one of a kind" character. A bosom buddy since high school, we never lost touch with each other. The best man at our wedding, King Richard, as I addressed him, made friends fast and kept them close throughout his life. He has "left the building" but the memories will live on for all who made his acquaintance. See you on the other side! Don and Ruth Tomac. - Posted by: Don Tomac (Best Buds) on: Mar 22, 2025

  • I knew Ricky for many years, a few parties in Winnipeg and Lake of the woods, he was a neighbor but not so close, we were kept awake by the parties. He was one of those rare people that could party hardy and maintain his intelligence. Yes the stories were great! Ricky always made people feel welcome. He will be missed by many. My condolences to his family and all his friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Kym - Posted by: Kym Stamier (Friend) on: Mar 22, 2025

  • I’ve know Julio for at least 50 years We had many a great time enjoying each other’s company in many ways. At the bars, his cabin, renovation of his brick house and trips to his second home in Peita La Questo, So many memories to mention. Rest In Peace Amigo. You’ll always be there In my heart and thoughts. - Posted by: Brian Kotchon (Friend) on: Mar 22, 2025

  • I was very sad to hear the news that Rick had passed. I had the pleasure to meet Rick late in life as my real estate agent recommend by good friend. Upon first meeting with Rick his positive behavior his knowledge of the Business his upbeat attitude and infectious laugh made him an instant friend. I had many opportunities to sit and laugh with Rick and to hear his many wonderful stories of his adventures. An incredible bridge player, he was a master on all levels. Though we did not talk often in the last few years we always caught up in the summer with what was going on in each others life and near Christmas we always called each other to discuss our upcoming vacations which always ended in a bout of laughter. Eileen, Van Hull family my deepest condolences. Jim Towns. - Posted by: Jim Towns (friend) on: Mar 22, 2025

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