Steve Hullin, 'quick-witted, wonderful dad'

"Don't take yourself too seriously, and have fun."

That's what those who knew longtime Seattle insurance executive Steve Hullin say they learned from him.

"He was someone you could always turn to, and he was known for his quick wit and being really funny, " said his daughter, Traci Brandon, of Mercer Island.

Mr. Hullin died of cancer April 20 at his Redmond home. He was 62.

Mr. Hullin was the grandson of Edward Hullin, who operated one of the city's first trucking companies, Hullin Transfer, in the 1800s, and the son of Jack Hullin, a prominent attorney at the Seattle firm of Hullin, Ehrlichman, Roberts & Hodge. His younger brother, Tod, was a quarterback at the University of Washington in the mid-1960s.

Mr. Hullin, too, was an athlete, earning varsity letters in football, track and basketball at Queen Anne High School. He acquired many long-lasting friendships in high school, stayed in contact with many childhood friends and always was willing to organize a reunion.

"He always loved Queen Anne — the high school, especially," Brandon said. He earned a degree from the University of Washington's School of Business. A huge fan of Husky sports, he had been a member of the Washington Athletic Club since 1966.

After college, he married Loessa Vaux, whom he had dated since junior high school.

Upon completion of two years in the Transportation Corps of the Army Mr. Hullin became an insurance executive, a career that spanned 35 years and four companies.

Away from work, the athletic Mr. Hullin continued to attend Husky games, play several sports and, until four months ago, work out daily and play pick-up basketball.

In addition to his daughter, Mr. Hullin is survived by his son, Troy, of Moscow, Idaho; grandchildren Paige, Stephen and Holly Grace; a brother, Tod, of New York City; and his former wife, Loessa.

A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. today at Westminster Chapel, 13646 N.E. 24th St., Bellevue. A reception at the Bellevue Club, 11200 S.E. Sixth St., will follow.

The family suggests memorials to the Ryther Child Center League at 2400 N.E. 95th St., Seattle, WA 98115.