Douglas Hulstrom

Doug was born July 26th.1963 to Richard and Janice Hulstrom. Doug had many passions, including hunting, fishing, camping, going to the beach, water skiing especially with his kids and grandkids, spending time in Big Bear, and snow skiing. He enjoyed hunting with his great uncle Bud, his cousin Doug, his dad Rich and his friend Mo Moholovich. Doug was an avid sports fan; he loved the Los Angeles Lakers and Dodgers. He was very happy to see both of his favorite teams win championships in the same year 2020.

Doug was never afraid of work, his first job was a farmhand at Hulstrom Farms. He learned how to drive tractors at an early age. His older brother Tony, and many of their friends helped out the grandparents Harry and June with baling hay, plowing fields, and moving irrigation pipes.

During high school, he moved on to working for Sharps in the delivery department; working for his dad alongside his sister Linda, and his uncle Dave. He delivered building material to jobsites and customers, spreading joy and laughter wherever he went.

Doug went to MSJC to get his water operator certificate. While he was there, he played basketball under Coach John Chambers, who said of him, "Doug epitomized everything we cherished in our basketball program. He was talented, hardworking, determined, loyal, coachable, and a great teammate. May he now rest in peace."

Doug put his education to work immediately, joining EMWD as a water distribution technician in 1984. In his 32 year career with EMWD, he had a lasting effect on those he worked with. Some words from his friends at EMWD:

“Doug was respected by everyone who knew him. He had this great work ethic and was just always there to lend a hand in the capacity of leader or a part of the team.”

“His contributions to the company, and especially the recycled division was enormous. He was a major part of the initial success of the recycled program and a big reason that EMWD received Recycled Water Agency of the Year, not once but twice!”

“Doug was a remarkable man and he made a difference in the lives of many people, both at work and in his personal life.”

Away from work, Doug spent many hours volunteering for Smart and Final's charitable foundation with his wife and stepdaughter. Doug cherished his time with family and was the best stepdad you could ever ask for. His philanthropy extended to the Sportsman Club and Valleywide Recreation Club where he coached his boys and made a positive impact on the lives of so many young people through his charitable efforts.

Since Doug’s passing, the family has received so many messages like the following:

"Always liked Doug and Tony. The only happy thought is their reunion with their parents. He and Chris lived the best love story from our small town, it's heartwarming... RIP Doug. I'll always remember you as an all American guy." - Don Harbour

“When I met Doug’s family, I learned of the impact Doug had in so many people's lives, from family and friends to hundreds of co-workers that valued his contribution in their lives. The stories speak of the impact he had in their lives, reminding me of a fitting scripture at Ecclesiastics 7:1 where it says, "A good name is better than good oil and the day of death is better than the day of birth."

A name is built during your lifetime and in Doug's case, his name, the man that he was, positively impacted those who knew him. Doug was highly respected, admired, and loved by so many leaving an honored memory that his loved ones can be proud of and always cherish.” – Tina Burger, Scleroderma Foundation of Southern California

“I didn’t get to meet Doug until late in his life, but he made me feel as if we had been friends forever.” – Ken Petronis

Doug was diagnosed with scleroderma in January 2017. Within months they gave the family a sobering prognosis, but Doug fooled the experts, demonstrating his trademark spirit and grit. During his long fight with this insidious disease, he was humbled by all the love and support from his friends and family.

He died peacefully at home with his family by his side.

Doug is survived by his Wife of 21 years and the love of his life Chris Hulstrom, his sons Jason (Emily) Hulstrom and Jordan (Christina) Hulstrom, the mother of his sons Debra Kraemer, step children Katie and Trevor Schain, uncle Dave Ver Plank, aunt Donna and uncle Gene Hulstrom, sister Linda and brother-in-law David Benson, niece Samantha Benson, grandsons Jackson (born also on July 26th as his grandpa's birthday present) Bryson, Wyatt, Liam, and Cooper and his granddaughter Kali. He adored his grandchildren. He will also be missed by a very large extended family including many beloved cousins and nieces and nephews.

- In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Southern California chapter of Scleroderma Foundation in Doug's name

http://www.scleroderma.org/goto/DougHulstromMemorial

- A celebration of life will be held July 9th., at 11am at Fallbrook Estates 3742 Flowerwood Lane, Fallbrook, CA 92028.