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4733 NE Thompson St
Portland, Oregon
HARLOW "HAL" R. HULBURT
January 31, 1927 ~ September 5, 2018
Harlow Rudolph Hulburt, known to many as Hal, passed away on September 5, 2018. He was a beloved business owner, community member and friend.
Born January 31, 1927 to Harlow and Jessie Hulburt in Port Angeles, Washington, Hal came from humble beginnings. At the age of 7 he began milking cows twice a day on a farm in Washougal, Washington. After his father's passing, Hal and his mother moved to Portland, Oregon.
In 1944, Hal enlisted in the US Navy. He went to Torpedo School and served as a Torpedoman Third Class. 4 years later he was honorably discharged. After working a string of odd jobs, he moved back to Portland and attended University of Portland on the GI bill. He graduated with a degree in accounting and entered into the hospitality business.
Hal and his business partner, Stan Prouty, selected a prime spot on 39th Ave. where Broadway and Sandy meet. On June 17, 1959 Poor Richard's was open for business. PR's, as it was called by regulars and neighbors, became a staple in the community. In 1972 the two came up with their most notable promotion, the two-for-one dinner.
Eventually Hal bought out his business partner and continued managing Poor Richard's, keeping the neighborhood feel that so many of his regulars loved. A tough, but fair boss he created a team of loyal employees who stayed with him for 20, 30 and 40 years.
After 47 years in business, Hal sold Poor Richard's in 2006 and settled into a well-deserved life of retirement. He spent his time as an avid reader, consuming books and literature and also traveled. He visited Paris and enjoyed a meal at the top of the Eiffel Tower, saw coffee plantations in Brazil, and toured Vienna.
Towards the end of his life a friend and former employee, Janna Holmes, and her grandson, Scout cared for Hal and turned his bachelor pad into a home.
He is survived by his cousins, Dolores Mueller and Keith Burlingame; personal assistant, Jolene Heermann-Heitman who has been under his employ for 46 years since 1972; and numerous friends, employees, and faithful customers of Poor Richard's.
A funeral service will be held at Ross Hollywood Chapel on Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at 11:00am. Hal will be laid to rest in a private interment at Damascus Pioneer Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Hal's name to a charity of your choice.
Please sign his guest book @
www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I worked for Hal off and on for about 6 years in the 90’s. He was a good man and reasonable boss. He scared me, he made me laugh, he was kind, and he could be fierce. I tell stories about him to this day and will always remember him fondly. Much love.
Joey Marler
Coworker
April 8, 2021
Hal was a great boss and a good friend. He was always dear to my heart. I think of him often with fond memories. So long Quickdraw.
Linda Lynch Seiler
Friend
June 18, 2020
Sat and laughed with you many times. You will be missed.
Tammy L
October 14, 2019
Was so pleased to have exchanged family history information with Hal. Wish I had gotten to know him better. Hope he's up there right now, swapping tales about naval exploits with our Great Grandpa Albert Stevens Brass.
Sandy Brass Jenkins
September 27, 2018
Was so pleased to have exchanged family history information with Hal. Wish I had gotten to know him better. Hope he's up there right now, swapping tales about naval exploits with our Great Grandpa Albert Stevens Brass.
Sandy Brass Jenkins
September 27, 2018
Was so pleased to have exchanged family history information with Hal. Wish I had gotten to know him better. Hope he's up there right now, swapping tales about naval exploits with our Great Grandpa Albert Stevens Brass.
Sandy Brass Jenkins
Family
September 27, 2018
I'm so sorry for your loss. May you receive strength and comfort from God. "He will make you firm, He will make you strong, He will firmly ground you". 1Peter 5:10
September 24, 2018
May God's word at Psalms 9:9 bring you much peace and comfort at this most sad time.
September 23, 2018
Thank you for being such a wonderful member at our meeting at the Lighthouse. We miss you.
September 19, 2018
I worked for Hal for several years, I remember what a success the 2 for 1 nite was.
Hal was a tough boss and paid close attention to details. He was always thinking of ways to improve his business and to keep the quality of food top notch. All of these things made Poor Richards a place where people returned every week and enjoyed great food and friendships.
I appreciated working and learning at Poor Richards, Thankyou Hal!
Rest In Peace
Sincerely, Sandy( Birkes ) Shuler
September 19, 2018
Some of my best times were the years I spent and the friends ("family") that I made working at Poor Richards. Hal was the best boss and later on, when I got to know him, a good friend. He was truly a "One of a Kind" guy! He will be fondly remembered by so so many. Great memories!
Debbie Short-Redmon
September 18, 2018
Some of my best times were the years I spent and the friends, "family" that I made at Poor Richards. Hal was at the center of all that. He was the best boss and later on, (once I got to know him) a good friend too! He was truly "One of a Kind" He will definetly be remembered by so so many!
September 18, 2018
So sorry for your loss.May you receive strength and comfort from God. "He will make you firm,He will make you strong, He will firmly ground you". 1Peter 5:10
September 18, 2018
September 17 2018
The best boss and mentor a gal could have. Sweet dreams my dear. With love.....Emily
Emily Terry
September 17, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
September 17, 2018
my first day in Portland I stayed at john
goss's motel 'city center'. he said best
steak in town was at R R's right across sandy
blvd. also cute bar. so there I went--for
45 years I met hal and stan and decided to
move my home,office and life to the Hollywood
distrist .i'll sure miss you old friend.and
all the good times.
bob hartman
September 17, 2018
bob hartman
September 17, 2018
bob hartman
September 17, 2018
When we were kids in the late 60's, Hal used to come over around Christmas and give us gifts. He wasn't much for buying/wrapping....so he'd get those cards with a cut-out for a presidential dollar....except he'd put in a $20! (more than $100 in today's value). Anyway, Christmas and Hal were good times around our house.
Scott Golden
September 16, 2018
I called you ten years after I left PR's, to tell you that you are the best boss I've ever had. You were tough, but so fair. I have come to appreciate your no BS system.
Laurie Kramer-Beaudoin
September 16, 2018
Farewell my Friend.
Don & Unni Foster
Sun Lakes, Arizona
September 15, 2018
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
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Sep
19
11:00 a.m.
Ross Hollywood Chapel & Killingsworth St Johns Lombard Chapel of The Chime4733 NE Thompson St, Portland, OR 972131999
Funeral services provided by:
Ross Hollywood Chapel & Killingsworth St Johns Lombard Chapel of The Chime4733 NE Thompson St, Portland, OR 972131999
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