Hulen, Donald (Don)

71, passed away at his home in Glendale on February 15, 
2010, surrounded by his loving family and close friends. 
A courageous and benevolent man has left us, but has 
moved on to a better place. At age 17, he enlisted in the 
Navy and served 4 years active duty and 2 years Reserve. 
Following his honorable discharge, he hit the rodeo 
circuit, bareback and bull riding. In the late 1960s and 
early 70s, he represented the Labor Union, working 
closely with Cesar Chavez in the 'Grape Strikes' in 
Cochella Valley, CA. He produced the first US outdoor 
country music extravaganza in 1977, although Don said 
the event may have been a few years ahead of its time. In 
1993, Don co-founded the Arizona Council on 
Compulsive Gambling (AZCCG), tirelessly working for 
education, awareness, treatment and prevention of 
gambling addiction, and operating the crisis hotline. For 
his monumental efforts, he was honored in 2005 by the 
National Council on Problem Gambling as a Pioneer in 
the Field. Don was preceded in death by his parents, 
Thomas Hulen and Grace Ann Burkett; his wife Kathy; 
brother Lynne; and niece Tara. Don is survived by his 
loving wife, partner and best friend Tamara Hulen; 
children Melissa, Debbie, Tim, Donald, Summer and 
Rybenske (Rye); and numerous grandchildren. We 
remember him in the stories shared by his brothers, Tom, 
Ken and Stan. Services will be held Sunday, Feb. 21 at 3 
pm at Best Funeral Chapel, 501 E Dunlap Ave., Phoenix. In 
lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the nonprofit 
charity, AZCCG, at 2432 W Peoria Ave., Suite 1111, 
Phoenix, AZ 85029. 

Published in The Arizona Republic from February 19 to 
February 21, 2010