June 21, 1963 – August 31, 2024    

John Sterling Hull, age 61, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 31, 2024, in his hometown of Kamloops, British Columbia, following a five-year battle with cancer. 

John was born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania to Robert H. Hull and Sarah B. Hull on June 21, 1963. He is survived by brother Dr. Robert B. Hull (Gudrun), sisters Julianne H. Elicker (John) and Sarah E. Hull. He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Nancy Hull. Affectionately known as Uncle Dude, he had eight nieces and nephews and 11 grand nieces and nephews. 

John received his B.A. from Williams College in Massachusetts, M.L.A./M.U.P. from the University of Michigan and Ph.D. from McGill University. From a young age, he was always outdoors, wandering the woods behind their home in Malvern, Pennsylvania, fascinated by the stream filled with fish and trees alive with nesting birds. He was passionate about environmental responsibility and sustainable tourism and felt grateful to be able to pursue and share his passion around the world throughout his career. He was an Associate Professor in tourism management at Thompson Rivers University, B.C., Canada from 2011 to the present and was a visiting professor globally for the last 20 years. One of his proudest accomplishments was the research trip abroad to Castello Sonnino in Italy, providing students the opportunity to explore wine and culinary tourism. John served on the Board of Trustees for the Beverly-MA based School for Field Studies, inspiring global environmental stewardship. Prior to becoming a professor, he had his own consulting company, John S. Hull Associates, Inc., focused on cultural heritage and the stewardship of natural resources. Earlier in his career, John lived in New Zealand for three years as an Associate Director and Senior Lecturer at the New Zealand Tourism Research Institute. Prior to that, he was a partner at Intervale Associates in Canada, working with the Quebec Labrador Foundation. 

John’s research interests included the planning and management of sustainable tourism in the context of mountain tourism, adventure tourism, festivals/events and spa/wellness. He had multiple publications and professional affiliations including membership to the International Competence Network for Tourism Research and Education, B.C. Minister of Tourism Engagement Council and European Master’s in Tourism Management in Spain. 

John loved hiking, skiing, biking, gardening, birding, reading, art and local culinary culture. He has called many places home over the years, making friends across the globe. He was a tremendous resource for those in his life, providing invaluable personal and professional guidance, genuine companionship and interesting travel ideas. 

Relationships meant everything to John. He had a gentleness and fondness for his surroundings, whether they were remote mountains alight with birds or cultural centers filled with any number of strangers who might soon be good friends. Those who knew him have described him as kind, humble, loyal and always welcoming, often sharing meals featuring culinary delights from his travels. His stories of people, adventures and experiences were remarkable and unique, and his pictures spectacular. He was devoted to his family and beloved for his gratitude, kindness and care for others. He was a seeker and deep thinker who embraced life and explored the world, often finding connections and experiences far from the beaten path. John has left this legacy for his students, colleagues, friends, and family to do the same. 

A service will be held in Kamloops, B.C. in November. John’s ashes will be interned at his sister Nancy’s gravesite in Richmond, Massachusetts. The locations, dates and times for services and burial will be included on The Schoening Funeral Service website. 

John’s wishes for Donations: 

The Nature Conservancy of Canada 

1501-365 Bloor St. East 

Toronto, Ontario 

M4W3L4 

Fire Restoration Fund at Kamloops United Church 

www.kuc.breezecms.com/give/online 

or via e-transfer to 

accounts@kamloopsunited.ca using password FIRE2024 

You may offer a message of condolence at Schoening Funeral Services for the Hull family. 

• Date : 2024-08-31
• Location : Kamloops