Hadlai A. Hull

Hadlai A. Hull, 97 of Wayzata, passed peacefully on August 12, 2011.

Born in New London, CT on May 30, 1914, Hadlai graduated from Yale University and later Yale Law School. Following law school, he was hired by the Sullivan & Cromwell Law Firm in New York and, two years later, was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy at the start of WWII.

Serving five years overseas, Hadlai rose to the rank of Commander overseeing a series of destroyer escorts including the Solar, Tomichand Burdo.

Following his military service, Hadlai moved with family to Minneapolis and was employed by the Minnesota and Ontario Paper Company as treasurer. In 1956, he was hired by the Dayton Company (currently Target) where he was promoted to Chief Financial Officer over a career spanning 15 years.

In 1971, he accepted a government position as Assistant Secretary of the Army and moved to Washington DC, the family home for the next 30 years. Following a five year stint with the U.S. Defense Department, Hadlai dedicated his time to the Nature Conservancy and later co-founded its spinoff, the Conservation Fund.

Hadlai served on several community service boards, including Minneapolis Institute of Arts, United Way, Blake School, Yale Alumni, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Woodhill Country Club and Wayzata Community Church.

Hadlai is survived by his wife of 72 years, Anne Dalrymple Hull, sons; Tex (Susan), John and Tom; grandchildren, Clifton (Melissa), Kathryn Meek (JB), Chase and Andrea, and great- grandchildren, Alexandra and Darien. He will be remembered and missed by all.

Service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 22, at the Wayzata Community Church Chapel, 125 E. Wayzata Boulevard in Wayzata. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Conservation Fund, 1655 North Ft. Myer Drive, Suite 1300, Arlington, VA 22209 or to Wayzata Community Church.