Robert William Tull

Bob Tull, born Robert William Tull on March 15, 1937, went to his eternal home on December 24, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Judy; daughters Linda (Stephane) and Paula (David); stepdaughter Krista (C.T.); and stepson Brian (Heather). He is also survived by five grandchildren, Antoine, Laura, Camille, Andrew and Nathan, and four stepgrandchildren, Julia, Matthew, Ethan and Avery; two brothers, Paul (Sylvia) and John (Jan); stepsister Linda; and nieces and nephews.

Bob attended high school at Mercersburg Academy, where he played on the JV soccer team. He was a Marshall Debator and a member of The Fifteen debating club and was also a member of the Cum Laude Society. He attended Princeton University on a Navy scholarship. He was a member of the Quadrangle eating club and he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering. After college, Bob served as a communications officer in the US Navy, achieving the rank of lieutenant. He subsequently attended the University of Denver College of Law, where he was chosen as a member of the Order of St. Ives. He graduated Cum Laude.

Bob Tull was a stickler for detail, and not overly tolerant of anything less than perfection in himself and sometimes in others. Still, he had a wry sense of humor, and most times had a way of turning criticism into a positive life lesson. Whenever you asked him to do something, he could be counted on to do it and then some.

He was, above all, a loving and attentive husband. He and Judy had far more years together than either expected. While each had their separate identities, they did most things together. They traveled extensively and absorbed experiences jointly. He was lavish in his praise and encouragement of and gifts to Judy.

Secondly, he was a good father and stepfather. He loved all his children and stepchildren equally. Again, he was quick to encourage and slow to discourage whatever thing any of the kids wanted to do. He was supportive and ready to lend a hand. Further, as a grandfather, he was amazing. He doted on all his grandchildren, and watched them grow with surprise and wonder. He couldn’t wait until they reached the age when they could do things one-on-one.

Bob was unusual in this day and age, in that he remained with one career and company his entire working life. He was with the “Quiet Company,” Northwestern Mutual Life, and three times qualified for the Million Dollar Roundtable. He served his insurance clients conscientiously for more years than one could remember, long after the time when most people would have retired. He always held their best interests at the forefront, and if he could be accused of anything, it would be that he was more of a counselor than a salesman. Maybe too “Quiet.”

While living in Denver, Bob developed a love for cross-country skiing and would escape to the mountains with family or friends. He had an extensive collection of Native American pottery and artwork, the charm of which took him and Judy to New Mexico. He enjoyed meeting the artists and was invited to several feast day celebrations. Another passion then grew from his exposure to hot-air ballooning. At Balloon Fiesta, he would hang around a balloon crew and help until they realized that he knew what he was doing. He was invited to join the chase teams of several pilots that way.

Bob was the ultimate volunteer. He served on two homeowners association boards and was president of one. He was very active in the Breakfast Exchange Club. He served in many capacities in his church, including as an ordained elder.

Bob ran a booth at the People’s Fair to raise money for the American Cancer Society. He organized a state-wide bowl-a-thon fundraiser for Special Olympics and participated with the athletes by serving as timer at the Games.

Bob loved to fly fish almost the most of anything. He joined New Mexico Trout and shared his passion while teaching disabled veterans the sport.

It was in his industry association, however, that Bob really shone. He was a member of the National Association of Life Underwriters and its successor organization, the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, for over 40 years. He served continuously in one capacity or another on the local, state, or national level every year beginning in 1976. He served as president of both his local and state associations, and, when it came time to graciously become “Who’s Through,” he instead accepted the position of executive director of the state association.

He was honored with both the local Life Underwriter of the Year Award and the state’s Jack Berg Memorial Life Underwriter of the Year Award.  He was nominated by his state association for the C. Carney Smith Award of Excellence for association executives. He was also known as “PAC” Man, for his utter dedication to the advocacy process of the organization.

Above all, Bob will be remembered for his dedication to everything he undertook. He would like to know that in almost every situation he left an overwhelming majority better off for having known him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 PM on January 20, 2024, at Sandia Presbyterian Church in Albuquerque, NM.

Interment will be in the columbarium at Wellshire Presbyterian Church in Denver, CO in the Spring.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society.