Roger loved his 1992 Volvo. We bought it used in 1997, and he was not in favor, but our other much older Volvo needed retirement. He quickly fell madly in love with this car and that lasted the next 26 years (he was loyal and steadfast, never tumbling to the joys of a new Toyota or Suburu). For a few years it did catering duty for the Arbor Cafe (we drove it over the Coast Range with all the food for Anna and Steve’s wedding). It knew the way to the beach house by heart. It was an “art mobile” used to pick up and deliver a lot of art over the years. He drove himself to all 29 chemo therapies…chemo was hell but he loved to drive. He loved to crank open the moon roof and put a ragtime tape in the tape deck. Sometimes he’d wave to me out of the skylight as he took off. He delivered all 14 boxes of his archival material to the Pacific Northwest Art Archive at Willamette University.
The back was so big we could fit a fridge or a couch…and did. At the very end of his life he took to having it parked in front so he could look at it.
When I read “The Year of Magical Thinking” by Joan Didion years ago (she writing about the year following her husband’s death), I understood why she kept his shoes at the ready and his suits…so he’d have something to wear when he came back. But maybe not to the degree I now understand it. Roger’s suits and shoes are gone, but the Volvo has remained parked in front of the house…all ready for him. This week though, I got the registration renewal form and the parking permit renewal form and had to face reality. I’m still paying the insurance. Zach offered the car to a group of friends and it was snapped up for a teenage son…the exact fate of our first Volvo.
Yesterday I looked at it again before the “mobile detailer” (who knew there even was such a thing) came to clean it up. It departs today for Portland and the next chapter. It IS a pretty car.
And after the mobile detailing…WOW.
Goodbye old friend.
On The Way 
Oh Bonnie,
Just know I have been thinking of you and Roger. I so admired and do admire your lives and how you lived and continue to live them.
Legacy, you both have created, and love.
You two will forever be a part of my life story. And someday I hope we can meet up again and have that familiar and lovely girl talk…
My heart aches for you as it remembers its own loss. There really are no words to describe this time, but know I know and understand.
With much love and admiration,
Jane
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Jane. It is an odd time…a variety of goodbyes, of thankfulness for a life well lived and for the fun of the person himself…for his brain and for his heart. I know you know and am so lucky to have these intersecting circles with the lives of so many interesting and talented people. The artists of Oregon have given us a lot. xo. Bonnie
A beautiful story, Bonnie.
Christy
https://www.christywyckoff.com
Thanks Christy…many sad moments and many lovely ones, as you know so well. xo
Dear Bonnie,Thank you for sharing this wonderful memory. I am so sorry for your loss. What an incredible legacy Roger has left to Oregon and to his community.Best,Kathleen Stephenson
Thanks Kathleen. It’s easy to do good work when you love what you do, and he really did love his work. Most importantly was leaving a published body of work about Oregon artists in an era where it isn’t profitable to publish such things, so nobody does. Nice to here your “voice”.
I understand the love of a car. My 2000 gold Accord will be heading across the mountains when the passes are clear of snow to my niece’s teenage grandsons. I fear for its future, but my knees are too painful to get in and out of it and deal with standard transmission, and it is silly to be registering and insuring it to just sit in the garage. It has been a great car. Name is Blondie 2. Blondie 1 was the first car my Mom and Aunt Linnea owned whe they were in their 20’s.
It’s great to have your blog back, Bonnie!
Thanks Linnea. The car “fit” Roger in oh so many ways…but though I appreciate its beauty, give me my Suburu any day! I feel slightly gullty, calmed by the notion that Roger was a practical person and if our places were reversed he wouldn’t have hesitated to get rid of the Suburu!
A classic car for classic people! Although I never got to really know you and Roger I always admired your place in the community and most importantly your place in the art world. Your joyous line drawings and colors brought a smile to the canvas. There is no victory over life but life can conquer, the victory goes to those who have lived life and loved it.
Thank you Larry for such nice words. We DID love our lives, and it is fun to remember parts of it. The best parts…love to you and Leslie.
This is such a lovely tribute to your Volvo and the time that you and Roger spent in it. Thank you for reminding me about that Joan Didion book. It’s an incredibly powerful emotional book that I should read again. Love, Judy
Hi Judy….I think I’ll re=read it too! I think Roger thought of the Volvo as if it was his pet! xo
I love that maybe he thought of it as his pet. My girls have always named their cars .
He was the kind of person that would never name a car…but you’re right, it was his pet.
In the tiny den in Jeff’s and my new condo I have a picture of Roger on the wall right in front of me, and two others alongside my bookshelf. I also have a little plate he gave me—maybe sixty years ago—beside my computer (overflowing with paperclips and rubber bands). I take comfort in having him near.
In my dining room I have the two exquisite placemats you mdae me, Bonnie (items I would grab, right after the pets, if the house caught fire). In my bedroom I have a picture you painted—and even a toy plstic truck that Sydney gave me six years ago when I had dinner at his house.
So, the Bonnie-and Roger Hulls suffuse my small dwelling, treasured momentoes that keep me connected to people I love.
Lisa
I love you Lisa
Enjoyed the Love story! It’s funny how one can become attached to a vehicle. The John deer tractor that we’ve had for over twenty years is a favorite of mine. It’s my gardening friend.
Beautifully told. Nice to see you back On The Way.
I hope they send a postcard to let you know how this old friend does in her new home.
Thank you Doug. I’ve forgotten that I like blogging.
I am so very sorry about your loss of your wonderful husband. I am glad your children and the Grands are close by for you.
Take care and make quilrs and art.
Shirley
Beautiful tribute Bonnie
Thanks Marie