Jack Hulbert

Jack Hulbert was born November 11, 1947 and passed away at home on May 10, 2023.

Jack Hulbert was born in San Francisco and has lived in Santa Barbara since 1959 when he was 12 years old and his family moved to La Conchita. There, Jack fostered his love of the sea and learned how to surf. Surfing was a happy core of his life throughout his life and he surfed in La Conchita, Rincon, Carpinteria, the Santa Barbara Islands and occasional surf trips to Mexico. All of the kids he grew up with in La Conchita have remained lifetime friends. His long-time surfer buddies knew him as “Dickey-Di.”

In 1968 Jack met Santa Barbara native Gloria Dominguez, the love of his life, and the feeling was mutual. They met on Mountain Drive, where auburn-haired Gloria lived, when Jack went to see an available room there. It was love at first sight, Gloria captivated by his sun-browned looks, sparkling hazel eyes, beautiful smile and laidback character. What wasn’t to like?

Also wonderful was that they shared in common Indian spiritual master Meher Baba. This was especially clear one day after Jack had moved in and folks were dining together, recounting their day’s doings. Jack mentioned that he had been to a Meher Baba meeting in Carpinteria. This was on the same day that Gloria had been to a Baba meeting in Santa Barbara and, at that, their sweet karma on meeting was cinched. They were wed in July 1968 and their daughter Shannon was born in August 1969 to complete their family.

Jack was a career independent general contractor throughout the Santa Barbara County. On Mountain Drive they shared a sweet life and a big garden and lived happily together there from 1974 until the Tea Fire in 2008.

Jack was extraordinarily kind, caring and loving. This is a common thread that runs through all the calls and cards concerning his passing. He loved life, surfing and people, often laughing with them and at himself.

Jack is survived by his devoted wife Gloria, their daughter Shannon Cherry and grandkids Aiden and Kayla, sister-in-law Mary Ortega, nieces and nephews Terry Ortega (Brian), Gabriel and Miranda, Kathy Ortega (Rod) and Mia Cetti. Thanks to Ridley-Tree Cancer Center and the Visiting Nurses Association for their care.

Jack’s smile and character were known by all. We feel the vacancy in the universe without him.

Jack now is riding the best wave ever and enjoying it all.

Jai Baba.

A celebration of life will be held in the Fall.