Mahone Bay, NS
February 28, 1937 - September 8, 2024
Dad was born in Croyden, Surrey, England to Florence (nee: Harwood) and Victor John Cullum. He lived there with his siblings, the late John (Dorothy) Cullum and the late Margaret (Barry) Purnell.
Dad grew up in London during WWII. His dad was abroad fighting with the British Army and dad and his family were evacuated to Blyton, Lincolnshire in Northern England.
Some of dad’s favorite youth memories were of his time he spent with the Boy Scouts.
Dad wanted to enlist in the British Army but his application was rejected. He then made the brave decision to immigrate to Canada and start a new life here. He boarded the ‘Empress of England’ that departed from Liverpool, UK and took him to Montreal, Quebec. From there, his Uncle Eric Harwood picked him up and got him settled in with employment and a warm place to stay.
Dad worked for Dingle Davidson in the warehouse. His boss, Harry Davis, took him under his wing and supported him in enrolling him in a correspondence course through U of T in Credit Management.
Dad continued to work for Dingle, which then merged with Staffordshire Potteries, in bookkeeping.
He met mum, Elsie (nee: Barrett), through scouting and her father (Fred Barrett). They were married a few years later and welcomed three children: David (Sue), Judy (Richard) and Joan (Rob).
Dad became a Canadian citizen on May 19, 1961.
Dad ran his own business “Custom Mug Enterprises” (with the help of son, David) for many years before retirement.
Dad loved photography, camping in the RV with mum, square dancing, helping raise their grandchildren: Eric (Ashley), Katelyn (Richie), Mitch, Courtney (Bryan), Ben, Will, Caroline and Callie (Andrew), and spending time laughing and joking with friends. Over the past few years he(and mum) adored the utter JOY that their great grandbabies offered them: Archie, Jaxon and Mick ...you were loved BIG TIME!
Dad also loved his birds, faithfully tending to them and feeding them for his lifetime. A third mortgage has been taken out to continue on his bird legacy ;)
Mum and dad were lifelong partners in everything they did....it seems, including death. Dad passed away just months after mum's death in April. Dad was diagnosed with a rare acute leukemia in July. He humbly accepted his fate and died, as per his wishes, in the comfort of his own home.
This could not have been accomplished without the incredible support of my husband Rob, my dear friend Karen, Andrea, the Hematologist team, Dr. Finnamore, the Palliative team (Melanie and Dr. Caldeira), VON nurses, the Paramedics through the Special Patient Program, Rev. Heather Ferrier and so many family and friends who offered extra support and love. THANK YOU
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Lunenburg Victorian Order of Nurses (von.ca Lunenburg Branch-Tribute Gifts) or to the “Birdseed Fund” (quite literally) at kizmetlou@gmail.com
Rest in Laughter, Dad
A service in honor of dad will be held at Trinity United Church in Mahone Bay on September 28, 2024
Service at 11am with reception in church hall to follow. All welcome.
Burial of mum and dad’s ashes and a celebration of life will happen in Ontario in May or June of 2025.
Comments