Obituary for Alan Hanley Bulman
In Loving Memory of Alan Hanley Bulman (1926-2023)
With heavy hearts, we mourn the loss of our dad, Alan. Lovingly known to his four grandchildren as ‘Tapa’.
Born in 1926 to proud Scottish parents Jane & Joseph Bulman who were stationed in Famagusta, Cyprus to manage the completion of the railway. He was the 2nd of 4 children (pre-deceased by siblings: Joseph, Jean and Alastair). He moved from Cyprus to Glasgow, Scotland at the age of 5 to start his lifelong journey of learning. He wandered through Scotland and England, biking and climbing in his youth, joining the British Navy in the final years of WWII.
Moving to Toronto in his early 40s, Alan met Evelyn, the love of his life. Trading in one passion for the other, Alan sold his mahogany sailboat to pay for Evelyn's engagement ring - and the rest is history. Fate dealt a sorrowful hand, as Evelyn predeceased him, leaving behind cherished memories of a life too short, but well-lived together.
Alan's heart and soul were dedicated to his two children, David and Pamela. He bestowed upon them the gift of unconditional love, his love of the CBC and a curiosity for history and travel. He did a remarkable job helping his then 16 & 20 year old children navigate life's choices following Evelyn's passing.
Alan was an entrepreneur through and through. From his early days in photography through running a photo finishing business in Toronto - Colour Prints – he thrived in charting his own path and being his own boss.
He was immensely proud of the 4 grandchildren he leaves behind: Maclaren(19), Mason(18), Russell(15) and Kaiya(11) who loved him dearly. His interests live on through them as they share in his interests and passions: photography, sailing, hands-on learning, classical music and entrepreneurial spirit.
His later years were spent in West Vancouver close to family. He treasured his views of the ocean and beautiful sunsets. As his mobility waned, he received tremendous care from the team at the Manor and ultimately LionsGate Hospital and the NorthShore Hospice. We are so fortunate for the amazing team of doctors, nurses and caregivers who helped him comfortably through the final stages of his journey.
In lieu of flowers or donations, at Alan's wishes, please 'have a wee cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit with someone you love’. When asked each Birthday and Christmas what was on his wish list, he always said, “All I want is the gift of your time”.
Rest in peace, Tapa. Your spirit, loving smile and appreciation for all things Scottish will forever live in our hearts.
With heavy hearts, we mourn the loss of our dad, Alan. Lovingly known to his four grandchildren as ‘Tapa’.
Born in 1926 to proud Scottish parents Jane & Joseph Bulman who were stationed in Famagusta, Cyprus to manage the completion of the railway. He was the 2nd of 4 children (pre-deceased by siblings: Joseph, Jean and Alastair). He moved from Cyprus to Glasgow, Scotland at the age of 5 to start his lifelong journey of learning. He wandered through Scotland and England, biking and climbing in his youth, joining the British Navy in the final years of WWII.
Moving to Toronto in his early 40s, Alan met Evelyn, the love of his life. Trading in one passion for the other, Alan sold his mahogany sailboat to pay for Evelyn's engagement ring - and the rest is history. Fate dealt a sorrowful hand, as Evelyn predeceased him, leaving behind cherished memories of a life too short, but well-lived together.
Alan's heart and soul were dedicated to his two children, David and Pamela. He bestowed upon them the gift of unconditional love, his love of the CBC and a curiosity for history and travel. He did a remarkable job helping his then 16 & 20 year old children navigate life's choices following Evelyn's passing.
Alan was an entrepreneur through and through. From his early days in photography through running a photo finishing business in Toronto - Colour Prints – he thrived in charting his own path and being his own boss.
He was immensely proud of the 4 grandchildren he leaves behind: Maclaren(19), Mason(18), Russell(15) and Kaiya(11) who loved him dearly. His interests live on through them as they share in his interests and passions: photography, sailing, hands-on learning, classical music and entrepreneurial spirit.
His later years were spent in West Vancouver close to family. He treasured his views of the ocean and beautiful sunsets. As his mobility waned, he received tremendous care from the team at the Manor and ultimately LionsGate Hospital and the NorthShore Hospice. We are so fortunate for the amazing team of doctors, nurses and caregivers who helped him comfortably through the final stages of his journey.
In lieu of flowers or donations, at Alan's wishes, please 'have a wee cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit with someone you love’. When asked each Birthday and Christmas what was on his wish list, he always said, “All I want is the gift of your time”.
Rest in peace, Tapa. Your spirit, loving smile and appreciation for all things Scottish will forever live in our hearts.