Fayne Bullen (95) born February 11, 1929 in Grenada to Robert Bullen and Alexandrina Thomas passed away today after a long and fantastic life filled with laughter, travel and foremost love of family and friends. Fayne married Vera Gaffney in 1961(d 1997). They had four children together. Selina Lochead (Bob), Terry (Cory Hoch), Trevor (Jenn Beath) and Tim (Cathy O’Toole). He was so proud of his grandchildren – Caitlin (Nate) and great grandson George, Nicola (Tom), Aidan (Annie), Dexter (Madeline), Liam, Quintin (Ryan), Amber, Erika (Mikey), Elisa and step grandchildren Natasha (Elllis) and Rhyen. In 1999, he married Catherine Serenyi (d.2022) and they continued to travel and to host friends and family in their welcoming home.
He loved to learn and became an honorary member of the Grenada Boys School boys’ group even though there wasn’t money for him to attend. His boundless quest for education had him working in oil fields in Curaçao and mining in New Brunswick to make his university dreams a reality. He attended Mount Allison University for his undergrad, Queens’ University for his master’s degree and then London School of Economics for his training in Foreign Service.
He served in the foreign service in Mexico and Trinidad and then emigrated to Canada in 1962 when Trinidad gained independence from Britain. This was when his teaching career began. The family moved to Orillia in 1965 where he taught at Park Street CI until retirement. Along with teaching, he was incredibly active in community and political life. He ran for the NDP, was on Orillia city council for two terms, and initiated many changes for the betterment of Orillians i.e. The Community Legal Services clinic, the Sharing Place food bank, St. James Non Profit Housing. He served on the boards of the Orillia Community Non-Profit Housing Corporation, the Orillia Historical Society and OMAH. He, with the Champlain Seniors Group, initiated and volunteered at the breakfast club programme in Orillia schools. Additionally, he was a warden at St. James Anglican Church and donated generously to Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital and the Salvation Army. Along with a group of retired teachers, he travelled to Guatemala where they established Paso por Paso providing micro loans, supported schooling and safe water. Being awarded the Order of Orillia and having the tenant lounge named for him at the new West Street housing development meant the world to him.
He loved his family, friends and community and always remembered students that he taught so many years ago. You could regularly find him volunteering at tag days and attending the Mariposa Folk Festival until last year sharing stories and greeting friends. We will miss his big laugh and his Rum Punch.
Celebration of Life at Hawkridge Golf Course on Sunday September 22nd. Details to follow.
Arrangements entrusted to the Carson Funeral Homes L. Doolittle Chapel 54 Coldwater St. E., Orillia (705) 326-3595.
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Beulah Lennox
Aug 25, 2024
My sincere condolences to you. Mr. Bullen was my History teacher at PSCI. He was a top notch teacher, so kind and thoughtful and placed me right at the front of the classroom due to my severe hearing impairment, I was extremely grateful. May he rest in peace. Beulah Wilson
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Andrew Fyfe
Aug 22, 2024
My condolences' to the family. i appreciated Fayne's constant efforts to support those who were.t well-off. After we had both moved on from the City, whenever we crossed paths, he always had a warm smile and hearty welcome.
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Mike McParland
Aug 21, 2024
Selina, Terry, Trevor and Tim, so sorry for your loss. Please accept our condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. Mike and Margie McParland.
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Nathan and Pamela Wilson, Tanzania
Aug 20, 2024
I would like to express my sadness at hearing of the loss of my Uncle Fayne. Though met rarely he was very kind and thoughtful. My mother, his sister Audlyn, always spoke so fondly of her big brother. My wife Pamela joins me in sending condolences to Terry, Selina, Trevor and Tim and their families.
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Douglas Hoch and Pamela Bennett-Hoch
Aug 20, 2024
Our condolences to Fayne’s family. We both were sorry to hear of his death. We hope his strong legacy provides some comfort to everyone he loved and as well as those who loved him.
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Shoppers Drug Mart Front Street
Aug 19, 2024
It is with a broken heart we are writing this. We have been lucky to have Fayne in our lives over the years. Fayne has taught us so many things and his life and family has been truly inspiring. We will miss Fayne dearly and will keep his memories close to our hearts. Thank-you for blessing us with having Fayne in our lives over the years. Prayers and blessings for the family. We are here for you always.
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Kelly (Asselstine) Gillis
Aug 19, 2024
What a great picture as that is exactly how I remember him from PSCI days! RIP
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Wayne and Rachelle Bell
Aug 19, 2024
To Selena and Bob We are very sorry for your loss.I only met your Dad once but remember both of you speaking of him.
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Lucille & Gordon Broadbent
Aug 18, 2024
We are so sorry to hear of Fayne's passing. We have fond memories of him on his many visits to London. He was such a pivotal figure in our extended family. He leaves a great void. Our thoughts and sympathy go out to his immediate family.i
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Pauline Burns
Aug 17, 2024
Fayne was a force of nature for good. His contributions were extensive and a blessing to so many people. He was always so pleased to be able to help in any way, His Rum Punch was a big hit at several Cricket Parties and other celebrations. Bob and I were fortunate to be counted among his friends. My sincere condolences to all his family. I am so happy that I was able to meet with you at his being awarded the Order of Orillia. He was a very worthy candidate for such an honour. May knowing how much he was valued help you in your sorrow. Sincerely, Polly Burns
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Gord and Isabelle Launchbury
Aug 16, 2024
We are both so sorry to hear of Fayne's passing. He was a wonderful, caring person, who worked tirelessly for others. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this sad time.Gord and Isabelle Launchbury
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Heather Bertram
Aug 16, 2024
Terry, Cory and family, we are deeply saddened to hear about Fayne's passing. Our hearts go out to you.Aaron, Heather and family
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Donald Wilcox
Aug 16, 2024
Deepest thoughts and prayers offered from here in Collingwood. Many tks we had about sports and politics when I was with the Packet and Times, A good man and a better friend. RIP. Donald Wilcox.
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Heather M. Stanton
Aug 16, 2024
Mr. Bullen was my grade 9 History home room teacher at Park Street in 1976. He made each morning a happy one. He will be remembered fondly.
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Sydney and Debra Scott of Calgary
Aug 16, 2024
We are saddened by the news Fayne passed away and wish to extend our sincerest condolences to Fayne's family from David and Omega Scott of Calgary and their sons Sydney and Keith.
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Sara (Burns) & Jeff Kennedy
Aug 15, 2024
I am sorry to hear of your father's passing. He definitely lived a full and impactful life. His legacy will continue through you his children and grandchildren and through his many continuing community services. A loving man with a great smile. My thoughts are with you all.
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Rob Whitehead
Aug 15, 2024
Passing along sincere co doneness to the Bullen family, from the entire Whitehead family. All 4 Whitehead siblings attended PSCI, while Mr. Bullen was teaching their.and we all remeber him fondly.Rob, Kim, Kara amd Dawn Whitehead
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tamara ironside (ironside e motors) business
Aug 14, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of this wonderful mans passing as i loved having him as my landlord at 12 colborne st orillia to one of our best customers at our store in orillia you will be greatly missed by all
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Bernadette (Naughton)Patterson
Aug 14, 2024
My deepest condolences to Mr Bullens family . He could only be mister Bullen out of absolute respect for the teacher and Special person he was . Always took time to stop and speak to me Although he always called me Bernie ( not many got away with that. He will be missed.
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Nadine Munro
Aug 14, 2024
His laugh, his smile, his kindness and interesting classes are what I remember when I think of Fayne Bullen. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Condolences to the family.
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Jodie Wilson
Aug 14, 2024
To the Bullen family I extend my deepest condolences. I had the pleasure of working as Admin Assistant to Mayor and Council when Fayne was on Council. He was a lovely man and truly cared about his community. He proudly boasted of his family and was very proud of each and every one of you. May be rest in peace!
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Mary Lou Amos
Aug 14, 2024
Park Street staff has lost one of the great ones. So sorry. Rest well, my friend
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Doug Lewis
Aug 14, 2024
I remember Fayne as a tremendous contributor to the Orillia Community, the NDP party and as a competitor. He was a fine example for all in every area. His contribution will be remembered fondly by all.Doug Lewis
