Dr. Dennis Charles Templeton Bullen
March 9, 1922 ~ November 17, 2002
Dennis died peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospital, in the presence of his wife Alice, his daughter Suzanne and long-time friend, David Carmichael.
Beloved husband of Alice, father of Celia, Denise (Rob), Brian (Lilli), Suzanne (Eric) and grandfather to Andrea (Daniel), Sam, Jerry (Tara), Ruby, Erin, John, Sean, Nicholas, Patrick, Miyasha, Luke, Calvin, Joel, Blake and Maria. Dennis is also survived by his nephews, Ian and Tim Bullen, their mother Beverly, and his cousins Charlie Bullen (Joan), Kaye Hansen (Dave), and Michael Templeton (Susan). He was predeceased by his brothers, Norman Bullen and Dr. Lester Bullen and his cousin, Elaine Howell.
Born in Vancouver, B.C., Dennis led a full and creative life. He was a navigator on a Lancaster bomber, surviving thirty-three operational flights over enemy territory. Mutual; admiration and skill bonded he and pilot Harvey Hewitson for life.
After the war, Dennis graduated from the University of Portland School of Dentistry and practiced children’s dentistry, with an additional degree from The University of Toronto in public health dentistry. He practiced in many communities and finally found “home” in Comox, where he retired in 1987. He and Alice raised four children and now have many beloved grandchildren.
Dennis’ interests included sailing, skiing, building and flying airplanes, boat-building, cycling, writing poetry, sketching, painting and reading extensively. He very much enjoyed the camaraderie and friendships associated with his long-term service with the Courtenay Kiwanis.
Dennis recently said, “I have done everything I could ever have imagined wanting to do.”
A Celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, November 23 at 1:00 PM at the Comox United Church, 250 Beach Drive, Comox, B.C., with Unitarian chaplain Linda Pesklevits officiating. Tea and refreshments to follow. For those who wish to do so, donations in Dennis’ memory to the charity of their choice would be appreciated.