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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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
