Daughter Linda Bullock called her father Ray Bullock “a very charismatic” man.
Second World War veteran Ray died just before Christmas on Dec. 17, 2018 at the age of 94.
“He had a smile and a genuine liking of people,” said Linda. “He enjoyed fun and games. He liked to be out and about. He was a fun guy to be with.”
“He’s a real gentleman,” added Wes Everitt, the Sargeant at Arms for the Chemainus Legion Branch 191 colour party that included Bullock.
In fact, he was just involved with the colour party in full regalia under Everitt’s direction during a Chemainus United Church parade and Chemainus cemetery parade in advance of Remembrance Day in November.
Everitt said he just saw Bullock on the Friday before he passed away.
Linda said while her father’s death was rather sudden, his age and some contributing health issues were factors.
Linda said her dad spoke very little about the war, but he often told one particular story where he narrowly escaped death at the age of 18.
Ray was born in England and served in the British Army’s Grenadier Guards from 1943-‘47. Post Second World War, he served with the Metropolitan Police in London.
Ray and family immigrated to Canada in 1953, settling first in Montreal and Valcartier, Quebec and later living in various other locations in Manitoba and Ontario. He was with the Canadian Forces Military Police and became an insurance salesman after leaving the military.
“He had a multitude of different jobs after that,” noted Linda. “Work brought him out here, moved their base out here.”
Ray was also a representative for an RV company and operated his own business as a boat broker.
“Mom and dad, they felt Vancouver Island was the best place in the world to live,” Linda pointed out. “He loved the trees. He was always going on about how glorious the trees were.”
The Bullocks settled in Cedar first after coming to B.C. and later lived in Ladysmith and Saltair, travelling extensively during Ray’s retirement years.
Ray and wife Kate were also actively involved in the Power Squadron. Kate died two years ago.
Ray was a proud veteran and will be missed by friends, family and comrades throughout Canada and the United Kingdom.
A remembrance and celebration of Ray’s life will be held sometime during the spring at the Chemainus Legion.
Ray is survived by daughter Linda, daughter Penny Ross, grandchildren Timothy White and Kevin White, and four great grandchildren.
