It is with great sadness we, the family, share the passing of our brother Michael Christopher (Mike) Cullen. He passed peacefully in his sleep at home on Monday July 8th, 2024 at the age of 64.
He was the spouse of the late Wendy Dower who passed on July 16, 2023.
Born and raised in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador, Newfoundland, he was the son of the late Francis Cullen and late Elizabeth Cullen (Ponniuk). Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his younger brother, Danny.
He leaves behind his two stepchildren and one step-granddaughter in Ontario.
His in-laws Mr. and Mrs. Dower of Ontario.
Seven siblings: Patsy Sampson (Cliff) of Nova Scotia, Shirley Jamieson (Charlie) of Bathurst, Joey Cullen, Tony Cullen (Pattie), Cindy Cullen (Barry), Francis Cullen (Mildred) all of Happy Valley, NF., Jenny Cullen and Lorrain Onalik both of St. John’s, NF.
Several nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles and many friends.
Mike and Wendy lived many years in Ontario. They just celebrated 30 years together on July 6th, 2023. They met after Mike was in Toronto for less than four hours at the food court in the mall across from where he was living at the time. Theres a match for everyone they say, and they were inseparable since; love and connection at first sight.
Since August 2023 Mike lived with his sister Shirley and brother-in-law Charlie in East Bathurst. We were truly blessed to have had him for almost a year. Every morning Mike would take on the day, no matter what! He’d get up and show up. Mike was blessed with much in his life, he could tell you anything about rock ‘n roll music from the 70s & 80s. He knew record release dates and artist’s birthdays. He was a genius. He was interested in old trucks and cars but his dream was to own a Harley.
Walking was Mike’s medicine and a good time to meditate. People would wave he’d say, people he didn’t even know. Mike loved going for drives in my Malibu with the music blasting and sometimes using the dash for drums. “Simple Man” Lynard Skynard…that’s me, he’d say.
It was such a privilege to be there for our brother; he wasn’t hard to please. Tim Horton’s, bread and a good meal always followed by peanut butter bread. So humble and kind, Mike would give the shirt off his back. Going from East Bathurst Tim’s to West Bathurst Tim’s…he supported Tim Hortons A LOT! LOL He’d have a breakfast sandwich at Tim’s in West and Tim’s in East was his second home as it was close to home…Double Double Decaf…Thank you to the girls at both Tim Horton’s for all their kindness to Mike.
No dust collected under Mike’s feet. He loved to be by the water and spent a lot of time at the Promenade. Mike’s love for dogs and cats was stronger than himself. He always said “Hi” to all the fur babies he met on our travels. He ever started walking dogs for family, friends and neighbors’ dogs here in Rough Waters.
As per his wishes there will be no funeral service.
Donations in memory may be made to the PTSD Association of Canada.
“Miss me, but let me go...”
Until we meet again, fly high my brother.
Arrangements are in the care of Elhatton’s Funeral Home, Bathurst.
