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W. JOHN A. BULMAN
Date of Passing: Jun 15, 2023
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryW. JOHN A. BULMAN
Passed away peacefully on June 15, 2023, at his home in Brightwater Living, at the age of 94. John was born in Winnipeg, to Ruth (Antliff) and John N T Bulman, where he resided his entire adult life.
He is survived by his three sons and their families: Robert (Susan) who live in Kenora and their daughters, Carolyn (Nick Gilbert) and their children, Amelia and Willa of Auckland, New Zealand, and Anna and her partner Scott Tallon of Winnipeg; Michael in Winnipeg and his sons, Jacob (Mexico) and Torben (Briana McMeekin) and their son Leo in Winnipeg; and Philip (Elizabeth Bannister) and their daughter Julia in St. John's, Newfoundland. John is also survived by his sister Nancy and her husband Tony Stephens and their family in Toronto and Winnipeg.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 68 years, Laureen Joy (Tucker) in 2020, his parents and his sister Ruth Bondar of Edmonton.
In 1952 he married Laureen, and they lived 68 years together until her passing. They shared many special experiences over the years in working in the community, travelling and at their summer home on Lake of the Woods.
John was Past Chairman and President of The Bulman Group Limited - a family lithography and printing business with more than a century’s history and offices across Canada.
John was a tireless volunteer of University of Winnipeg for more than 50-years: he has participated on the Alumni Association Council; he was a member of the Board of Regents from 1967 to 1982, including a term as Chair; he was the University’s Chancellor from 1984 to 1996; and was Secretary of the University of Winnipeg Foundation Board of Directors, on which he served since its inception in 2003. A generous donor, John has supported many students through the John Bulman Collegiate Scholarship and the Chancellor W. John A. Bulman Scholarship.
An exemplary ambassador for the University and a beloved figure on campus, John was recognized as such with an Honorary Doctorate of Laws and the title of Chancellor Emeritus. For his unwavering commitment to The University and significant contributions to student life at University of Winnipeg, the University’s student facility, the Bulman Centre, also bears his name.
He was chairman of Wawanesa Mutual Insurance and a director of more than half a dozen other Canadian companies. He was on the business advisory panel of the Bank of Montreal, director of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, The Community Colleges Council and of the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation. He was also Chair of the Board of Governors of the Winnipeg Art Gallery and Chair of the Health Sciences Centre.
In the field of voluntary service, John has been president of the United Way of Winnipeg; President of the Manitoba Club; held several offices with Crescent Fort Rouge United Church. He was a volunteer board member with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and Chair of the Eckhardt-Gramatté Foundation.
He has received the Order of Canada as well as awards from the Manitoba Institute of Management, the Canadian Institute of Management, the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation, the University of Winnipeg, and the Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board. He is listed in Canadian Who's Who, and the Financial Post Director of Directors.
His last years at Brightwater Living were difficult ones as John continued to fight his prostate cancer and became less and less mobile but his close friendship with Geraldine Young as well as other friends and the staff made his last few years as enjoyable as possible.
To all who knew him, John was a force in the community and was a proud Winnipegger and Manitoban. He was generous with his time and would always be counted on when asked to assist to build a better community. He will be missed by all.
In accordance with John’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Crescent Fort Rouge United Church or the University of Winnipeg Foundation - W. John A Bulman Scholarship fund.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 24, 2023
Condolences & Memories (8 entries)
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John and my late husband, Cam Mackie, were 'church' friends. They shared many animated conversations, plotted the 'best moves' for the church's business, and solved the world's problems. John always had an informed view of the issues of the day; his positive, albeit studied positions, made it a pleasure to engage with him. Cam had great admiration for John. His contributions to church life - and to the community - will be missed but mostly the absence of his friendly, inclusive attitude will leave a hole in the fabric of Winnipeg life. - Posted by: Doris Mae Oulton (friend) on: Jul 26, 2023
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I am very sad to hear the passing of Uncle John. I remember him as a caring stern man. Always full of energy and constantly for ever working at the main cabin. Its been a long time since I have seen him, but as always a pleasant visit. I extend sincere condolances to the sons, grandkids etc. - Posted by: Chris Bondar (Nephew) on: Jul 16, 2023
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The first time I met John I was 13 years old and a friend of his eldest son, Robert. We were playing table hockey in the basement of the Bulman’s house. John was tromping down the stairs. I was at the bottom. I thought he was the tallest man I had ever seen. He boomed out “hello boys” in the happiest tone. He was always happy in the following 56 years when he became a father figure (after my father died at a young age) and later as a colleague and close friend. Happy and grateful. He was so accomplished, such a great and humble community leader. He got people to work together, to accomplish so much. And he always gave the credit to others. When asked John said the reason for his success was Laureen. They were a magnificent couple. It is the end of an era. - Posted by: Robert Gabor KC (Family friend) on: Jul 03, 2023
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An honour to have known and briefly worked with this gentleman in the past. - Posted by: marc desrosiers (friend) on: Jun 28, 2023
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I had the great fortune of befriending both John and Laureen. The moments spent visiting them, listening to their quick repartee, and observing the jovial banter between them that 60+ years of marriage engenders was heartwarming. I am so very thankful and grateful for their friendship. I’ll always remember John as the consummate gentleman. Laureen and John as a devoted couple who provided kindness and encouragement to so many. - Posted by: Kevin Trimbee (Friend) on: Jun 27, 2023
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John Bulman was one of the finest gentlemen it has been my pleasure to know. A truer friend of the University of Winnipeg one would be hard pressed to find. Thoughtful, genuine, kind, sincere, selfless, caring, humble - all these words come immediately to mind when John’s name is mentioned, and they are undoubtedly only partially descriptive of his many attributes. I remember telling my wife when I first met John in 2012 that this was a remarkable man and someone a person could only aspire to be like. Certainly my life was enhanced by having met him and worked with him in his tireless efforts on behalf of the University. - Posted by: Colin Morrison (General Counsel, University of Winnipeg) on: Jun 26, 2023
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John was an excellent friend of the University of Winnipeg where we worked together on various committees. He was both insightful and kind, always hearing out others. His advice and support were always appreciated. David Walker - Posted by: David Walker (Friend) on: Jun 26, 2023
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I had the honor of working with John both in the insurance industry and at the U of W. John always approached his tasks with positive energy, intelligence and a sense of purpose. He was a pleasure to work with. My condolences to the family. - Posted by: Carol-Ann Borody-Siemens (Business ) on: Jun 24, 2023
