James Barrie CULLEN

JAMES BARRIE CULLEN It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of James Barrie Cullen. Jim was born in Toronto on September 9, 1939, the middle child of three brothers. His mother, nurse Helen MacMurchy, and father, Dr. William G. Cullen, divorced when Jim was very young. The three brothers were raised by Helen in Acton, Ontario, and later in nearby Guelph. Jim was a bright student, excelling in all academic subjects. He gave the valedictorian address to his graduating class, and participated in sports and music. He was always proud of his grade one report card, which listed straight A's in maths, reading and writing, and a C in conduct. Following in his parents footsteps, Jim took an interest in medicine, and in 1957, he hitchhiked to Toronto to begin medical school at the University of Toronto. Jim graduated with the class of 1963, many of whom remained lasting friends. During his university years, Jim spent his summers working at the Château Lake Louise, both as doorman and bellman. On his days off, he would climb the surrounding peaks. Jim completed further medical training in London, UK, at various hospitals, including the Royal London and Bethnal Green Hospital. Living in the East End, he met trainee nurse and his future wife, Betty Langridge, at a friend's party. They were married in Hackney in 1966. Jim and Betty moved between London and Toronto before finally settling in Toronto in the 1970s, where they raised their three children, Clare, Andrew and Sarah. Throughout his long career, Jim cycled to work everyday, no matter the weather. From 1970 to 1997, Jim worked as a pathologist at the Toronto General Hospital, where he became Department Head and Professor. During cuts to healthcare in Ontario in the 1990s, Jim was tasked with restructuring the department. Rather than laying off colleagues, Jim took the bold move of making himself redundant in order to save the jobs of others. Jim's reputation as pathologist and leader travelled west, and soon he was invited to head the pathology department at the Vancouver General Hospital. Jim, Betty and their menagerie of pets spent five years there, until forced retirement at 65 brought them back to Toronto. He continued to practise as a pathologist at various Toronto hospitals until well into his 70s. After the death of his beloved wife, Betty, in 2019, Jim went back to Vancouver, where he spent the last years of his life. His family would like to express thanks to all the staff at his homes over the last four years, with special gratitude to the team at South Granville Park Lodge and VGH. Our Dad was always so thankful for their assistance, fully understanding the value of care work and nursing. Jim was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2019, and died of related causes. Jim loved to teach and won awards for his teaching. Accessible education for all was very important to him. He was the recipient of financial aid bursaries and scholarships himself. Before Jim's death, at his request, a scholarship was set up for an indigenous medical student at University of Toronto. Please consider making a donation to this fund in Jim's name. Jim leaves behind his brother, Don (Marie-Therese); his children, Clare (Michael), Andrew (Simone) and Sarah (Simon); and four grandchildren, Zoë, Aaron, Vita and Kit. Jim's older brother, David, passed away in 2022. Although we miss him terribly, our gratitude for and admiration of him will stay with us forever. He was a selfless and caring father, colleague, husband and friend. Jim's ashes will join Betty's at the Necropolis in Toronto, on Pender Island, BC, and will be taken to the Rockies, a place he loved and shared with his children. When at home, Jim was often found snoozing in his favourite chair or reading the paper - often the obituaries. If you are reading this, Dad, a beer will be left for you in your secret spot at the back of Lake Louise. When you come down from the mountain, it will be waiting for you. We will raise a glass to Jim at a Celebration of Life to be held at a later date. James Cullen Award for Indigenous Medical Students, Temerty Faculty of Medicine Office of Advancement, Attn: Elizabeth Fragnelli 6 Queen's Park Cres. West, Toronto, ON M5S 3H2, (416) 978-1221.