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Richard Pulley Obituary
November 25, 1932 – July 17, 2016
Captain Richard (Dick) Pulley completed his final departure peacefully on the afternoon of July 17, 2016, in the Acute Care for the Elderly (ACE) unit of the Brampton Civic Hospital, with his family at his side.
Richard's passion for aviation began at a very early age. He retired from Air Canada after 37 years of service and as the airline's second best dressed Boeing B747 Flight Instructor; Richard transcended the move from spark plugs to igniter plugs and back again. Following retirement Dick flew the Canadian Warplane Heritage's (CWH) Douglas DC-3 and the Avro Lancaster – leaving that organization's Flight Operations group just shy of his 80th birthday. He may well have been the world's oldest, living, qualified Lancaster pilot on record.
Richard will be sadly missed by his expansive network in aviation in Canada, from the CWH, to the Retired Airline Pilots' Association of Canada (RAPCAN), the Recreational Aircraft Association (RAA) and as a fixture at the Brampton Flying Club.
Richard was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Louise Pulley of Peterborough and the mother of his children, Barbara Joan Pulley (nee Tiffin).
By his side was his wife of 39 years, Colleen Pulley (nee Pardo), son and daughter, Chris and Lorrie, and son-in-law, Simon Baker. He will be fondly remembered by his grandson – Benjamin Baker, his flying and itinerant lunch buddy, Michele Pulley and his extended family members.
There will not be a funeral service as per his strict directive, however a Celebration of Life will be held at the Brampton Flying Club on Saturday, September 17, 2016.
Donations, if desired, may me made to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, or a charity of one's choice, in Richard's memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Pulley
12 Entries
Philip Townsend
November 29, 2025
My father, George Townsend and I went for a flight with Mr. Pulley on the Hamilton Heritage Museum Lancaster bomber on Father's Day, June 20, 2004. We had a wonderful flight and Richard was so gracious. My uncle F/O William Parmenas Cameron, Pilot, RCAF, 625 Squadron was killed on October 20, 1943 at the age of 20. It was very special fly in the Lancaster. I manage the 625 Squadron Website at: www.625squadron.com Clear skies Richard!
Mary Gainey
August 10, 2016
Sincere sympathy sent to Chris,Lorre and Colleen from Mary Gainey and my family. My memories began on James Street in Peterborough where Pop and Lou lived and loved. Summers were filled with sweet memotes that include Richard and his family, a cottage, cards..... Rest in peace Richard
Rob Kayser
July 30, 2016
Chris, Laurrie & Colleen, I was saddened to read about Richard's passing my condolences to you all. He was always very kind and generous to me and our James St family.
Rob Kayser
jim kayser
July 30, 2016
a great man ...missed by many......
How you can show support
Cathy Kayser
July 29, 2016
I'm so so sorry to hear of Richard's passing. I still remember when your dad would arrive at the cottage and it was like a movie star had just landed. My love and condolences to all.
July 21, 2016
So sad about the passing of one of the truly great guys you could hope to meet.
Dave DiMarco
July 21, 2016
Colleen and Pulley family:
My fondest memories of Richard are filled with skiing in Collingwood...our 'skicousi' days were filled with lots of laughter and 'shushing' down the mountain.
My sincere condolences, Patricia Penty
Dan Dwyer
July 20, 2016
Dick and friend Mike rented a small space in the warehouse of the lighting company I worked for in the early '80's. He and Mike were each building an airplane and were a really funny pair to hang around. I was only 17 years old at the time and even though more than 30 years have passed I still remember the answer to one question I asked him, "why are you building this plane?" Answer: "it's cheaper than divorce". Sadly I never took up building airplanes even though I was given sound advice!
July 20, 2016
Benjamin, you had a wonderful grandfather and I now know why you were always interested in airplanes and flying. Maybe some day you will follow in your grandfather's footsteps. Thinking of you at this time. Sincerely,
Mrs. Meadows
Irene Calo
July 20, 2016
Dear Lorrie and Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. I remember your father well, his steadfast kindness towards me as a child, and especially how much he loved you. My thoughts and prayers are with you,
For him, live for tomorrow.
Love Irene Calo
John Shannon
July 20, 2016
Colleen & the Pulley family, my condolences on Dick's passing.
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