Robert Cullen Obituary
CULLEN Robert Joseph Bob passed away on June 14, 2009 at home in West Vancouver in the arms of his loving wife Mona. They had been married for 65 years and lived life to the fullest together. Bob was born in Vancouver on June 18, 1919. He graduated from Vancouver College. While Bob was attending school, he delivered newspapers in Kitsilano. This job financed his love of sailing which he passed on to all his children and grand children. He raced Stars and Flatties on English Bay. In BC when you thought of diesel engines, Bob Cullen was likely one of the first names to come to mind. Bob started his career as a draftsman in the engine business at Vivian Diesel and Munitions. Bob worked his way up through the organization selling Vivian Diesels to fishermen up and down the coast of BC. From there he moved to Hoffar's Limited in 1954 and worked his way up through the company till he became Vice-President. Shortly thereafter in 1974, he purchased the company and renamed it Cullen Detroit Diesel Allison Ltd. He built the company to the point where it had presence across Canada and in Hawaii. Bob and Mona spent the winters at their house in Maui and summers boating on the BC Coast. Bob was an active member of Royal Vancouver Yacht Club. Bob also enjoyed his time on the golf course at Capilano Golf and Country Club. As any good Irish Catholic, Bob leaves behind a large loving family. Survived by his children: Penny (Fred), Allan (Gill), Bill (Julie), Doug (Sandy), John (Liz), Gerry (Suzanne). 16 grandchildren: David (Natasha), Debbie (Harvey), Brian (Cindy), Ginny (Jeremy), Rob (Dan), Liz , Laura, Tricia (Dave), Ryan, Chris, Tina (Brent), Sarah (Chris), Jamie, Chelsea, Sophie, and Jake. 11 great-grandchildren - Matthew, Ethan, and David, Annika , Alex and Chloe, Kaden, Keira, and Kate, Hope and Holly. Service to be held at Christ The Redeemer Church, 599 Keith Road, West Vancouver on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of Flowers, a donation made to the BC Cancer Foundation, in memory of Bob Cullen, would be appreciated.
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6 Entries
robin ritchie
June 26, 2009
My deepest sympathy to friends and family.
Sandy and Doug have been such good friends to my family.
Aloha Oe
robin
Al & Betty McFadden
June 22, 2009
It is with great sorrow we hear of Bob's passing. A mentor, a boss, an associate and hopefully a friend. I started as an apprentice with Hoffars in 1964 and moved on in 1969 but always held Bob in the highest regard and valued his council and our business relationship over the years.
Betty and I offer our condolences to Mona and the family.
Ivan and Pat Johnston
June 21, 2009
June 21,2009
We are very sorry to hear of Mr. Cullen's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Bob McLellan
June 20, 2009
I have always been proud to tell people that I have a godfather and who he is, he is my uncle Bob. Uncle Bob always had words of encouragement and wisdom for me. Once I asked him which charities I should give to his reply was to find one charity that is close to your heart and support just that one to my fullest ability. I still try to practice that some thirty some years later. I will remember you always.
Love Bob McLellan
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June 20, 2009
Our thoughts are with the entire Cullen Clan. Bob was truly one of the good quys and we always enjoyed it when our paths crossed from time to time on the water.
Bruce and Pam Cline
June 19, 2009
My condolences to the Cullen family. I worked for Cullen Detroit Diesel (Al Cullen) back in the early 1990's and your Dad was always friendly and pleasant when he came into the office. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Judy Zimmermann (Enger)
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