Obituary of Raymond Alan Cullen

May 9, 1937 – August 17, 2024

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Raymond (Ray) Cullen, peacefully, at the age of 87 at Forest Hill Nursing Home in Ottawa on August 17, 2024, with his wife Mary at his side.

Ray is survived by his wife of 37 years, Mary (Anslow).  Previously he was married to Pat (McMechan) and is survived by her, by their children, Bob (Sandra), Bruce (Rebecca) and Susan (Rob), and by six grandchildren:  Bob and Sandra’s children Sydney (Rob) and Justin, Bruce’s children Lindsay and Sean (with former wife Michelle), and Susan and Rob’s children Andrew and Michael.  Bruce is also step-father to Rebecca’s children Millie and Hayden. 

Ray was born in Glenavon, Saskatchewan to parents Louis and Catherine (Mucha) Oleskiw and leaves behind sisters Margaret (Aurele Moreau), Emily (John Raimbault, deceased), and Florence (Henry Poirier, deceased) and brothers Daniel (Brenda) and Jerome (Marielle).  He is predeceased by brothers Leo (Shirley) and John (Gloria).  Ray also had many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. 

Ray graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in Chemical Engineering and had a long and happy career as a chemical engineering instructor and department head at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in Calgary.  In later years he became a Fellow of the Chemical Institute of Canada.  After retirement he took many interesting courses in finance and investing.  He loved life, learning, his wife and family, good friends such as his longtime friend Neil Thiessen, and being outside in nature.   

Ray was sui generis (unique) and will be deeply missed. 

Heartfelt thanks to the many exceptional staff, and to the management and medical professionals of Forest Hill Nursing Home who gave Ray such fine care in the last two years of his life, to his wonderful additional caregivers Deanna, Peter and Mini, and to the many excellent PSW’s who assisted him for two years previously in home care. 

In addition to the Funeral Service being held in Ottawa on August 25, 2024, a Memorial Service will be held in Calgary at a date to be announced.