Obituary of Christopher (Kit) Frank Pullen P.Eng

Sept 7, 1939 - Nov 12, 2024

Kit was an inquisitive child of Col. Ernest “Duff” and Ethelwyn “Eps” Pullen. With Wendy, Judy, Tony and dear cousins, he was part of a merry band that ruled the woods surrounding Birch Hill Lane on the Oakville shores of Lake Ontario. Married to Grace North (d. 2022) in 1967, they began a 55 year journey together, with children Jodie (Ward), Carolyn (Jim), darling Amy (d. 1978), Chris (Kristen), and adored grandkids Ben, Abby, James and Angus. Kit was a favourite of nieces and nephews, even the one who tried to bite off his hand.

After early education in Lakefield, Kit’s world opened wide at Queen’s where he graduated in the Engineering class of Science ’61. He explored North America in his signature British convertibles, culminating with a rollicking post-grad European adventure in his Daimler SP250. He parlayed his engineering skills into a maintenance job at the Club Vagabond in the Swiss Alp ski mecca of Leysin and spent the heyday of the early 60s skiing powder, touring the continent, and cultivating friendships. These were among his fondest experiences, not to mention that’s how he met Grace.

Returning home, Kit’s interests collided with the microcomputing revolution. His career took him across Canada with IBM leading to an opportunity with SDL, which brought our family to Ottawa. He found joy and rich friendships through many pastimes including contributions to musical theatre in Ottawa as stage manager, President and sometimes performer for the Savoy Society, raising thousands for CHEO, always with his wee team of indentured towheads to help with set construction and teardown. He was a committed volunteer for Opera Lyra Ottawa, and core member of the music hall cabaret, The British North America Act, which charmed NAC audiences for many seasons.

On weekends, a cacophony emanated from his workshop - equal parts radial arm saw and CBC Saturday Afternoon at the Opera - as he indulged his curious mind. He restored his beloved Daimler, built a vibrant greenhouse, dissected computers, and only once made dandelion wine which exploded all over. He researched family history, kept bird feeders full, paddled northern rivers, and traveled to many corners of the globe.

He delighted in children. If you needed a baby holder, Kit was there for you. There were none he loved holding more than his grandkids. For many years, the “KitandGrace” duo entertained 4 ruffians (reliably on Bensdays) who were, despite these lively episodes, always welcome back.

Kit shared a deep attachment to our 4-generation cottage on Georgian Bay, as well as his own gathering place, our farm, Mor Brae. The sense of belonging these places instilled are Kit’s greatest gift to us. Content to pick blueberries, or bush hog bumpy fields, for Kit it was simply about “being part of something”. Indeed, he created countless good somethings that enriched our lives. We are blessed that he was ours.

Friends are invited to Pinecrest Remembrance Services, 2500 Baseline Road on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at 1pm. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Kit’s memory to the Friends of the Dumoine River (on Facebook as FOD Friends of Rivière du Moine) via e-transfers to Dumoinefriends@gmail.com .