Harold Joseph Bulcock

Our Dad Harold entered the world under the shadow of World War 2.

Although his early years were mired in poverty he always remembered the best of those times. A small terraced house in Blackburn with no electricity and an outdoor toilet. His Mum Elizabeth worked six days a week while his Dad was serving overseas for his second World War. Dad and his siblings, Michael and Elizabeth, wore wooden clogs with iron “horse shoes” on the soles. Dad would slide along the flagstone pavement with sparks flying from his heels. At five years old he was found walking around on rooftops. He carried a gas mask to school while his brother Michael carried a radio he had built. They listened to passing aircraft  and played “Army” in the graveyard. Weekends were special when he got to go to Ewood Park to watch Blackburn Rovers.

Harolds father was an academic and insisted on excellence at school. Dad attended Saint Mary’s College where he was not only the ‘Top Boy” but also Captain of the school football team.  Harold continued on to Newcastle University but grew disillusioned with a study of Economics. He left Newcastle for two years National Service with the RAF. He was a radio technician and serviced airfields throughout the UK. He visited Gibraltar, Malta, Cypress, Egypt and Germany. He played for the RAF’s football team and when he found out the boxing team got double rations he boxed for the RAF as well.

Harold returned to Blackburn and got a job as a draftsman at a large factory called Mullards. This is were he met the love of his life,  Pauline Eccles. When he wasn’t courting Pauline he was an avid cyclist. Club rides up to 100 miles on a weekend with many trips throughout Europe. Dad continued his education through night school at Blackburn Technical College and got his “Higher National” in engineering. He was swiftly promoted to the head of the Drawing Office and enjoyed the rest of this career in England there.

Mum & Dad  were married in December of 1962. They bought a home in Brown Hill, Blackburn and started a family.  Harold was a doting Father and a loving husband. We have  many fond memories of him singing   in the car  and telling tales of his exploits. He was always my hero. I wanted to be just like him when I grew up.

The Bulcock Clan emigrated to Canada in February of 1977. Dad found work with his background in electrical and mechanical engineering. He designed and produced drawings for small manufacturing firms. He later worked as a Plant Manager for  Molson Breweries and Sun Beam Bakeries.

Harold continued his education after he retired and found his true calling as an Architect. He designed and built a retreat for St Joseph’s Church, “Spirit of Formation”  in Chilliwack. Whatever certification was necessary he qualified by writing the exams. He taught himself computerized drafting and became a certified electrician. His pursuit of knowledge throughout his life was commendable.

Harold lived a long and happy life. He is survived  by  three children, seven grandchildren  and two great grandchildren that all dearly love and respect him . He will always be remembered as a kind and intelligent man. Most of all we remember Dad as a loving husband. Mum and Dads marriage has stood the test of time. Their love and respect for each other has always been a source of joy to anyone that knows them. Rest in Peace Dad ,  your adoring family loves You.

Jonathan Bulcock

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