Dr. R. Charles Bull, dear husband, kind and gentle father, grandfather and great-grandfather, died peacefully with family at his side in his beloved Humber Hospital, on Saturday, September 7, 2024.
At the age of 15 Charles was in Grade 13, after skipping three years, and had to repeat a year as University of Toronto, would not accept such a brilliant young student at that age. He was a graduate of Weston Collegiate (1952), with the Coulter Scholarship and followed in the footsteps of his father and uncles, into Med School at University of Toronto. He loved being home and left reluctantly in fourth year, Meds to board and was a Student Intern at St. Michael's Hospital in his final year.
Charles was the team doctor for the Jr Marlboroughs hockey team, and worked at the Maple Leafs training camp, going on to Team Canada Hockey Doctor from 1972 to 1991 including the 1972 "Series of the Century" Canada vs USSR. He ran a successful medical practice in Sports Medicine and Orthopedic surgery from his Weston office, and with Humber Hospital from 1964 until 2009. He held a clinic at the O&A hospital and started clinics at both York University and the Fitness Institutes. He was also on the medical team for multiple track clubs as well as the World Masters Track Games and Pan-Am Games as the team doctor and sports specialist.
A brilliant handsome athlete, Charles was an avid lacrosse and football player, enjoying hockey, water polo and harrier in his youth. Later he was an avid marathon runner completing many marathons around the world and running to and from work. He enjoyed swimming, cycling, skiing and participating in physical activity to the very end of his life. He could often be found working in his vegetable and flower gardens and enjoyed the woods and walks with nature on his trail with the pets he loved and his wife and children and grandchildren into his final years.
A loyal friend, competitive athlete, brilliant surgeon and kind gentle man, he will be remembered for his humour, positive attitude and love of life with an optimistic spirit no matter what happened with the boisterous family of six children and busy active life.
Born November 19, 1934, to Mayme and Alan Bull, he is predeceased by his younger brother, Jim Bull; stepsister, Leone Jones Hall; and by his dear son, Christopher Charles in 1998, who welcomes him now with open arms to watch over us from above.
Dad is survived by his wife Ann Borden Bull, to whom he was married for 66 years. He is also survived by his children, Claire, Kim (Dean Dart), Kathy (Dave Taylor), Shelagh (Bruce Paitich) and Sarah (Jeff Stock); his grandchildren, Jeff, Jaimie, Rob, Mike, Laura, Sarah, Tyler, Keaton, Justin, Jessica, Katrina, Owen, Brady and Becca; and four great-grandchildren, Liam, Emily, Theo and Allie.
The family would like to thank Humber Heights and the wonderful caregivers that provided so much love over the past few years. Please visit Charles's memorial page to leave a condolence or make a donation. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to support a charity close to Dad's heart, please consider the Humber River Hospital where funds will go to the good work continuing to be done at the Fracture Clinic.