Submitted by the Bullen Family
Saturday, July 28 was a joyous and heart-warming day for Fayne Bullen as he celebrated with 110 members of his extended family congregated at the beautiful Lake Couchiching home of Terry and Cory Bullen.
It was not a birthday party (Fayne’s birthday is on Feb. 11 when he will be 90). The event was simply an occasion to bring together members of family groups on his father and mother’s sides.
His father was a Bullen, so obviously there was a significant number of people present with the Bullen surname. From his father’s mother side were 30 family members who are descendants of his uncle, Fred Mark. A third group consisted of almost 50 descendants on his mother’s side.
The family is widespread but we were honoured to have attendees from far afield. Cousins flew in from London, England and Nova Scotia and others from the U.S. and Vancouver. Relatives on his mother’s side came largely from London, Ontario. The majority drove in from Toronto area.
The guests were fortunately able to enjoy a lovely afternoon outdoors after the rain stopped. There was so much lively conversation and greetings as families reunited after long separations and new connections were made. There were no speeches. The celebrities present were not singled out for attention although there were a few musicians, professors and sport personalities. People simply chatted with one another.
On the spacious lawn, on the lake side of the house, there were tables laden with salads, chicken and vegetable curries, rice and beans, roti, trays of samosas and fresh fruit. Needless to say the atmosphere was festive and happy.
Fayne was delighted by the great turnout and the happiness of the event. His gratitude is extended to his children, who came up with the idea and organized the event with the dedicated assistance of their spouses and his grandchildren.
Thanks to everyone and especially to the hosts who provided the beautiful lakeside location.
