Colin Tulip

It is with heavy hearts the family of Colin Tulip announces his peaceful passing, which occurred on Tuesday, October 12, 2021, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Born in the Northeast of England on July 15, 1940, he was the son of the late John and Bella (Patterson) Tulip. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, John Tulip.

Being born in England during WWII, Colin had amazing stories to tell about that time, which could only be told by someone who lived through it like he did. These stories included his family home being hit with a bomb, playing in the air raid shelter in the back yard, and the “rush” when the candy rations were lifted (he was often too slow and rarely got any). The most emotional memory for him was being 5 years old at the end of the war and seeing his father for the first time. He watched him march in a parade from afar, but was not able to physically meet him for another month since the army kept his father to nurse him back to health as he was so malnourished after years of being a POW at Dunkirk.

While Colin was in school, he was a competitive swimmer, but left school young to work on a farm where he quickly took up welding, which he made his lifelong career. He was a welder & iron worker for 65 years. Welding took him to many places in the world to work; however, his favorite job was on the North Sea, especially on vessel DB42. He told countless stories about his times on that boat, and in Amsterdam. In the late 1970’s his welding trade brought him to Canada where he fell in love with the culture, particularly the fact that you didn’t have to pay anyone to hunt and fish on the land. He decided to immigrate to Saint John, which became his home for the rest of his life. He became a proud and loyal member of the Ironworkers Union, Local 842, and stayed an active member long after retirement. He greatly appreciated the brotherhood. He was well known for his welds, and some of the jobs he was most proud of was the skywalk at Market Square, and the stairs to the 2nd floor at the Regional Hospital.

In retirement, Colin never stopped welding. He spent much time with Jimmy Benjamin in his garage, working on cars and welding as needed. In fact, he welded his son, Sean’s, 350x frame just a month before his passing. He was also an avid Blue Jays fan, and very rarely missed a game.

Since Colin was a young boy, he loved to hunt, fish, and shoot. He was a championship skeet shooter in England and was always looking for ducks. When he immigrated to Canada, he bought a small fishing boat that he was so proud of, and fished his heart out. He carried his love for all things outdoors through his entire life, and all of his children picked up part of that spirit in one form or another.  He was most proud of his children, often stating that he knows for sure five things he got right in his life, and would name each one.

Colin only found out his terminal illness in May of this year, and at that time, his daughter, Joanne, and son-in-law, Shawn, brought him home with them to make the best of his final months.  Although he loved his independence, he had stayed with them during two past health issues years before. Since moving with them this time, he stated many times that he was living the best moments of his later life, and was thrilled that his son was posted to Gagetown for a six-month course and was able to have his him and grandson, Matt, around more. He was always a guy who did whatever he wanted and kept a positive attitude with a large dash of dark “Northeast English” humour. His upbeat attitude and dry humour never faltered during his last months and days on earth.

After Colin’s diagnosis, his daughter, Joanne, started recording him telling his stories, which he thought was a fantastic idea. He quickly grew a large following on social media that turned out to be an amazing support system. Hundreds of people started reaching out with encouragement, sending him cards in the mail, and CBC News even did an article about how he was living his last months with dignity, which was published just two days before his passing. He was most touched by the letter received from the Blue Jays Baseball Club, thanking him for cheering them on all the years and letting him know the team was doing the same for him. He was so pleased that people wanted to hear what he had to say and that his words were making an impact in people’s lives, and his wishes were that his past recordings continue to be shared. The kind words of others kept him telling more and more stories, with one of his sayings being “if you’re not talking, you’re rotting so you’re better off talking”. His family is forever thankful for the kindness received from strangers all over the world.

Colin is survived by his sons, Anthony Tulip of Northallerton, England, Paul Tulip (Yvette) of Norton, England, and Sean Tulip (Katie) of Campbellford, ON; daughters, Sharon Bowman of Billingham, England, and Joanne McGouey (Shawn) of Baxter’s Corner, NB; sister, Kathleen Wright (Peter) of Billingham, England; sister-in-law, Jean Tulip; cherished grandchildren, Mark (Daniela), Kelly, Helen (Martin), Victoria (Simon), Sarah, and Matthew; and great-grandchildren, William, Pippa, and Ruben; several nieces and nephews; and long time friends, Jimmy Benjamin, Allan Benton, and Roger Radcliffe.

In keeping with his wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Colin loved a good story and talking about memories. If you have a fond memory, story and/or photo with Colin, please feel free to share it in the comments section below for his family and friends to cherish. Donations in memory may be made to Kennebecasis Extra Mural Program, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Daigle-Maloney, for her care and attention throughout our father’s brief illness. Special thanks are also extended to Dr. Love and Megan Carr of the Extra Mural Program, who knew and respected our dad’s wishes and did their best to help us carry them out with ease.

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