The PGA Remembers Life Professional, Mr. Jack Pullen

We are saddened to share the passing of PGA of Ontario Class "A" Life Professional, Mr. Jack Pullen (1928-2023).

Jack Robert Pullen, lifelong resident of St. Thomas, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, at the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital on Friday, May 26, 2023 at the age of 95.

Beloved husband and best friend of Dora (Robillard) Pullen. Jack and Dora recently celebrated their 73rd Wedding Anniversary. Dearly loved father of Jeanne Cunningham (Gerry), Joanne Shields (Hugh) and Janet Kosynski (Larry). Cherished grandfather of Jeff Cunningham (Erin), Scott Shields (Tasha), Maggie Wiebe (Matthew), Alex Shields and Katherine Feairs (Jordan). Much loved GGPa of Madison & Liam Cunningham, Kennadie & Isla Shields, Jack, Max & Lucy Wiebe and Rowan & Callie Feairs. Dear brother of Joan Hobbs (late Bob) and Don Pullen (late Muriel). Jack was predeceased by his siblings; Ivy Pincombe (late Jack), Tom (late June) (late Patricia), Bert (late Eileen) and an infant sister, Grace.

Lovingly remembered by his many nephews, nieces and friends, including Jack’s devoted friend, Jeremy Jeffery. Jack was born in St. Thomas ON, on April 5, 1928, the son of Douglas Thomas “Tom Sr.” Pullen and Ivy Ethel Pullen (Crampton-Read). On the unexpected passing of his father in 1948, Jack assisted his mother in the operation of the St. Thomas Public Golf Club (later known as Talbot Park Golf Club).

In 1954, Jack became a member of the Canadian Professional Golfers Association (PGA of Canada) and in 1957, he achieved the status of “Class A” teaching professional. In 1998, Jack was honoured with a PGA of Canada Life Membership. Jack, along with his wife Dora, owned and operated the golf club until Jack’s retirement in 1990. Jack was a noted golf historian and over the years, amassed a large collection of rare and notable antique golf clubs and golf memorabilia.

In addition to teaching thousands of area golfers, Jack was an excellent golfer himself. In 1946, he played as an amateur in the first edition of the Early Bird at the St. Thomas Golf & Country Club, with Moe Norman as his playing partner. Jack founded, along with area golf pros, Jim Windsor and Bill Fox, the Western Ontario Professional Golf Tour, which continues today. Upon becoming a “senior”, Jack also formed, along with his colleagues, the Western Ontario Senior Pro Mini-Tour. Jack won their championship four times.

Jack was also a member and joint owner of Royal Oak Golf Club in Titusville, Florida. Jack golfed extensively in England and Scotland and was thrilled to play six courses which are part of “The Open Championship” rotation. Until his death, Jack was a member of the St. Thomas Golf & Country Club and was honoured with a Life Membership. In 1994, he co-authored a book on the history of the St. Thomas Golf & Country Club.

Throughout his life, Jack was dedicated to the game of golf, by preserving golf’s traditions and growing the game by teaching to one’s abilities. Juniors soon understood golf etiquette, both around the course and in the clubhouse. Anyone who was a young student of Mr. Pullen also developed a strong moral compass on how to navigate life, whether you were golfing or not.

Jack was the last surviving Charter Member of the St. Thomas Golden K Kiwanis Club, taking part in their many volunteer opportunities (Meals on Wheels, Christmas Care and driving patients for the LHSC Cancer and Dialysis Programs).

Jack and his wife Dora were members of the St. Thomas Seniors Centre Duplicate Bridge Club where they spent countless hours playing their favorite card game together, along with their dear friends, Jamie Carrie and Verne Sim. Jack and Dora enjoyed many winter seasons in Florida, traveled throughout North America and Europe and cruised to many destinations. Jack was also an avid reader of history, a model ship builder, a “railroader” of HO gauge trains and an “amateur” artist.

Dora and her family wish to extend their sincere thanks to the staff at Seasons Retirement Community – St. Thomas for the kindness extended to both Jack and Dora over the past three years and to the staff of the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital, both in the Emergency Department and on the 5th Floor, for their exemplary care and compassion.

The family will receive friends at Williams Funeral Home, 45 Elgin Street, St. Thomas on Friday, June 2 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM and 7:00 – 9:00 PM. A private family service will take place on Saturday, June 3, 2023. Cremation has taken place. Private interment of ashes at Holy Angels Cemetery, at a later date.

Memorial Donations may be made to the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital Foundation and to the St. Thomas Public Library.

Some parting words from Jack; “You know folks, the grass in the fairway is cut short for a reason.”

Courtesy of The Pullen Family