“SEMPER SURSUM”
A discerning eye, a gentle heart, and a deep love of all life, plant and animal…throughout Carl Micheal Roy Wullum’s life, he strived to be “always upward”. Though it was often in a self-effacing and grounding way.
Born on the Gaspe coast of Quebec on August 15th, 1947, the son of a former WWII Air Force officer, John Andrew Wullum and a Mont Joli nurse, Jacqueline Bernadette (nee Levesque). He would be their middle child, between his older brothers Paul and Alan and little sisters, Linda and Suzanne. His early life in the province of Quebec went from Mont Joli to Quebec City and then Montreal. Speaking French to his maman et English to his dad, the family moved to Vancouver in 1950.
His schooling included Sir James Douglas, David Thompson, Langara and Vancouver City Colleges. Art studies fueled Carl’s passion for illustration. Involved with programs at the Vancouver Art Gallery, Langara Fine Arts and later his own Stayman Gallery, he pursued the artistic process of design and the visual arts.
Looking upward, Carl started with Canadian Airlines which led to an aerospace career with Okanagan Helicopters in 1979. He remained with that company through its many changes, including Acro then Vector Aerospace and finally Standard Aero until his retirement in 2018.
His devotion to family throughout his life expanded into the creation of his own chosen family. He met Joseph Paul in the fall of 1973. In 1986 they left their West End apartment and built a home of their own in Maple Ridge. This then became a stronghold for their chosen family of Emily Dawn, her brother Patrick James and their Auntie Dianne.
Carl and Joe formally married in their 50th year together in 2023. Everyone, as well as Em’s Colton, flew to a Las Vegas destination ceremony. Their golden anniversary was celebrated in St John’s that fall. Newfoundland was not the only bucket list trip that followed. The dream come true of attending the RHS Chelsea Garden show in London, the Derry Girls adventure throughout Northern Ireland with good friends from Belfast, and the dozen cruises taken in all four directions of the Atlantic and Pacific made the last three years memorable.
As well, Carl’s zeal for gardening brought joy. Even as leukemia sapped his strength, he toiled with his pottings and redesigning his back yard oasis. A sanctuary for beloved pets and wildlife alike, its forty year old trees tower “semper sursum” just as planned.
November 4th, 2026
Rembering uncle Carl ❤️ & this special day
November 4th, 2026
Uncle Carl was a real sweetie and and I know he loved that he was able to be a great uncle to Isabella and was so very proud of her sewing ,acting , graduating high school completeing grade12 and to show up early with uncle Joe on a rainy morning to the dress store so that Bella could get her beautiful prom dress thank you for this beautiful gift also by being there many times for us I also remember he would say to me dont take this wrong way but do you ever look like mom meaning Jacqueline his mom and I new that and I thought it was a beautiful compliment she is my grandma and I think he really loved that and I got the opportunity to sing at his bday party and he said you know Twyla you can still do this and he was being honest he’s not one to say something not true and I will cherish this and your love you had for Isabella & I may you rest in peace we love you uncle Carl also remembering when we went to fly over Canada at the imax I like to think of you able to fly with all our loved ones & family beautiful strong angel 🌹❤️
October 29th, 2026
I didn't get too spend too much time with Carl, but got to know him through Joe. I know he made Joe happy and he will be missed. Rest in peace Karl.
October 28th, 2026
October 28th, 2026
Carlwas one of the gentlest kindest and loving souls i had ever met. Him and Joe were so in love. I didn’t get to see him often But when I did it was always a great joy. He is so missed
October 27th, 2026
My heart is heavy as I say goodbye to my dear friend, Carl Wullum.
We met at the Gay Games in Vancouver in 1990, where I also met Joe and Dianne. What began as a friendship grew into a lifelong bond filled with laughter, adventures, and unforgettable moments. Together we reunited in Amsterdam, Sydney, and Montreal, creating memories that I will cherish forever.
Carl was one of the most genuine and kind-hearted people I have ever known.
I am grateful that I was able to see him one last time at his beautiful Life Party on August 16.
Carl, you will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. Thank you for your friendship, your warmth, and your love.
Rest in peace, my friend.
October 27th, 2026
October 27th, 2026
October 27th, 2026
Carl was one of my favourite people ever. I think he was a lot of people's favourite person ever.
He was hilarious and silly and kind, and he loved to push your buttons.
I could always count on Carl to sneakily refill my glass of wine and to have a box of “cardboardnay” on hand. I have so many “Carl-isms” in my vocabulary that make me smile every time I think of them. (You can't see the mountains from Calgary!)
I admired the way Carl balanced his alone time with spending time with the people he loved.
When we were little, he would take Patrick and me to see Santa at the mall and make sure we asked for a “metallic blue pickup truck with a sea otter in the front seat” for our Uncle Carl.
I spent a lot of time scheming with Carl about getting new pets, and he loved telling everyone about our very ugly Labradoodle, Ripley. I like to think Carl was greeted at the pearly gates by all the cats, dogs, birds, rats, and raccoons he loved throughout his life.
Carl was a very special person, and I will miss him very much.
October 27th, 2026
I could talk to Carl forever. Loved every minute I spent with him. It was always a joy to think of him and Di and Joe, and I will continue to do so. xo Nancy.
October 27th, 2026
I had the opportunity to spend a couple of days with him and his family in San Francisco and Bonaire; he was always cheerful and full of jokes. My husband, Pierre, spent much more time with him over the years. I hold very special memories of him, and I feel fortunate to have known him and his family. Sending a big hug and a giant kiss up to heaven. Best wishes to the family from Bonaire.
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