By Tim Mercer
Yellowknife
Dear editor,
I met Carl Bulger the same way many Yellowknifers did. He came to clean the carpets. He was, in some ways, a very common man who did a common job. But Carl was anything but common.
Although it seemed like he was always working, he was never too busy to stop, chat and share a hearty laugh. He was proud of who he was, where he came from, the service he provided and the fact that it provided a good living for his family.
When my youngest daughter was born with a serious medical challenge, Carl, whose own son was going through something similar at the time, went out of his way to stop his van when he saw me on the street and inquire as to how her treatment was going. His concern was heartfelt and he always had simple but powerful words of courage to offer.
It was during these many conversations that I learned what an exceptional person he was. His family meant everything to him. He’d often say, in his thick and wonderful Newfoundland brogue, that he’d work his fingers to the bone for his kids. No sacrifice was too great.
The last time I spoke with him at length he was travelling with his daughter to a basketball tournament. He was glowing with pride when he spoke of their success in sports and at school. Most importantly though, he was proud of the fine young adults they were becoming. They could ask for no better role model than their Dad.
We often look to the stars or to history’s great figures for inspiration as to how we should live our lives. More meaningful inspiration is often found closer to home and available to us in our day-to-day lives.
Carl’s sudden death on March 3 was a shock to many when they heard the sad news. It’s hard to comprehend that we won’t see that big smile, hear his infectious laugh and bask in the glow of his larger-than-life persona at the arena, in line at Tim Horton’s or walking down the sidewalk.
His death reminds us how important it is to take joy in the everyday encounters we have with our neighbours and to not take life’s small pleasures for granted, or its routine challenges too seriously. It reminds us of the power of humility, generosity and kindness, things we often lose sight of in the hustle and bustle of our busy lives.
Carl lived his life with these things way out front. Our community is a poorer place without him. But the lives of everyone that knew him are immeasurably richer for the lessons he left us.
Fair winds, Skipper.