There I was sitting on my couch reading some news on my phone on March 3, my youngest daughter listening to the Finger Family song on YouTube for the umpteen-millionth time.
A text pops into my phone:
"Did you hear Carl Bulger died this morning?”
No, I hadn't. Never heard a word of it. Sadly, it was true. One of the gruffest yet kindest persons I have ever known was indeed gone. The news put a damper on the rest of my day.
I spent a bit of time going around the Internet seeing what was out there. The Yk Fastball League had a post up with a photo of Bulger during his days with the Nexum/Carl's Red Sox, the team his well-known company, Carl's Carpet Cleaning, co-sponsored during the team's infancy.
I was an umpire in the league for several years and it was always a gas whenever we had the plate conferences. He would rumble to the plate, I not knowing if he was going to be part of the conversation or not, and he would always have a joke or something to tell. He always made sure to toss in a crack about the Toronto Maple Leafs toward me (I always made sure to deride them any chance I could get) and a playful jab toward Glen Meehan, one of the league's longest-serving arbiters, to get a haircut.
No one ever took it personally because that was Carl's style. In fact, before every game, there was an arm on the shoulder and a "How's it going tonight, big guy?"
No one would ever discount his love of the Maple Leafs, even with all of the ribbing he took. He was convinced that every year was their year, no matter how bad it looked. One day, it will come true and it's a shame he won't be around to see it in person although I suspect there will be a loud rumbling from up above when it happens. Don't be surprised if he's leading the parade from the pearly gates.
His support for the community was second to none. He sponsored softball teams, hockey teams, even one of the courts at the Racquet Club.
When it came to his family, he was ever-present with his wife, Gail. No matter the sport, no matter the venue, Carl was there. He travelled with his kids, Reagan and Lonan, to hockey tournaments, track and field in Hay River, Arctic Winter Games - you name it. I had no doubt he was gearing up to travel to Fort Smith to see Reagan play with Team NWT's girls hockey team in a couple of weeks.
That post from the fastball league had plenty of people from all over with nothing but good words to say about him. How can you say anything bad about the man? I don't think you'll find anyone who has a bad word to say about him except in fun.
I hope the fastball league does something to honour him next season because he deserves it. In fact, I spoke with someone from the league privately who thinks it should be a priority.
I hope the Yk Minor Hockey Association does something as well for all the years he supported teams and players.
I hope we all remember Carl as someone who did what he did because he loved doing it. He never looked for the accolades and that's the mark of a true community supporter.
Sleep well, Carl, and I'll say it just this once – Go Leafs Go.