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Condolences
Crushed and saddened by this news. Mr. Bulger was my grade 5 teacher at Saint Maria Goretti, and was my best and favorite teacher i have ever had. My passion for hockey started with his influence. Condolences to his family he was a great teacher and a better man. Generations will feel his impact, forever in our memories.
We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Bulger, a truly remarkable teacher who left a lasting mark on the lives of so many students, including my sons Jonas and Damien during their time at St. Jean Brebeuf.
His ability to inspire and motivate students was a gift that set him apart. My sons often spoke highly of him, sharing stories of how he made learning not only informative but also engaging and fun.
Please accept our deepest sympathies and condolences to Mr. Bulger's family, friends, and colleagues. May the knowledge that he impacted so many individuals on a profound level give you all some comfort during this incredibly difficult time.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
I had Mr. Bulger as a teacher and coach through my grade 7 and 8 years at Brebeuf. He was such a great teacher and cared so much for his students and I was lucky enough to call myself a student of his. He coached me flag football in the spring for 2 years and both of those years I had so much fun because of Mr. Bulger. He was so kind and nice to all of the students and made such an impact on so many student's lives and I am so happy I was one of those students. I was always able to talk to him, whether it was about ringette or schoolwork, he took such an interest in students' lives and made every student feel special and I know all the students at SJB will miss him, including me. My deepest condolences go to the family of Mr. Bulger.
Mr. Bulger was an incredible person and someone who made a huge impact on myself, and my fellow students, and our families. I had the privilege of having him at SMG for multiple years where his love for teaching always shined through. He made school fun and I’m so thankful for his guidance. He made dodgeballs game so fun, and he was a fantastic field hockey coach who made me find a passion for sports. My condolences to his whole family, he will be truly missed.
Mr. Bulger is someone I will forever be grateful for, having him in my life as both as teacher and a mentor. I have since become a teacher myself with the CCSD and I had the privilege of seeing him briefly in the staff room while I guest taught at SJB last spring. We laughed and joked about how the world of teaching had officially come full circle, but what I hope he knew was how much of a lasting impact he made on one of his students... ME. I only hope and pray to be half of the teacher to my students that Mr. Bulger was to me! He always graced any interaction with a smile and warm hello, always making you feel comfortable and included. I will forever cherish the conversations I had with him and many memories I created with him being my Grade 4 teacher at St. Maria Goretti, as well as a teacher to me again at St. Jean Brebeuf.
I send my most sincere and genuine condolences to Wendy, Mathew, Katherine, and the rest of Michael's friends and family. I cannot imagine the pain and loss you must be feeling, but please know the absolute angel and inspiration that Michael was to all of those around him and may you all find peace in knowing how much he loved not only you, but also his students and colleagues. I will never forget Mr. Bulger, I am eternally grateful.
- Alexa Coelho
My classmates and I were shocked and heartbroken to hear of Mr. Bulger's passing. I am so grateful that I had the gift of learning from him in both Mother Mary Greene and St. Jean Brebeuf. He was always so caring and always took extra time to explain things in different ways so that every student understood.
Beyond academics, he one of the best basketball coaches I ever had. I remember how nervous I was to start playing but Mr. Bulger fostered such a positive and welcoming environment, ensuring that we all felt comfortable, confident, and excited to play. This all just speaks to his amazing character and how blessed we were to have known him.
I know the lessons he taught my peers and I, both in school and in life, will live on indefinitely.
My family and I are praying for all his loved ones. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
- Chichi Igbelina and Family
"Yes" I think I can help you with that".
I cannot count the number of times I heard those words come out of Mike Bulger's mouth...often in response to a plea for assistance from me. What a legacy Mike literally built over the years that I worked with him at St.Jean Brebeuf. Walk through the school and you will find Mike in many places. Go to the Music Room and there are the String Basses - standing proudly in the storage units that Mike built ( with his son Mathew right beside him pitching in). Step across the hall and you will find cellos safely tucked away in their individual cubbies... the ones Mike built.
Are you wondering why the Music Room is cool and comfortable on a relentlessly hot day? Thank you Mike, for your covert installation of the "String Bass Humidification Unit".
Looking for the fancy concert piano? It is locked away in its secret storage compartment in the Gymnasium equipment room. Again - thank you Mike for your ingenuity and for taking the time to "make it work".
Do you need a pleasant place to relax? Head to the courtyard where flowerbeds that Mike spent considerable time and effort constructing stand as a beautiful testimony to his generous spirit and dedication.
Along with the wonderful memories of what Mike did, are recollections of conversations I held with Mike. The profound love,joy, and contentment his family brought him was clearly evident when we would chat about what his children were doing, the car Wendy was driving ( Mike was vastly amused by my obsession with Mini Coopers) or the holiday they were planning.
There are no words to adequately convey my sorrow over Mike's passing.
My deepest sympathy goes out to Mike's family..
Mr. Bulger was an incredible person and someone who made a huge impact on myself, my sisters, my fellow students, and our families. I had the privilege of having him at SMG for multiple years where his love for teaching was apparent and influential. He made school fun and I’m so thankful for his guidance. I pass on condolences from my whole family, love and hugs to Wendy, Mathew, Katherine, and the rest of the family. - the Giammarinos
We are so sorry to hear of Mike’s sudden passing and would like to offer our sincere condolences to Wendy and the Bulger family. We hope you can find some peace in your heart during this difficult time and gain strength from those around you. Mike will live on in your memories and in the memories of all those he encouraged and inspired throughout his life.
Janet and Brian Holdaway
I was saddened to hear of Mike's passing, I always had the greatest respect for him. We coached together for 3 years when Matthew and Ethan played together in Cochrane U18. The way he interacted with other coaches, players and officials always made things easier for all of us and the smile on his face when the coaches joined in on scrimmages said all you needed to know about his love of the game. He was always the calming voice of reason when things got interesting (as they do in U18 hockey!). Mike was the sounding board when Ethan needed it and I know he will always appreciate the time and patience Mike showed him.
I can't imagine what God's plan was in bringing Mike home early but whatever it is, he has the right guy. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Wendy and the family.
Pete, Tamara, Ethan and Noah
January 31, 2024.
Michael Djurkin and Mary Sirianni
Mary and I were shocked when we heard of Mike’s sudden passing. I had the privilege of working with Mike at SMG and have many fond memories of working with Mike.
Years later Mary and I moved into a new house only to learn that Mike, Wendy, Mathew, and Katherine were our next door neighbours. We were so happy to have such awesome neighbours. I still fondly remember the summer Mike and I worked together putting in chain link fences in our yards and having them ready for placing down the sod.
Our deepest condolences to Wendy, the kids , and the entire Bulger family. You will all be in our prayers.
I was lucky enough to have Mr. Bulger as my homeroom teacher in Grade 7. He taught me that it was ok to make mistakes and not be perfect all the time. That changed my school experience because it made me feel less pressure and helped me to succeed. He always made me feel special because he was constantly interested in my life and volleyball team. He didn’t have to care but he did. He made such a difference in my life and I will never forget the impact he had.
Sending our sincere and heartfelt condolences to Wendy, Mathew, Katherine and Tom and the Bulger Families, we are so sorry for your loss.
We were very shocked and sad to hear of Michael's passing. We had the pleasure of working with, and becoming friends with Mike during our days of working at the Keg Downtown. We had a lot of fun and laughs, Mike was highly respected by his peers, the management as well as the patrons of the Keg, he was a high quality man in everything he did.
With sincere sympathy from John Roach and Suzanne (Witham) Roach
So shocked to hear about the loss of such a wonderful man. Our heartfelt condolences to Wendy and the children. Mike had such a positive impact on our children, Bradley and Emma, in elementary school. I also had the pleasure of working with Mike and saw the positive impact he had on so many children. Hugs to all.
Lindy, Darryl, Bradley and Emma (Montori) Arndt
What a shock it was to see that Mike Bulger had died. My two sons had the privilege of having Mike Bulger as their teacher at St. Maria Goretti. Every student wanted to be in his cool class, and my sons were thrilled to have him as their teacher! I then worked with Mike for many years at St. Maria Goretti when I was the school secretary. Mike would often come to the office just to chat, and I always enjoyed talking to him. Mike was a good man, and and a great teacher. He left much too soon. Our condolences to his family.
I had the pleasure of being a student of Mr Bulger for grade 5 and 6. He was the most interactive and memorable teacher I got to meet. At a cruicial time in my life, i couldnt have asked for a better role model to help me pave the way to my future.
Mike was always going above and beyond to interact with students and make us feel welcome. From finding ground breaking computer programs to attending many of my hockey games. Mike was always eager to support all of his students in whichever activities they enjoyed.
I still have the autographed "Calgary Flames" bookmarks Mike went out of his way to aquire to make the reward for reading 2000 minutes that much sweeter.
His true love for sports would shine each and every gym class. This was especially noticeable with his competitiveness in a game he invented called "Silent Ball". Loved by classmates alike, this ingenius game taught us discipline and respect while being action packed and bringing a great sense of camaraderie to all.
Mike made school fun while effectively helping each of his students to achieve their best. "Mr. B's" love for teaching touched countless lives and he will be remembered forever.
My heart goes out to his family and all who loved him.
He was a wonderful teacher and colleague. When our paths crossed over the past 20 years, he always had a smile and a story to share. He will be missed. Kathy
We are so sorry to hear this. What a tragic loss. Mr Bulger had a profound and lasting impact on his students - he was so loved and respected, and even decades later I remember his voice, his lessons, and his easy smile.
Our deepest condolences to his whole family. Mike's legacy lives in every single kid who had him as a teacher.
Nicole & Ryan Oxby
To the Bulger Family:
I was very fortunate to work with Mike at St. Jean Brebeuf for several years. He was my "across the hall" neighbor in the school. I looked forward to our daily chats and laughs. We could always count on him to lend a helping hand and to be the ultimate problem solver. My son enjoyed having Mr. Bulger as his Flag football coach, sharing his enthusiasm and knowledge of the game. They were the most prepared team in the division! Please accept our sincere condolences. Mike /Mr. Bulger will forever be remembered with complete respect and fondness.
Warmest regards,
Lu Gagnon and Danny Griffith
From our family to the Bulger family, our deepest condolences at this time of tragic loss. May you find comfort in Michael's peaceful rest.
I worked with Mike only one year, but his professionalism and kindness are things that I look back on regularly. He was always ready to help others, to a fault. He actually drove a first year teacher to and from school EVERY day for a whole a year. He would drive in the opposite direction to pick her them up and then do the same at the end of the day. He also drove me in when my car broke down multiple times. I was so happy for him when I saw him at the Brebeuf open house. He had the biggest smile on his face when I told him that I was glad my son might have him for a teacher and he told me "well, I won't be here. I'm retiring." This is absolutely devastating news to the staffs he worked with at Ambrose, Goretti and Brebeuf. I miss him already!
Memorably my favorite teacher. Mr. Bulger taught me Grade 5, and I entered the Science Fair with my hurricane project, totally supported by the guidance of Mr. Bulger. One memory that I guarantee all students from St. Maria Goretti can remember is Mr. Bulger always showing up in winter in his 4x4 jeep and parking up on the piled snow in the parking lot. He was such a character, and a motivating person to be around. You will be greatly missed.
I worked with Mike years ago at The Keg. He was always happy, friendly, fun and hard working. Although he left too soon, it's very clear from reading peoples' comments that he made a huge impact while he was here. Bless him. He will live on in so many ways.....My condolences to all who loved him.
Mr. B was my fifth grade teacher at Saint Maria Goretti School, 00-01. He made an indelible impact on me, and I’m devastated to hear this news. My sincere condolences to the family - may the wisdom and joy he blessed us with continue to live on through us all.
Rest in peace, Mr. B. You were one of a kind.
He was my Grade 5 teacher. I remember how kind he was and was an inspiration for me to become a teacher myself. I remember him as one of the best teachers I ever had.
So sorry for your loss. I met Mr Bulger at teacher interviews only for a few minutes. However, the text my son snuck out to me from school this morning "Mr Bulger died" has me in tears. I can feel the loss my son feels, a teacher he adored, who ignited an insatiable curiosity in my son that had me knowing he was special teacher. All who know and love him are in my prayers during this time. My son was looking forward to him as a potential substitute teacher and his heart is broken.
Our deepest, heartfelt condolences to the Bulger family.
Our family was so blessed to have had Mr. Bulger as a teacher for a few years, as well as a coach in Flag Football at St. Jean Brebeuf. He was so positive, made learning fun and always had a great smile on his face. The incredible impact that he has made on all those who have come across him will never ever be forgotten.
Mr. Bulger, thank you so much for being you. You have touched so many lives so beautifully and will be greatly missed. You will forever hold a place in our hearts.
The Colonna family
Mr. Bulger is one of those teachers who you never forget. His personal investment in the success of his student and his respect for them as individuals made his class one that I always looked forward to.
One of my favourite memories from my time in school is programming maze running robots in last period science, and actually being disappointed when the final bell would ring.
His words of belief and encouragement doubtless played a roll in instilling a life long love of learning and questioning in not only myself but many of my peers.
I was deeply saddened when I heard of his passing, and my heart goes out to his family.
Wendy, Mathew, Katherine and the entire Bulger Family.
I have no words to express how sorry I am for your loss. I had the privilege of working with Mike at Brebeuf for many years. I cannot walk into the building without feeling Mike's presence in a very tangible way. When I walk past the courtyard I see the flowerbeds he built. When I get the piano out of its storage it says, "Bulger Storage Systems", on it. The costume racks in my classroom, the storage in the music room; yes Mike's presence is in the building in a very tangible way. More than the things we can see and touch Mike's presence will live in our hearts. His smile, his laugh, his joy, his heart.
Mike touched so many hearts and lives. So many will miss him. I will miss him.
Many will feel the loss of Mike but none as deeply as you.
May you find strength in this devastating time and peace in the time to come.
I was only at brebeuf for one year but Mr. Bulger was my favorite teacher. He was always kind to me and everyone around him, one thing I loved about him is he was passionate about his work, he would come to school smiling and just enjoyed being there. He was a great flag football coach, leading us to an amazing season. When I left Brebeuf i always planned to come back and say hi but unfortunately that won’t happen now. You will be greatly missed, Rest in peace Mr. Bulger.
-Kingston Déry
My deepest condolences to the Bulger family and all his loved ones.
Mr. Bugler is the teacher I tell everyone about from my schooling experience. He was always so invested in furthering our knowledge and contributing to our growth as individuals. I first met Mr. Bulger in grade 4. He was always the most fun to play grounders with when we finished school a little early and I cried when I found out he was changing schools. Little did I know I would get the honour of having him again as my grade 7 science and grade 8 homeroom.
During the first half of grade 4, he called me Jessica as he had previously taught a Jessica who looked similar to myself. To stop doing so, he gave me a quarter every time he mixed my name up. I made a lovely $1.25 from that day onward.
I feel so incredibly lucky to had the honour of becoming who I am because of him, and developing my favourite fake name. Thank you Mr. Bulger for making such a huge impact in my life and many others.
Natalie ♥️
I am very saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Bulger. While I was never officially in a class of Mr. Bulger’s, I had the privilege of him substituting for my teachers from time to time and occasionally coming into class, of which one time I fondly remember him taking the time to explain something to me in Grade 8 Science (2012/2013) that I didn’t understand. Always a hello by name accompanied by a smile when you would see him in the halls or even out in the community. My thoughts go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.
I was blessed to have Mr.Bulger as my junior high TA and the impact he had on me was immeasurable.
Mr.Bulger worked so hard to make everyone feel like they belonged. I will never forget the kindness he showed me when he went out of his way to help me redo the school's courtyard, taught me how to use power tools, let my friends and I watch TV in his classroom during lunch, or bought me a cake pop from Starbucks to brighten my day. I could not think of a better person to have as a mentor and inspiration during such a turbulent time in my life. I viewed him as a friend just as much as a teacher.
My sincere condolences to his family, whom he loved deeply. His kindness will live on through the hearts of the many people he touched.
Mr. Bulger was incredibly supportive and passionate teacher, coach and mentor. I was so lucky to learn from him and he was one of the teachers who inspired me to pursue education. His dedication to his students went beyond what was ever expected. He would frequently touch base after coaching my brother’s hockey games to inquire about my studies and to share stories and offer advice.
Mr. Bulger was a teacher in everything he did, in many ways teaching was not just his career but his vocation. He will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by all those who knew him. My heartfelt condolences go out to his loved ones during this difficult time.
Mike and I worked together at SJB for many years together in the Science department. Mike wasn’t just a colleague to anyone who worked with him -he was a true friend. He was always there for students and teachers alike-giving his time and imparted wisdom willingly to anyone who asked-always with a smile on his face. If you needed anything- anything at all- inside or outside our school walls, Mike would be there to help you out. I will miss him so dearly and my heart, prayers and thoughts are with all his family and friends during this insurmountable loss. My heartfelt condolences.
Mr. Bulger was the type of teacher you never forget. My sister and I had the pleasure of being taught by Mr. B during elementary and junior high school.
Mr. Bulger lit up the classroom with his compassion & humour. He was patient and understanding with each and every student he taught. He saw the potential in us before we were able to recognize it in ourselves.
Over the years it was always great to run into Mr. B outside of school, he never forgot his former students. If every teacher taught with the same passion he had the world would truly be a better place. Mr. Bulger had an immense impact on the lives of every student who was lucky enough to step into his classroom.
May he rest in peace. My sincerest condolences to the Bulger family during this time.
Anna
Mr. Bulger had a profound impact on my life. He taught my brother, my sister, and I had him in both Grade 4 and Grade 8.
It felt like I would always bump into him. At the grocery store, at the hockey rink… and truthfully, maybe he was the only teacher I liked bumping into in public.
His impact came in Grade 4. Mr. B was the cool teacher. He had newts, everyone wanted to be in his class. But what made him a truly great teacher is that he brought out the best in his students. It was the first year I succeeded academically. He made me want to do well, and I did so well he let me work ahead.
He made me realize what I was capable of and I’ll forever cherish his impact on my life and many others. Heaven gained a great one. Rest In Peace.
Brendan, Colin and families,
My surprise and sorrow when hearing about the sudden passing of Mike. Please know that I will keep all of you in my prayers and close to my heart. Alan
To Wendy and the Bulger Family,
I am so sorry for your incredible loss. May God give you strength during these difficult times. Your Bearspaw colleagues are here for you.
Franca De Michele and Family
Mike loved hockey and he was a blessing to RHC as a Coach and Dad. Just the other week, he was so excited to share videos of the recent family trip to watch the Spangler Cup and World Juniors. Mike touched lives and made a positive impact on others, even to those of us who only knew him for a short time. Thank you for sharing Mike with everyone. We pray that you will feel God's comfort and peace during this time of loss and sadness.
-Suzanne Hatch, Rec. Hockey Calgary
Wendy, Mathew and Katherine, we pray that you will be able to soon find peace as you remember Mike with much love. He remains in our hearts as a wonderful friend. We loved hearing his jovial stories, especially about his puppies. He was the Brebeuf handyman! Appreciated for many talents for sure! We are very sorry for your tremendous loss. Mike will be thought of often and never forgotten. God bless you all, Tony and Kim Faba.
To Brad and Michel, and all of Michael's family. It saddens us to hear of the sudden loss of your brother, please accept our most sincere condoleances. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
I’m so very sorry to hear of Mike’s sudden passing, I worked with Mike at St. Jean Brebeuf, and he was always such a kind and calm presence. His willingness to help with sometimes challenging students and his matter-of-fact approach to every hurdle were so appreciated! He leaves a legacy of goodness behind. My deepest condolences to his wife and children. May you find comfort knowing how many lives he touched and made better.
I am so sorry to learn about Mike's passing. I had the great honour to teach with him at St. Maria Goretti. What a great legacy he is leaving behind.
Mike was teaching even when he wasn’t in a classroom. He influenced my love of hiking and camping and I am grateful for it. He will be missed.
I was so sad to hear about Mike’s passing. I had the honour and privilege of coaching ringette with him one season. I will never forget his positivity and generosity. He made the experience fun and the players were drawn to him. I appreciate what he taught me about coaching. He will be missed by many, my thoughts are with his family, who must be in absolute shock. Reading the tribute assures me that he had a life well lived.
There are no words to describe the loss we are all feeling. Our heartfelt thoughts, go out to Wendy, Mathew, Katherine and the entire Bulger family. The first word that comes to mind when we think about Mike was giving. Mike would always be there to help out at the school without ever questioning it. Our own daughters were very fortunate to have been blessed by having Mike as a teacher and mentor. You will be a Bulldog forever. Sending our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. With love, Dave, Margo, Kate and Grace Crooks.
I am saddened and shocked to learn of Mike’s passing. We taught together at St. Maria Goretti for many years. He was a true team player at work and was a valuable staff member. He was very loved by his students and their parents. He will be greatly missed.
My deepest condolences to Wendy, Mathew, Katherine and the rest of his family.
I only met Mike a handful of times. The first time was last summer but what an impression he made. He came to a school staff event to say Thank You and Goodbye to colleagues who weren't even his! He set up the shelter and the grills and helped make burgers (and put out a fire), all in the midst of a virtual hurricane. I've come to understand this was how he consistently lived. Always giving. Always helping. Always with a smile. May everyone who met him - whether once or many times - honour him by emulating this generosity of spirit. Wendy and Mathew and Katherine please accept my most sincere condolences. ~Andrea
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