Eric Gregory Pullam
October 16 1933-October 9 2020
It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of Eric Gregory Pullam after a full life of love and service. He died at home surrounded by loved ones. Eric was born in Toronto Ontario to his parents Helen Pullam (nee Gregory) and Eric Pullam. Eric grew up in Toronto. Eric’s family had a cottage just outside of Toronto, where Eric fondly remembered the freedom of exploring nature with his sister, Joan. These childhood summers created a life’s passion for all things in nature. This passion encompassed gardening, birding, hiking, camping, canoeing, and fishing. Upon completion of high school, Eric entered the University of Toronto and completed his BA. During his summer breaks from university Eric worked at the Dominion Bank (TD Bank) as a runner for them. Eric then studied theology at Emmanuel College in Toronto. During his theological studies Eric was a summer student with the United Church on a pastoral charge in northern Saskatchewan. It was this opportunity that created Eric’s love of the prairies. Eric was ordained into ministry with the United Church of Canada in the spring of 1961. While attending the University of Toronto he met Erna Mamie Leach. Erna and Eric were married June 24, 1961 in New Brunswick and following their honeymoon drove to their first pastoral charge - Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan. While in Hudson Bay, Ruth, Jennifer and Greg were all born in quick succession. Eric subsequently served in Prince Albert Saskatchewan, Estevan Saskatchewan, Glenboro Manitoba, and Swan River Manitoba. In each pastoral charge Eric was called to, he and Erna worked in partnership in ministry. Eric was an active participant in all of the communities he lived in. He participated in Interdenominational Ministerial committees, Food Bank Drives, Christmas Hampers, Arts Councils, Stars for Saskatchewan, and Chairperson of the initial committee for the Estevan Regional nursing home to name but a few. Rotary International was a very important part of Eric’s life. He joined Rotary in Estevan and had 35 years of perfect attendance!! The four pillars of Rotary were a match for Eric in terms of service and connected with Eric’s strong faith in God. Eric was passionately involved in Rotary Foundation work, exchange students, and travelled to Rotary events. In retirement Eric didn’t hesitate to drive hours to visit his grandchildren and participate in activities they were involved in. In most recent years Eric and Erna enjoyed living in Mulberry Estates, a retirement community, making friends and participating in activities. Eric is survived by wife Erna Mamie Pullam (nee Leach), his three children: daughter Ruth Pullam (Sony Ahluwalia) and their child Raj Ahluwalia Pullam, daughter Jennifer Marcotte (Warren Marcotte), and their children Bryce Marcotte (Emma Maelde), Sarah Marcotte (Lucas Graham), son Gregory Pullam, (Sintra Lewis), and their daughter Aden Pullam. Eric is also survived by his younger sister Joan Sneddon of Toronto and her four children, Bruce, Anne, Scott and Elizabeth. We are very grateful for the special care provided by Eric’s private caregivers, Christy, Connie, and Judy. We are also very grateful for the support and care provided by Homecare in Moose Jaw. This loving care was the reason Eric could continue to live with Erna at Mulberry Estates. In living memory of Eric, a memorial planting will be made by Jones-Parkview Funeral Services. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com or www.parkviewfuneralchapel.ca (Obituaries). Dayna Chamberlain, Funeral Director.
