Much too soon and shortly after his 61st birthday, Jonathan took his final breath on Saturday, July 14th. with his wife and best friend, Dede, by his side. He had bravely and stoically fought cancer not once, but three times. Jonathan was determined to stay for his family, but it was time to join his parents James Rexford and Marjorie (Brittain) Bulman, his good friend Neil Nadeau, and his beloved dog, Wesley. In awe of his magnificent strength and fight, and missing him terribly are his son Conor Bulman, stepdaughters, Leah and Nicki Farrell and his loving and strong wife, Dede Layte, along with his sister, Jennifer Bulman (Henry Troup) of Ottawa, his thoughtful colleagues at Family Counselling and Support Services, Guelph and many friends.
Jonathan was born in Montreal, lived in Ottawa and London, Ontario and eventually moved to Toronto with his first wife, Deirdre Nugent. He graduated with top honours and a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto. In 1990, he accepted a Social Work position at St. Agatha Children’s Village where he wanted to provide support to children that struggled with loss as he had, losing his parents during his teen years. During this time, Conor was born and although their marriage came to an end, Jonathan and Deirdre remained forever friends, raising their son together. Jonathan eventually moved to Family Counselling and Support Services in Guelph as a Marriage and Family Therapist. He was extremely proud of his work with the Anger Management program and the clients he worked with. In 2017, he accepted a part time teaching position at the Davis Campus at Sheridan College. Delivering "Working with Families" and connecting with his students was one of his greatest joys.
Dede Layte and Jonathan married in 1997, and a partnership built on love, respect and a mutual love of animals and family began. They extended their family to include two cats and three dogs. Jonathan and Dede’s love for animals led to them becoming committed animal activists together.
Jonathan had a passion for music (Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix were favs), photography, Irish castles, and reading. He enjoyed discussing politics, history and telling a good story. Conor and his Dad had some of their best talks over campfires in Sauble Beach. Jonathan went regularly to the gym, which became his second home, and treasured the gym friends he made along the way. He indulged in tattoos to express himself and although his gym workouts and tattoos could make him an imposing figure, he was anything but. He had a good heart, was a soft touch when it came to his family and pets, cried when listening to “Little Wing”, possessed a great insight into human nature, and was a loyal friend with a fantastic sense of humour.
At Jonathan’s request, he has been cremated and a private family memorial will be held in Sauble Beach. However, he would love nothing more than for you to raise a glass of Guinness in his memory. If you are so inclined, a donation to any of the organizations Jonathan supported, Soi Dog Foundation, Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society, or the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society would be greatly appreciated. Messages and condolences may be left at tricitycremations.com, 519-772-1237.
“The story of life is quicker than the blink of an eye. The story of love is Hello and Goodbye.
Until we meet again.......” – Jimi Hendrix
Please visit Jonathan's obituary notice on Facebook.
Jonathan was born in Montreal, lived in Ottawa and London, Ontario and eventually moved to Toronto with his first wife, Deirdre Nugent. He graduated with top honours and a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto. In 1990, he accepted a Social Work position at St. Agatha Children’s Village where he wanted to provide support to children that struggled with loss as he had, losing his parents during his teen years. During this time, Conor was born and although their marriage came to an end, Jonathan and Deirdre remained forever friends, raising their son together. Jonathan eventually moved to Family Counselling and Support Services in Guelph as a Marriage and Family Therapist. He was extremely proud of his work with the Anger Management program and the clients he worked with. In 2017, he accepted a part time teaching position at the Davis Campus at Sheridan College. Delivering "Working with Families" and connecting with his students was one of his greatest joys.
Dede Layte and Jonathan married in 1997, and a partnership built on love, respect and a mutual love of animals and family began. They extended their family to include two cats and three dogs. Jonathan and Dede’s love for animals led to them becoming committed animal activists together.
Jonathan had a passion for music (Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix were favs), photography, Irish castles, and reading. He enjoyed discussing politics, history and telling a good story. Conor and his Dad had some of their best talks over campfires in Sauble Beach. Jonathan went regularly to the gym, which became his second home, and treasured the gym friends he made along the way. He indulged in tattoos to express himself and although his gym workouts and tattoos could make him an imposing figure, he was anything but. He had a good heart, was a soft touch when it came to his family and pets, cried when listening to “Little Wing”, possessed a great insight into human nature, and was a loyal friend with a fantastic sense of humour.
At Jonathan’s request, he has been cremated and a private family memorial will be held in Sauble Beach. However, he would love nothing more than for you to raise a glass of Guinness in his memory. If you are so inclined, a donation to any of the organizations Jonathan supported, Soi Dog Foundation, Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society, or the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society would be greatly appreciated. Messages and condolences may be left at tricitycremations.com, 519-772-1237.
“The story of life is quicker than the blink of an eye. The story of love is Hello and Goodbye.
Until we meet again.......” – Jimi Hendrix
Please visit Jonathan's obituary notice on Facebook.
