Samuel Bullock

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Sam, age 74, on Tuesday, December 10th, 2024 after a courageous and dignified battle with cancer. A loving husband, father, grandfather, friend to many, and a dedicated public servant, Sam leaves behind a legacy of bravery, service, and love.

Born on June 22, 1950 in Portage La Prairie Manitoba, Sam grew up on the farm in Old High Bluff. In high school Sam met the girl of his dreams who became his lifelong partner Eunice Kinsley. They spent 54 years married and raised two children and have four grandchildren. Sam had a strong sense of duty and a commitment to helping others.

His career journey began in the Canadian Armed Forces, where he proudly served in the 1st PPCLI & 3 Mechanized Commandos for 7 years. His military service was marked by deployments to Cypress with the UN peacekeeping corps in 1971 & Germany with 3 Mechanized Commandos for four years during the cold war. In 1977 Sam transitioned to military firefighter and was posted in Cold Lake Alberta.

After his military service, Sam moved to civilian firefighter with DND working in CFB Penhold & Suffield Alberta where he retired from the service, dedicating over thirty five years to protecting his community. As a firefighter, Sam displayed the same bravery and selflessness that had defined his military service. His unwavering commitment to others was evident in every call he answered, every life he touched. He became a mentor to many of his colleagues, always willing to share his wisdom, knowledge, and experience. While working, Sam’s courage and leadership were exemplary and he earned the respect of his comrades and remained a proud veteran throughout his life, supporting the Canadian Legion in Innisfail, Redcliff and Cochrane Alberta.

Sam will be remembered for his integrity, loyalty, and his ability to bring humor and light to the tough situations. He loved time spent celebrating with family & friends. Outside of his professional life, he loved hockey where he served as League Governor for the central Alberta minor hockey league, coaching his kid’s baseball, curling and spending his retirement days travelling North America with his beloved wife Eunice in their RV.

Sam is lovingly remembered by his wife, Eunice; son, Jeff (Amy); daughter, Shauna (Dan); granddaughters, Hannah & Chloe and grandsons, Jesse & Kye; as well as his mother, Betty Bullock; brothers & sisters, Randy (Linda), Rick (Sherry), Karen (Elwin), Kathy (Dale) & Kim; brothers-in-law, Colin Kinsley (Laura), and Barry (Nittaya) Kinsley. As well as many nieces, nephews and lifelong friends, colleagues, and fellow veterans.

Sam was predeceased by father, Sam Bullock Sr.; parents-in-law, Percy & Cecilia Kinsley; brothers-in-law, Richard Hill & Brian Whipp.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, December 19th 2024 at the Olds Legion at 1:00-4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Canadian Cancer Society, Didsbury Bethany or the Canadian Legion. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the wonderful caring staff at Bethany Didsbury, Dr Brunner, NP Angela, NP Trudy and all AHS staff who supported Sam and his family through his cancer treatments & palliative care.

Sam’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. His courage, service, and kindness will never be forgotten.