February 11, 2010 - 1:38am
The Pulleyblank family has found a unique way to honour their parents, Bob and Dorothy, who played an active role in Nanaimo’s arts and cultural scene.
Their four children, Bill, Douglas and Andrew Pulleyblank and Robyn McKay have created the Bob & Dorothy Pulleyblank Memorial Scholarship to be awarded to a third-year student in Vancouver Island University’s music program.
The family’s $50,000 donation will be supplemented by $20,000 from VIU’s Matching Fund. Interest generated will create a perpetual annual award of $2,000 for a deserving music student who achieves the highest grades.
“We wanted to create something special in memory of our parents and support a student in the music program at the same time,” said Bill. “Our parents had a shared love of music and education their entire lives. Creating this award is a wonderful way to honour their memory.”
Bob and Dorothy Pulleyblank were well-known throughout the central Island area for their participation in arts and cultural events. After retiring to the city in 1982 from Calgary, the Pulleyblanks quickly became actively involved in Nanaimo theatre activities.
“Dad acted and contributed musical direction and backstage work to Nanaimo Theatre Group. He also acted in Bard to Broadway in Qualicum Beach,” said Bill. “Mother had a long-standing interest in the visual arts and was also involved with the Nanaimo Theatre Group, particularly in the areas of costumes and make-up.”
They were Founding Members of the Port Theatre and attended many events from the day it opened. When Dorothy passed away in 1999, Bob created a memorial fund in her honour with all proceeds going toward the Piano Fund. He also continued his support of the theatre through his contributions to the Port Theatre Endowment Fund.
In 2007, Bob moved into the Berwick on the Lake Retirement Residence in Nanaimo. The family invested proceeds from the sale of the couple’s condo, and after Bob passed away last fall, the family members decided to create a lasting legacy.
“Our father was an active Rotarian in the downtown Nanaimo club, and served as president on two occasions,” said Bill. “When deciding on a memorial, we asked the Rotary club for ideas. They were extraordinarily helpful. One of their suggestions, which we adopted, was to create a student scholarship for the VIU music program. We thought this was a great idea because our family places a high value on education and Mom and Dad had a shared love of music.”
Bob and Dorothy met when they were teenagers performing with the Calgary Junior Symphony Orchestra. “Dad played the clarinet; Mother the viola,” said Bill. During his university years, Bob supported himself playing saxophone and clarinet in a number of dance bands.
Bob had a long and rewarding career as a teacher and school principal in Calgary. He founded a high-school orchestra and served as conductor for many years.
“All four of our grandparents were also teachers,” said Bill, “so there’s a long tradition of teaching in our family. In addition, Douglas is a professor at the University of BC and I taught at the Universities of Calgary and Waterloo.”
Bob and Dorothy’s daughter Robyn lives in Nanaimo and all her children attended VIU including Nathan McKay who graduated from the music program. He now plays professionally as a keyboardist in Nanaimo and beyond.
“With the transition from college to Vancouver Island University we could see a real opportunity to create a lasting legacy for a music student,” said Bill. “The graduates of the program are giving it a worldwide reputation.”
Patrick Carpenter, chair of VIU’s music program, said, “It’s wonderful the Pulleyblank family choose to honour their parents this way.
“We’re very grateful for their generosity, and we know the students who receive this award will be very appreciative indeed.”
To find out how you can create an award or scholarship in honour of a family member, contact Susie Caswell, Manager of the Annual Fund in the VIU Development Office at 250-740-6216.
Tags: In the Community
