Guelph businessman, former NHLer Barry Cullen has died

A former NHL player, turned owner of a longstanding Guelph car dealership has passed away.

Barry Cullen was 87-years-old.

“Barry had a laundry list of community accomplishments but what he did best centred around who he was and what he stood for,” reads his obituary. “He was an admirable businessman, he was a loyal husband, he was an involved father and he was a terrific friend.”

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Cullen, born in Ottawa, moved to St. Catharines with his family and won a Memorial Cup with the St. Catharines Teepees in 1954.

He went on to have a five-year NHL career between 1955 and 1960, playing in 219 games with Toronto and Detroit. He retired from hockey in 1964 following a few years with the AHL's Buffalo Bisons.

In 1969, Cullen bought a General Motors dealership in Guelph, where it still operates as Barry Cullen Chevrolet at 905 Woodlawn Rd. W. in the Guelph Auto Mall.

The dealership is into its third generation.

Cullen's first wife, Loretta Keating, passed away in 1983. He leaves behind the second love of his life, Judy Taylor, as well as several children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

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The family will be holding a private service, and are requesting donations to the Guelph-Wellington Special Olympics in lieu of flowers.