Barry Kenneth Mullen

Barry Kenneth Mullen, of Vancouver, BC, passed away on the morning of July 31 2026, at the age of 66. He was born on March 23, 1960, in Nanaimo, BC, to Ken and Evelyn Mullen. Barry attended Fairview Elementary, John Barsby Junior Secondary and Nanaimo District Secondary schools before graduating in 1978. Barry went to Malaspina College and the University of Victoria for his post secondary studies, where he explored numerous subjects with an emphasis on social studies and literature.

For much of his professional career, Barry worked in retail sales focusing on recorded music. With his personal interests spanning a vast variety of genres outside the usual "rock" music arena, he was an expert when it came to subjects like jazz, classical, Broadway musicals and vintage pop vocal artists. He developed a loyal customer base wherever he worked as people knew he could make the best recommendations. Yet his soul was that of a writer, and indeed, whenever people queried him about "what he did", his answer was often to self-identify as an "author" or "playwright". He was always writing, though he was never published.

Barry's interest in music also extended to performance. He was active in the theatre and his natural vocal abilities had him belting out show tunes and pop standards whenever he could get an audience. He was always cranking up the tunes to sing along with, or giving his friends and family private concerts. He was never more content than when he was filling the room with his baritone voice.

Barry was a man of deep spiritual faith, and spent many years exploring Judaism, though he never got quite up to fully converting. Still, he'd always be booked for every film screened at the Jewish Film Festival, and he became well known to the festival's board of directors. Barry was also an avid supporter of the Vancouver Canucks hockey team, and you'd always see him sporting his favorite team jersey on game days, and find plenty of memorabilia around his home.

Most of all, Barry was a loving and supportive life partner for nearly 35 years. His presence brought a brightness and lightness to their lives and his caring and dedication ensured that their relationship became an unbreakable bond, a strength of commitment that carried them throughout the difficult times that challenged their final days together.

Barry was predeceased by Grandparents John F. and Florence (nee Sabean) Mullen and George and Thirza (nee Wharton) Cottle and his parents Ken and Evelyn (nee Cottle) Mullen. He is survived by his husband, Stephen Ugo Rosin, sister Karen Mullen (Dave Seccombe), uncle Lawrence Spencer, cousin Gina Poirier and numerous other cousins and second cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 26, 2026, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM at First Memorial Funeral Services, 1720 Bowen Rd., Nanaimo, BC.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Vancouver Jewish Film Centre. Interment has taken place at Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens, 2347 Cedar Rd, Nanaimo, BC.