| Born: | 20/06/1950 - Balbriggan, Ireland |
| Departed: | 27/05/2023 - Concord Hospital Aged 72 years |
Dear Friends and Relatives,
In lieu of flowers the Cullen family would appreciate any donation made in the Late Thomas’ honour to the Brain Foundation.
Any messages or tributes made on this page in Tom's memory are also appreciated.
Thank you
Posted by Denne Cruz Divinity Funerals 03/06/2023
Jennifer & John, we wish you peace & comfort as you cope with the loss.
It was lovely meeting you Mr Cullen!
All our love, Stephen, Bernadette & Lorenzo
Posted by Bernadette Basile 08/06/2023
Sensei Cullen, you were always part of our Kenpo family and we were always excited to see you when you came to our gradings in Brisbane. You brought an incredible energy and so much positivity to the room. We are grateful to have met you as students of the art, and to have created memories with you as friends, which will last forever.
Our deepest sympathy to Jenny and family.
Love Susan, Howard, Carissa, Matthew and Lachlan Kemp
Posted by Susan Kemp 08/06/2023
Mr. Cullen was more than an instructor to me. He was a mentor, father figure and more importantly a friend. Over the twenty plus years we knew each other he didn't just grow with me he was a part of me. He helped shape me as a martial artist, instructor, and a man through his own teachings.
He was respected for his knowledge and understanding of life and the martial arts. Everyone is different and he was no exception. His ability to read a person and redirect a session /seminar to adapt to all styles and abilities was a pleasure to be a part of.
With him I found new friends across the world. People l got to meet and still stay in contact with.
The visions he showed with the change from Shinobi to Kenpo, prove he had what it takes. Throwing in Kenpo4Kids and to follow it up with Dragon Arena and allowing me to be involved with decisions throughout the change. If you could back up a change with knowledge, he was always prepared to give it a go. There was no change for the sake of change.
He was a proud man whose family and principles took precedence. Always there for advice or just a chat.
As a storyteller his life experiences were a book from which it seemed had no ending. Sitting at a table there was always a story I hadn't heard before.
l am sorry you are no longer here to guide me, but I hope to carry on your legacy and continue to use what you taught me for the betterment of people.
RIEP Mr Cullen(SIR)
Maurice Howie
Posted by Maurice Howie 07/06/2023
Mr. Cullen was one of the greatest humans I’ve ever known. There are colossal parts of my life that wouldn’t have existed without him. Memories I wouldn’t have. People I wouldn’t know. Places I wouldn’t have been. Things I wouldn’t have done. I will never forget him and I will always love him. Rest easy Mr. Cullen
Posted by Tash Perez 07/06/2023
I first met Sensei Tom Cullen at a Kenpo seminar in 2003. I was keen to be shown the Kenpo way and joined his classes the very next week. I still remember my very first day with Sensei Tom. Already achieving 4th Degree in Taekwondo, Sensei asked me were I would like to begin, to which I replied, " as a white belt at the back of the class sir."
From that day on he took me under his wing, not only showing me the Kenpo way, but enspiring in so much more in my life. Sensei Cullen was such a powerful man in so many ways, yet so gentile and understanding with everyone he came in contact with.
Grand Master Cullen, you had dedicated your life to Martial arts, encouraged students of all ages, promoted so many black belts, and fashioned instructors such as myself. Although you may no longer walk this earth, but your Legacy will live on forever in the World of Kenpo and those who follow in your footsteps.
I will dearly miss you......
Posted by Sensei Wayne Turnbull 05/06/2023
In loving memory of a special friend.
Many would know Mr. Cullen for his outstanding contribution to the Marital Arts, however he also had another talent very few men have…….fantastic shopping skills.
It was our first Martial Arts trip to the USA in 2004, and what would be the start of many more to come. We all met up in Las Vegas to attend a Kenpo training camp. It was my first time in Las Vegas, and I had mentioned to Mr. Cullen (the seasoned traveler) that I had to go shopping. His response was, “Mrs. Perez, I know where the locals’ shop, I have a car (a red convertible no less) so let’s go”.
So off we went, unbeknown to the Martial Art leaders at the camp. It was just him, me, and our daughter Tash. We were gone for hours. He knew what shops offered the best bargains and the best prices compared to Australia. At one store, I was looking at shoes and he said, “get two pairs of those as they are so much cheaper here than at home, even with the exchange rate.” I laughed because he was right. It was one of the best shopping trips I ever had.
That was one of the many fun times we had, and from that moment on and in all the years that followed, Mr. Cullen became part of our family, and we loved him dearly.
I am so grateful that Mr. Cullen became part of the tapestry of our lives and our family history.
He will never be forgotten.
Sending love and condolances to all his family.
Posted by Leah Perez 03/06/2023
Two decades of moments and memories of the deepest connection, appreciation and love for the most honorable man I have very met.
Mr. Cullen influenced the meaning and direction of my life like no other. We shared an unbreakable friendship founded on respect, honor and gratitude. He was the light I followed and I have been truly blessed to walk this planet at the same time as Tom Cullen.
Sending all my love to his wonderful family.
Posted by Tony Perez 03/06/2023
So many wonderful memories from my early years all the way to spending a lovely Easter together last year.
Uncle Tom will always have a special place in my heart, from making me laugh to showing genuine care for me in tough times. Sending my love, Andrea
Posted by Andrea Christie-David 03/06/2023
