A CORONER has paid tribute to a former Jurat and Harbourmaster as an inquest into his death earlier this year was completed.
The hearing at Morier House was told that Roy Bullen (86) had died at Jersey General Hospital in April, around three weeks after a fall at his home in Grouville.
Relief coroner Advocate Cyril Whelan said that he had known Jurat Bullen and that he was “a terrific character”.
“He had great technical ability in maritime matters and as a Jurat he brought a depth of judgment and humanity to the Royal Court in the very highest traditions of the office,” Advocate Whelan said.
“As we used to say, he was ‘a good Jersey boy’ and will be greatly missed.”
A statement from Jurat Bullen’s daughter, Helen O’Connell, was read during the short hearing, stating that her father had lived in Jersey throughout his life, apart from spending around a decade working at sea after leaving school.
Ms O’Connell said that her father had married Yvonne (née Hassall) in December 1963 and started work at the Harbour Office, eventually being promoted to Harbourmaster. After retiring from the role, he had been elected as a Jurat, and later became president of the RNLI.
The inquest heard that Jurat Bullen had been very active in retirement, but that his health had declined since late 2022, and he had several falls.
Ms O’Connell concluded: “The family were very happy with the care he received and the way we were kept informed and included in decision-making during this difficult time.”
Advocate Whelan said that Jurat Bullen had died as a result of several interconnected health issues.
