Thank you

I'd like to personally thank everyone for their support and communications over the past few weeks. Knowing that everyone was feeling the loss of BK as much as I was really did help to make it through this time. It's unfortunate that it takes that shock of events such as this to get people to come together and feel a kinship of sorts, but I think it has been an event that has brought a lot of people closer. I hope to keep this blog going as a permanent memorial to our friend Brian Kullman, who we lost much too soon.

King of the Mountains

From Jon, here is a picture of the climber's jersey presented to Kevin Kullman last night at the Celebration of Brian at Ceili's.

Reid's Eulogy

Here is the content from the eulogy Reid Cummings gave at the funeral services for Brian on Monday, November 20.

[10 min]

[Opening]

I’m going to open with an excerpt from an email from BK remarking on the opening of the 2005 Cyclo-Cross Season, using his Hanz/Franz impersonation.

“Volks, tis is vhat [cyclo-]crossin’ tis all about!! Look at zee thigh muzzles! Zhey are hugh!! Run ups mazzive, burning, and make zee heart go boom! [Look at] zee big stairs that must be overcome with zee hugh muzzles that are now BUMPED UP with zee go go juice.”

Ok, ok, I didn’t do that very well, but I think you can imagine him doing that. His humour and delivery was unique and exceptional.

[Body]

[pause]

The qualities that I particularly admired were that he:
· Sincerely cared about others
· And that he was deeply dedicated – in everything he did

[1]

Show of hands, who here has been hugged by Brian?

[pause]

Ok, ok, ok. I maybe should have said who hasn’t been hugged by Brian? And not just his friends, right? My favourite story was when we were in Tucson a couple of years ago. We were in one of the local bike shops and had spent some time talking with the sales lady who helped us out. It came time to leave and we all said our good byes. Brian, made a point to walk around the till, you know – past the ‘employee’s only’ sign (oh yeah, he also had thing with breaking ‘social norms’, but that’ll be a topic on another day), and proceeded to hug this slight and bashful woman.

[short pause]

At first – she looked concerned

[short pause]

But then – embrace.

I think the comment from one of us was, don’t worry, he’s harmless, he hugs everybody.

[2]

His attention to friends was selfless … noble. In a race or in a group ride, he would always make a point to come up to you. Sometimes just to talk, sometimes to make sure you were OK. I remember at a race just recently in Canmore where Cyrus, a team mate of his who was looking forward to this particular race, had broke his chain during his warm up right before the start. “Here Cyrus, use my bike”. At first some thought he was joking – but he sincere in this jesture.

I’ve taken some words from Jon Keech who summed it up best for us last week …

“Got a flat tire right before a race? No problem, here’s my bike. Hands cold on a winter ride? No problem, here are my gloves. Cracking after a long ride? No problem, here is my energy bar. BK never let you suffer if he could help you out.”

[3]

Perfection! Relentless perfection! So many experiences and we’ve all had them. I helped him shop for a pair of new glasses, something that took him more than half a year to finally purchase. In the end, I stopped going to stores with him because I was frustrated with comments like “they’re not perfect”, or “I wish they were slightly different in this manner”.

There’s the furniture and artwork. Patrick – I feel for you. I have no idea how many furniture stores you’ve been to and how many measurements and re-measurements you’ve help take, but it’s been a year, and he still had his circa 1980’s stuff because he still wasn’t 100% sure.

Of course, there’s the espresso. Any one who’s been to his house, and enjoys espresso can honestly say it’s among the best they’ve ever had. I only know of one other place in Calgary that serves better espresso. The last taste I had was with Per when the three of us were heading up to Edmonton this fall to hit the first Cyclo-Cross race of the season. There we were, 6:30 in the morning at his house, espresso bar open, and getting ready to go. I will never forget how good that tasted and how entertaining that process was.

[4]

Campy, or nothing at all! Sorry Reid, you needed to hear the argument one last time because I think BK would have wanted to have the last word on that. We all know the attention to detail he had, and when it came to his bikes, it was latest and the lightest. I think Andy started bringing the weigh scale out a couple of years ago to the Provincial Hill Climb not to ensure all the racer’s bikes were over the legal weight minimum, but to ensure Brian’s bike was over the minimum.


[5]

Brian had a deep dedication to everything he did and with everyone he touched. His coach Tim Heemskerk has some of the best comments last week.

“Brian always smiled or made people smile, even when things were not going well. He was the only athlete always responding about performances of other athletes. I'll miss his funny and honest emails, some periods of the year almost every day and I'll miss his extensive training logs with Polar printscreens of the workouts done.”

[6]

The connection he had with people was tremendous. I did a very simple exercise this weekend – I counted how many emails I had to and from him in the month of October. Now this is only on my work email and it alone came out to 100 emails. Once you include phone calls, emails at home, lunches, coffee and the time spent training and at races, I alone was easily ‘touched’ by him I’d say on average almost 150 times a month. This is incredible but not surprising given how close I had become with him in a short amount of time.

How he connected people was a gift. He brought a common bond and assured harmony. I mean, just look at the turn out yesterday.

Powerful! … [quiet] powerful

[Long Pause]

[Closing]

BK …
My friend
You’ve gone off the front and we cannot bridge the gap
In time I’ll drop the pack and grab onto your wheel
So that you can carry me to the finish

[Place cog on casket]

[Hand on casket]

[quiet] - Keep the rubber side down.

Cyclists join in tribute ride for enthusiast shot to death

Photographs by : Leah Hennel, Calgary Herald
Sherri Zickefoose, Calgary Herald
Published: Monday, November 20, 2006
With the wind at their backs and a fallen cyclist in their hearts, friends of Brian Kullman pedalled from Bowness to Inglewood on Sunday to honour his memory.

More than 150 friends donned jerseys and Spandex shorts for a memorial ride in tribute to the 39-year-old who was shot to death Nov. 7.

Members of Kullman's beloved Synergy Racing Cycle Club were out in full force at 12:30 p.m. to guide the riders, cycling along one of Kullman's favourite routes. They started from Cadence Cafe on Bowness Road, rode along Memorial Drive and continued on to his Inglewood townhouse.

"I'm completely floored by how many people turned up today," said friend Reid Dalgleish, one of the ride organizers.

Riders lined up first to sign a cycling jersey, which will be presented to Kullman's parents during another gathering tonight at Ceili's Irish Pub.

When the riders reached Kullman's townhouse in Inglewood Grove for a short remembrance ceremony, they were greeted by their friend's black helmet and a memorial poster hanging from the garage door.

Cyclists bowed their heads for a moment of silence before sharing memories of the dedicated cyclist known for his enthusiasm and support of fellow bike riders.

Friend Graeme Thomson urged people to remember Kullman's affectionate nature.

"BK loved to hug people randomly, so before you leave, hug someone next to you," Thomson said, sparking the crowd to open their arms to each other.

Family members were awed by the turnout.

"I'm absolutely moved, as are all of us," said Kullman's uncle, Don Cross, who addressed the crowd as the family spokesman.

"We're all totally blown away and grateful for everything you've done. It makes my heart pound that he has this many friends," Cross said.

"I think we all hope we're loved by people around us. What greater way to show that than this. That says a lot."

Kullman's large circle of friends say they're stunned that a largely unknown business acquaintance who knew Kullman for seven years has been charged in his death.

Bill James Pappas, 35, was arrested last Wednesday at the Calgary International Airport with a one-way ticket to Italy.

He is charged with second-degree murder, arson and fraud.

Suspicious banking activity involving Kullman's account helped lead detectives to the suspect.

Pappas and Kullman, 39, had known each other for seven years, police said. Kullman, a well services programmer, had financial dealings with him in the past.

Police recovered a gun, which is thought to be the murder weapon. They have sent it to the crime lab.

Pappas was a suspect early on, police said. Some of Kullman's friends mentioned the suspect by name in their online blogs, with a plea to contact police with information about him. It's alleged the suspect visited the home as others were leaving the night Kullman was last seen.

A fire was deliberately set in Kullman's Inglewood home Nov. 8 to destroy evidence, police said.

His silver Mercedes-Benz station wagon is believed to have been used by the suspect for days before it was recovered at a southeast parking lot.

Kullman's body was found by hikers Nov. 10 near the side of Highway 66 in Kananaskis Country, near Elbow Falls.

szickefoose@theherald.canwest.com

BK Memorial Ride Highlights

The ride in Brian's honor took place on Sunday, November 19th, starting at Cadence Coffee in Bowness and moving through the city to Brian's house in Inglewood. Approximately 120 riders showed up to pay their respects to the man who had such a positive effect on all of our lives.

Here is a video of the procession going down Memorial Drive.


The Synergy Racing Cycle Club team, past and present, were able to find some comfort in the support of all of our friends in the Alberta cycling community and with each other.

I was also very happy that Brian's family could be present to see what a profound effect Brian had on all of us.

A special thank you should go out to Graeme and Jon, who organized the ride and the ceremonies.

Celebration of Brian's Life - Monday night

We think it's important that all of Brian's cycling, rowing, running and social friends get together, so we have also organized a celebration of Brian's Life Monday night, November 20, 6:30pm on the second floor of Ceili's Irish Pub, 513-8th Ave. SW (corner of 8th & 5th St).

We will hopefully start a video presentation at 7pm when everyone will have an opportunity to share stories of Brian if they like and hoist a few pints in his honour.

Brian Kullman Memorial Ride

Calling all ABA riders in Edmonton, Calgary and surrounding area. This Sunday November 19th, since the weather looks to co-operate, we will be hosting a memorial ride for Brian Kullman. I'm sure all of you have received the previous email from Andy and understand this tragic loss. We will be meeting at Cadence Café in Bowness(6407 Bowness Rd) at 12pm and leaving at 12:30pm. We will ride from Cadence to Brian's home in Inglewood where we will have a short remembrance service. The route we will ride(for the late people) will be Bowness Road to Memorial Drive. Memorial to the Z00 Rd NE(zoo bridge) and then east on 9th Ave. We will be contacting the media about this ride so that the public can see how much he had touched the cycling community. We will also be encouraging recreational riders to join us. Please come out and show your support.

Thanks.
Graeme & Jon

Everyone and anyone is invited to attend this ride.

Brian Kullman Funeral Announcement

KULLMAN, Brian Wayne 1967 - 2006 (source)

Brian Wayne Kullman, beloved son of Mary and Stan was taken from us on Friday, November 10, 2006 at the age of 39 years. Besides his loving parents, Brian is survived by his brother Kevin of Calgary. Brian was a very passionate and caring individual who loved music, hockey, biking and being outdoors with family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at FOSTER'S GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220 - 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen's Park Cemetery) on Monday, November 20, 2006 at 2:30 p.m. with Interment to follow at Queen's Park Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family at www.mem.com. FOSTER'S GARDEN CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORIUM. Telephone: 297-0888. Honoured Provider of Dignity Memorial www.fostersgardenchapel.com

There will be limited seating at Foster's Chapel, therefore at the request of Brian's family only close friends are asked to attend.

The King of the Mountains

My first memory of BK dates back to the Pigeon Lake road race in 2003. It was a cold and rainy day that didn’t exactly have me jumping for joy. I had warmed up with some other Synergists by doing laps up and down the highway but this didn’t prove to be enough as the race started fast and I got dropped on the first hill. I rode on alone for awhile before BK caught up to me. He slowed down and picked me up and we rode the rest of the race together. He could have easily dropped me and ridden on with faster groups that caught up to us but he didn’t. No matter how I was riding, he stayed with me until the end of the race.

This selfless nature has continued over the years as BK and I became better friends and trained and rode together more frequently. Whether we were going for a training ride, cross-country skiing or even racing, BK was always there to make sure his friends and team mates were taken care of. If you needed anything, he would do his best to help you out. Got a flat tire right before a race? No problem, here’s my bike. Hands cold on a winter ride? No problem, here are my gloves. Cracking after a long ride? No problem, here is my energy bar. BK never let you suffer if he could help you out.

BK was one of those weird guys (weird to a heavy track guy like me) who loved to climb. At training camp in Tucson, Brian was always happiest on days when there would be a few hours of climbing to be had. I’m pretty sure that if he lived in Tucson, he’d climb Mt. Lemmon on a weekly basis. His favourite race has always been the Mount Norquay Hill Climb and this year he put in a great time and claimed second place. I think that some of the credit for that can go to Brian’s rigorous training regime that included numerous rides in his Birkenstock sandals. Nothing toughens you up quite like a long, hard ride while wearing sandals, with black socks of course, atop your clipless pedals.

Brian’s passion for climbing was fuelled by his undying love of all things bike tech. If there was something new or cool to be seen or had, I could count on him to know all about it and likely have it on his bike already. Saves you 5g? I’ll take it! Won’t be available in North American until next year? I’ll take it! Looks so cool? I’ll take it. As a fellow bike geek trapped in the cold of Calgary, news of cool new gear always cheered me up.

Brian took this same all in approach to everything he did. If there was an inside scoop or trick to it, he would figure it out. What was really great about him is that he would then share this information with you. As a result of all this, Brian pulled the second best espresso shot in town, not bad for a guy does it for a hobby. I was fortunate enough to enjoy plenty of fine espressos in BK’s kitchen over the years and always looked forward to them.

Brian was a great man, loving friend and avid cyclist. He will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. Brian always had a great big smile on his face and did his best to make sure you left with one too, even if that took chasing you down and hugging you. He offered never ending support and encouragement to everyone in the cycling scene and helped me out on many occasions. I will miss our weekly roller training sessions, espresso shots, and bike geekery but most of all I will miss one of my closest and best friends. I hope that wherever Brian is, he is enjoying long climbs over perfect roads with a never ending tail wind. We’ll miss you Brian.

Jon Keech
Synergy Racing Cycle Club

Charges Laid

Date: Thu Nov 16 09:30:38 2006
Subject: PA/MRU #06-444 HOMICIDE CHARGE LAID
From: Martin Kemp

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CITYBEAT - CITY OF CALGARY PRESS RELEASE
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The Calgary Police Service Major Crimes Section has laid a
second degree murder charge in relation to the Brian Wayne
KULLMAN homicide investigation.

At approximately 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday November 15, 2006, a
suspect was arrested at the Calgary International Airport.

Bill James PAPPAS, 35, of Calgary, was taken into custody
hours before he was to board a flight to Europe.

In the early morning hours of Thursday, November 16, 2006,
PAPPAS was charged with one count of second degree murder, as
well as arson, possession of stolen property under $5000,
uttering a forged document and fraud under $5000.

Mr. Kullman was last seen by friends and family on the
evening of Tuesday, November 7, 2006.

On Wednesday, November 8, 2006, at 7:40 p.m., the Calgary
Police Service and the Calgary Fire Department responded to
reports of a house fire at the home of Brian Kullman. The
circumstances surrounding the fire caused the Joint Forces
Arson Unit to investigate.

On the evening of Thursday, November 9, 2006, the Arson Unit
discovered further suspicious circumstances which caused the
Calgary Police Service Violent Crime Team 1 (Homicide Unit)
to assist in the investigation.

On the morning of Friday, November 10, 2006, a missing person
investigation was initiated to locate Brian Kullman, as well
as his 2003 Mercedes Benz C240 vehicle. That afternoon, the
RCMP responded to the discovery of a body found near the side
of highway 66 in Kananaskis Country. The body was later
identified as that of Mr. Kullman.

The 2003 Mercedes Benz C240 vehicle belonging to Mr. Kullman
was located in southeast Calgary in the early morning of
Saturday, November 11, 2006. This vehicle is currently being
examined by the Calgary Police Service Forensic Crimes Scenes
Unit.

Investigators would like to thank those members of the public
who came forward with information as to Brian Kullman’s last
known activities.

Bad news

Brian and Jonas, courtesy of Andrew Harich

It's bad news. I'm sorry everyone. I've just gotten confirmation from Brian's brother that the body found by Elbow Falls was identified as Brian.


Date: Tue Nov 14 17:06:52 2006
Subject: PA/MRU #06-443 - BODY IDENTIFICATION

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CITYBEAT - CITY OF CALGARY PRESS RELEASE
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The Calgary Police Service has identified the body found in
Kananaskis Country, Friday, November 10, 2006, as Brian Wayne
KULLMAN, 39, of Calgary.

Mr. KULLMAN went missing from his southeast Calgary residence
the evening of Tuesday, November 7, 2006. His car, a silver
2003 Mercedes Benz C240 station wagon, was also missing.

Early Saturday morning, November 11, 2006, Mr. KULLMAN's car
was located in southeast Calgary. This vehicle is currently
being examined by the Calgary Police Service Forensic Crimes
Scenes Unit.

The investigation into the death of Mr. KULLMAN continues.
Anyone who had any dealings with Mr. KULLMAN up to the time
of his disappearance is asked to call the Calgary Police
Service Violent Crimes Team 1 at 206-8721, the Calgary Police
Service at 266-1234 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS
(8477).

Dear media

I have removed this post. I feel I was unfair in my collective demonization of the media during the period when very little was known by the public. I have moved it to a personal site where it is more appropriate. I apologize to those of you who may have been offended as well as those who felt the same way I did.

Body found near Elbow Falls

Police probe homicide, arson links
Police scour the area near Elbow Falls where a man's body has been discovered.

Sarah Chapman and Peter green, with files from Jamie Komarnicki, Calgary Herald
Published: Sunday, November 12, 2006 Link

Homicide investigators are looking into the possibility that a body found near Elbow Falls is that of a well-known Calgary man missing since Tuesday.

Brian Wayne Kullman, 39, an avid cyclist, has not been seen for five days.

And arson investigators have been poring over his Inglewood home since a neighbour alerted the fire department to smoke in the residence on Wednesday.

A friend told the Herald on Saturday that news of Kullman's disappearance has left friends and family worried.

"We went out to a movie (last) Saturday -- that's why it came as such a shock to me," said Rob Kattenburg, who has known Kullman for about 20 years. Kattenburg described Kullman as "a laid-back guy" who works as a well services programmer in Calgary.

On Friday, emergency crews were called to Highway 66 southwest of Bragg Creek where a man's body had been found. Tape blocked off the roadside turnout on Saturday near a hill leading to a ravine.

Forensic investigators were on scene for much of the day, climbing over the guardrail to the grassy stretch tucked among the trees of Kananaskis Country.

The fire in Kullman's home caused minimal damage, but by Thursday further suspicious circumstances led arson investigators to call in the homicide unit.

"When (arson) came back the next day, they saw some things to them that looked out of sorts and requested homicide to assist them," said Duty Insp. Luch Berti.

Berti said police have no suspects for the arson or Kullman's disappearance, but added police hope more tips from the public come in.

Police say the death of the man near Elbow Falls is suspicious, and are investigating to see whether the body is in fact Kullman.

"We are collaborating, forensically, with the RCMP to determine whether there is a crossover between their discovery and our investigation into the missing person," said Calgary police Duty Insp. Guy Slater on Friday. "However, nothing will be determined until a positive identification and autopsy has been completed."

Staff Sgt. Barry Cochran of the Calgary police homicide unit was at Elbow Falls on Saturday.

He said no vehicle was found near the man's body.

Mounties said someone notified Kananaskis Emergency Services of the body and crews were sent to the scene near Highway 66 southeast of Bragg Creek on Friday.

Kullman's family did not wish to comment when contacted Saturday.

Kullman is a well-known cyclist, who often rides west of Calgary. On his online blog, he calls himself "the king of the mountains."

Kattenburg said Kullman is well-liked and a passionate athlete.

"As far as I knew, he'd go home and he'd train," he said. "He had his own training equipment in his basement and that's his life."

Police said he was last seen by friends and family on Tuesday at about 11:30 p.m.

His car, a silver 2003 Mercedes Benz C240 station wagon, with Alberta licence plate EJT 768, was recovered in a southeast Calgary business parking lot early Saturday.

The vehicle, which was not damaged, is being examined by the Forensic Crime Scene Unit.

"(There was) nothing out of the ordinary -- it wasn't totalled or it wasn't involved in an accident," said Duty Insp. Luch Berti.

schapman@theherald.canwest.com

The latest City bulletin

Date: Sat Nov 11 19:36:26 2006
Subject: SUSPICIOUS DISAPPEARANCE OF BRIAN KULLMAN OF CALGARY
From: Duty Inspector

http://www.gov.calgary.ab.ca/citybeat/public/current/index.html
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CITYBEAT - CITY OF CALGARY PRESS RELEASE
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CALGARY POLICE SERVICE MEDIA RELEASE

The Calgary Police Service is requesting the assistance of
the public in the ongoing investigation into the suspicious
disappearance of 39 year old Calgary resident Brian Kullman.

Mr. Kullman was last seen by friends and family on the
evening of Tuesday, 2006 November 7th at 22:30 hours. On
Wednesday, November 8th at 19:40 hours, the Calgary Police
Service and the Calgary Fire Department responded to the
residence of Brian Kullman in relation to a house fire. The
circumstances surrounding this fire resulted in the Arson
Unit being called in to investigate the cause.

On Thursday evening, 2006 November 9th, the Arson Unit
discovered further suspicious circumstances which resulted in
the activation of the Calgary Police Service Violent Crime
Team 1 (Homicide Unit) to assist in this investigation.

On Friday morning, 2006 November 10th, a 'Missing Persons'
investigation was initiated to locate the home owner Brian
Kullman as well as a 2003 Mercedes Benz C240 motor vehicle.
On Friday afternoon, the RCMP responded to the discovery of a
body found near the side of highway 66 in the Kananaskis
Country. Forensic investigators from the RCMP and Calgary
Police Service scoured the scene today and have not yet
determined the identity of this adult male person.

Early Saturday morning, 2006 November 11th, the 2003 Mercedes
Benz C240 vehicle belonging to Brian Kullman was located in
South East Calgary. This vehicle is currently being examined
by the Calgary Police Service Forensic Crimes Scenes Unit.

Investigators would like to speak to the friends and
associates of Mr. Kullman who had any dealing with him up to
the time of his disappearance. These individuals are asked
to call police at 266-1234. Any other person(s) having
information on this incident is also asked to
call police at 266-1234 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222
-8477(1-800-222-TIPS).

Duty Inspector Luch Berti for Staff Sergeant Barry Cochran of
the Violent Crime Unit (Homicide).