GEORGE GUSHULAK

Our family thanks God for the blessing of a kind and gentle man whom we have loved so dearly and will miss so sadly.
After struggling bravely in the hospital for nearly four months, our dear Dad’s suffering came to an end on the morning of Thursday, April 28, 2005. He fought so hard to return home to sit under the old apple tree with Mom, but his body grew tired and it was not to be.
Dad was born in Sundown, Man. on Feb. 15, 1910. Being the eldest son of 17 brothers and sisters, he learned the meaning of hard work. At age 13, he went to work in the bush, worked on the railroad, and became a skilled blacksmith.
During the years, he also became an accomplished carpenter—building homes for people as well as for the birds he loved to house and feed.
After being employed in the local paper mill for 29 years, Dad enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting, berry picking, card playing, and being in his workshop.
He also loved to spend time with family and friends, and always remembered to thank Mom for the wonderful home-cooked meals she prepared for him every day.
Most of all, he loved to sit on the swing in his backyard with Mom’s hand in his as they watched their garden grow. She was his best friend and soulmate of almost 69 years, and shared a rare love that only deepened with each passing day.
In addition to his beloved wife, Sophie, Dad leaves to mourn his four children, Lawrence (Ilona), Jim (Fran), Irene (Paul) MacKenzie, and Randy (Barb); eight grandchildren, Lisa Gushulak, Cheryl (Mike) Behan, Heather (Ray) Herbert, Kristin Gushulak, Penny (Chris) Crawford, and Allyson, Brianne, and Austin MacKenzie; and three great-grandchildren, Nathan Baird, and Kennadi and Jacob Herbert.
He also is survived by his brothers, Nick, Mike, Julian, and Frank; and sisters, Mary, Frances, Kay, and Rose.
Dad was predeceased by his parents, Metro and Maria; step-mother, Anna; brothers, John, Jack, Bill, Peter, Matt, and Eli; sisters, Lena and Doris; and grandson, Paul.
Visitation will be held Monday, May 2, 2005 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances, with parish prayers at 7:30 p.m.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 3, 2005 at 10 a.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances, with Rev. Fr. Michael Kopchuk officiating.
Interment to follow in Riverview Cemetery in Fort Frances.
The pallbearers will be Dad’s son-in-law, Paul MacKenzie, grandson, Austin MacKenzie, grandsons-in-law, Mike Behan and Ray Herbert, great-grandson, Nathan Baird, and special cousin, Bill Gushulak.
Honourary pallbearers will be his granddaughters, Lisa Gushulak, Cheryl Behan, Heather Herbert, Kristin Gushulak, Penny Crawford, and Allyson and Brianne MacKenzie; and great-grandchildren, Kennadi and Jacob Herbert.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations may be made to St. George’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church, of which Dad was a devoted member.
Sincere thanks to Dr. Nugent and the caring angels at La Verendrye General Hospital who helped make Dad’s last months more peaceful, and helped comfort our family during this difficult time. We are forever grateful for being a source of energy and strength.
Dear Dad, we will miss your sweet smile, corny jokes, and wonderful sense of humour. Your gentle touch and love are imprinted forever in our hearts. We thank you for being the perfect husband, father, grandpa, and “Gigi.”
Give Dee and Paul hugs from all of us when you see them.
You knew how to make life fun while providing much-appreciated guidance. We will miss your commitment to living life fully and well.