Bill Guhulak lives happily with his wife Mary Jane. They have two sons and two grandsons. Bill’s parents are Ilio and Mary (Melnychuk), both born in Manitoba. Bill’s maternal grandfather was Kostantyn “Jack” Melnychuk born in Ukraine. His maternal grandmother was Wasylka Bilon born in Manitoba.
His paternal grandmother’s maiden name was Anastasia Cheradaryk, born in Austria.
Bill’s paternal grandfather was Theodore Gushulak. The couple arrived in Canada in 1903 with $13, destined for Sirko, Man.
Neither Bill or his parents have ever visited Ukraine, but that didn’t stop Bill or his five brothers from living a life full of Ukraine traditions and heritage. Bill’s father Ilio worked in the paper mill for many years and often said, “When I return to work from holidays there’s always a lot of work for me to catch up on.” Obviously not everyone had the work ethic of Ilio.
The family grew up in the north end of Fort Frances, along with six boys in Ilio and Mary’s family. Their were always lots of cousins. These made for great times and lots of games.
The Ukraine traditions were as important as life itself. Bill also learned Ukrainian dance from Walter Andrusco, and since Covid, he has greatly missed the Christmas caroling. He hopes that will resume one day, even though the choir is down to about six members.
Bill remembers his Mom loving the annual Culturama, where she could share the traditional food, dance and history of Ukraine. He also remembers the delicious meals that the church ladies prepared. They worked hard, cooking for fundraisers and catered events. I’m guessing along with the hard work, the ladies enjoyed the fellowship they shared.
Bill’s Mom (Mary) was a stay at home mother for many years. She did however start to work at the Rainy Lake Hotel, where she worked with Matt Rogoza in the kitchen. She loved this job and it was a whole new challenge to her, but one she always cherished.
Bill loved his childhood. Times were tough but times were blessed with the closeness of family, including aunts, uncles, grandparents and friends.
Bill feels very fortunate that his wife had been able to cook much of the traditional Ukrainian food. Bill and Mary Jane have taught their boys the traditions and I’m sure that will carry on to their two grandsons. One thing Bill shared with me is that his sons truly appreciate how much work goes into preparing a traditional Ukrainian meal, and for that they are always extremely grateful.
Bill has a sadness in his heart as he thinks of his family and the many other Ukrainians that came to Canada to make a better life for them- selves and their families. He shared it’s just so devastating to see what’s happened to the country they left.
When it comes to questions about the Ukraine being taken over by Putin, Bill was overwhelmed with the aggression. Everyone thought this type of aggression was over. Now with modern recording devices, war is no longer out of sight out of mind. Seeing a beautiful country turned into shambles is devastating for all to see.
Bill is proud of the outpouring of support from the world. He asks that people donate if they can and pray.
