GEORGE GUSHULIAK

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GEORGE GUSHULIAK Peacefully, after a long and courageous battle, our beloved father passed away at Boundary Trails Health Centre on Thursday, December 13, 2012 at the age of 81 years. He was predeceased by our dear mother Alice (1997), parents William and Lena, brother Nick, sister Jean, brothers-in-law Walter and Peter, and his granddaughter Elise. Left to cherish his memory are his two daughters Audrey and Lori (Jay), three sons Barry (Carole), Randy (Vicki) and Rocky (Susan), grandchildren Mark, Adrian (Scott), Keela (Jason), Jaydee (Brendan), Lane (Jennifer), Ashley, Calee, Jared, Justin and Chelsey, and great-grandchildren Blake, Maddux, Denton, Kasen, Crosby, Brylee, Logan and Kashten. He will also be sadly missed by his sisters Mary, Elsie (Bill) and Gladys, as well as his special friend Dolly Rodewald. Dad was born in Arbakka, Manitoba on August 30, 1931. He attended school in Sundown for eight years, however felt he was smart enough at that point and left school to venture out into the world finding work in a local bush camp. He soon realized the error of his ways and returned to his education which began with Teacher's College, followed by 12 consecutive years of summer classes plus winter night classes to complete his B.A. and B. Ed. University Degrees. His teaching career lasted 35 years starting at Carona (Birds Hill) and Ackland, both one room schoolhouses, then Greenridge, Emerson and Dominion City from where he retired in 1988. To supplement his income he joined Mike The Boys playing rhythm guitar for 15 years. Music always remained a great passion in Dad's life. In his retirement years, Dad continued to be a very active member in the community. He drove handivan, delivered meals on wheels and volunteered with the fire department. He was a member of the Emerson Elks, St. Andrews United Church board and regularly entertained at many Senior Centres and Personal Care Homes in the area with Ruth accompanying him. Dad was an avid curler and golfer, and his calligraphy skills can still be seen throughout the community on various projects he helped with over the years. He also loved to tinker with cars especially at Casey's Service and was truly a jack of many trades, including carpentry. Dad had an uncanny memory for telling jokes and stories, and his unique sense of humour and quick wit continued until the very end, to which the nurses can certainly attest to. We would like to extend special thanks to the staff of Boundary Trails for their excellent care and compassion. Also, our many thanks to family and friends for all the cards, flowers, visits and special music. Viewing will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Drive in Steinbach on Tuesday, December 18 at 7:00 p.m., with devotional at 7:30 p.m. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, December 19 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Andrews United Church in Emerson with interment to follow at the Emerson Cemetery. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the St. Andrew's United Church Fund. Arrangements by BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL 1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 18, 2012