Obituary of Paul Gulka
Paul Gulka, of Regina, Saskatchewan, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2019 at the age of 86. He was predeceased by his wife Katherine (Kay) nee Paslawski; parents John and Mary Gulka; brothers Lawrence, Nick (Joyce) and Edward; sisters Stella (Steve) Yayechnick and Elsie (Walter) Hycha; brothers-in-law Michael Paslawski and Norman Hladyboroda. Paul is survived by his sisters Lena Hladyboroda, Delores Carnie; brother Marvin (Adeline); sisters-in-law Peggy and Darlene; his very special friend Alvena Krushelniski; children Marianne (Bill) Chabluk, Darcy (Halyna), Janet (Laurie) Willis, Cathy (Chris Roche); five grandchildren Katrusia (Glen) Manning, Mikhas (Johanna) Chabluk, Ivasyk Chabluk, Daryna and Anna Gulka; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Paul was born in Preeceville, Saskatchewan on July 12, 1933 to John and Mary (Antoniw) Gulka. He was the fifth of nine children, growing up on a small family farm. Paul moved to Regina, working construction, and making deliveries. While in Regina, Paul attended St. Basil's Ukrainian Catholic Church, where he made many lifelong friends. Paul met his wife, Kay, through their involvement in the church youth group and choir. They married in 1956, and were blessed with four children whom they loved dearly. Paul and Kay created Paul's Transfer, delivering for MacDonald's Consolidated, Scott National and Tremaine Cartage. Although he worked tirelessly six days a week to provide for his family, he reserved Sunday as a day for faith and family. You always knew where to find Paul on a Sunday morning!
Paul faced the biggest challenge of his life when Kay died suddenly in 1976 after 19 wonderful, but too few years. Paul often described his marriage to Kay as, "like a dream!" Paul did his best to raise four children on his own. With Paul's love, and most certainly, Kay watching from above, all four children grew to establish themselves and find their own place in the world. In 1980, Paul sold his fleet of trucks to become a full-time farmer near Osage, Saskatchewan. He was a passionate farmer, and loved to share that passion with family and friends by providing tours of the fields, a picnic, and rides on the tractor. For Paul, there was no better place than at the farm, and he would “gently” encourage all his out of town family to move to Saskatchewan, where the sky was always bluer, and the weather was always better.
Our family was blessed when Alvena Krushelniski came into Paul's life, becoming his closest friend and confidant. For over 40 years they were devoted companions who spoke everyday and shared many happy hours. They prayed together, attended church services, vacations and social events. She helped at the farm and was always there for him and his family, to the very end.
Paul embraced his Ukrainian Catholic faith and Ukrainian language and culture. He enjoyed the company of friends and family. He loved a family sing-a-long, and listening to music played by his grandchildren, who where very special to him. He supported their trips to Ukraine and musical projects. Paul's trip to Ukraine in 2008 with his "kid brother" Lawrence, Marianne, Bill and Ivas was a dream come true, and an experience he spoke of fondly. He encouraged his family to further their education, go to church, pray, work hard and avoid borrowing money. He believed in working hard for his family to have a better life. His hard work, passion, dedication to faith, and commitment to family was apparent to all who knew him.
Prayers will be held at St. Basil's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1747 Toronto Street, Regina, SK, TONIGHT, Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral and Divine Liturgy will be held at St. Basil's Ukrainian Catholic Church on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Riverside Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Basils Ukrainian Catholic Church.
