William Lloyd Gulka

GULKA, William Lloyd passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on December 29th,2022 at the age of 77 after a brave fight against cancer. He will be deeply missed by his wife, the love of his life of 55 years Linda. Son Kelly (Jamie) Gulka, daughter Corey (Chris) Campbell and the pride and joy of his whole world, his two grandchildren Logan and Ilysa Campbell. Also survived by his two loving sisters Linda (Sean) Stubbington, Helen Arnold. His loving brother in laws Mark Bashnick, Ian Alisch, Eddy (Laura) Senga, Junior Senga and Harvey Tanton, sister-in-law Helen Hesp, stepmother Joanne Gulka, stepsisters Lori Benn and Debbie Gulka. Stepbrothers David and Dwight Gulka. Lloyd also had many cousins, niece’s nephews and friends that loved him. Lloyd was predeceased by his father William Gulka and Mother Margaret Gulka, brothers Ray and Budd Gulka, sister Lorraine Tanton, sister in laws Sandra Senga, Gladys Alisch, Sheila Bashnick, great niece Chelsea Senga and nephew Dean Gulka.

Lloyd was born in Carlyle, Sask. June 19th, 1945. Lloyd met his beautiful bride in 1962 at the age of 17 in Regina, Sask. and were married in May of 1967. In May of 1969 Lloyd and Linda moved from Regina to fulfill a dream to start a life in B.C., where they stayed and raised their family. Lloyd always had fond memories working side by side with his grandpa Gus Browatzke on the family farm. As a young boy this is where he learned his hard work ethic which continued throughout his life. Lloyd was a very hard worker and made another dream come true when him and Linda started up their own drywall contracting business, Kraft Systems Ltd. They ran their successful business together for almost 30 years before retiring. Lloyd had a love for the outdoors and a vision. In 1979 Lloyd and Linda purchased a lot at Birkenhead Lake where they built a cabin from the ground up. It was built with love, blood, sweat, tears and of course lots of beers. Over the years this would become the family’s gathering place where traditions and memories were made leaving a legacy to his family. This was truly Lloyds happy place. Whether he was sitting on his front deck looking up at his favorite mountain, with a Coors in hand; jumping onto his side by side to head up the mountain for a family picnic; or heading up to the water fall on a hot day to feel the cool breeze. The most treasured moments were those made around the campfire, sharing jokes and stories in the company of family and friends. Golfing was also something he enjoyed playing ….at least until 4:00pm when Judge Judy came on.

Lloyd had a great passion for hockey. As a 14-year-old boy he had a very bright future, he was offered a spot on the Regina Pats (WHL). Due to unforeseen family obligations, he did not pursue hockey as his career. Lloyd continued playing hockey and made many friends while playing in the men’s league. His real spark and passion were relit when his son Kelly started playing hockey. Here Lloyd coached for the minor hockey association for 8 years winning 2 back-to-back provincial championships for the Juvenile AAA (18–20-year old’s). Lloyd impacted many young men’s lives in the hockey community where they admired him and respected him. He was a remarkable mentor, molding them into great young men through a sport that they all loved. He truly loved coaching these young men and the respect was mutual. He knew each guy’s personality and how to get the best out of them. In the words of Lloyd “Sometimes you need a pat on the back and sometimes you need a kick in the ass.” For those that had the pleasure to truly know Lloyd, they would tell you that he had a heart of GOLD, but if you crossed him… (well you wouldn’t want to see that side of him); especially if it had to do with his family. In the eyes of Lloyd, he would tell you his greatest success was his family and life that him and Linda had built together. His family and especially his grandbabies were his everything! His selflessness would always say “If you’re happy, I’m happy” and you truly knew this gave him such joy. We felt his love always no matter what. His love for his family always came first! He was the type of man that would go without and couldn’t fathom spending money on just himself, it was always something for his family. He was a man of his word and never ever broke a promise. In the eyes of his family, we were so very lucky that we had the most remarkable husband, father, and grandpa (Poppy). He gave us guidance, wisdom, strength, and unconditional love for an eternity. We love you and you will be missed forever and always. When it comes time for us to travel likewise, we won’t feel lost for we know you will be the first one that we will see running through the shallow waters reaching for our hand.

Our family would like to share our deepest thanks to all the people that cared for Lloyd. Where he received his weekly blood transfusions at the medical day unit (Campbell River Hospital), over the past 9 months. He knew how valuable and precious the gift of blood was, and he was very grateful for these transfusions. All the wonderful nurses that helped him through his journey, he truly felt your love. Thank you. We would also like to give a heart felt thank you to all the staff at the Evergreen Care home in Campbell River. Thank you all for taking amazing care of Lloyd in the final days of his life. You are all angels and will hold a very special place in our hearts. Thank you. Lastly, we would like to thank two very special doctors. Dr. Coetzee thank you for taking Lloyd on as your patient and giving him great care. Not only did Lloyd have you, but he was fortunate to have had Dr. Ramsey as well. Dr Ramsey, you are amazing, our family is forever grateful for your kind heart and old school ways. You touched all our hearts in a way that we can’t even explain, you are a true testament of everything a doctor should be. Thank you for showing us grace in Lloyds final days.

Lloyd’s wish was to have no funeral service. So, we are honoring his wishes by this tribute to him. Please feel free to share your stories and condolences to his family.

In honor of Lloyd’s memory please consider donating blood to your local blood bank.

“There are no goodbyes, only see you later”

-Lloyd