William (Bill) Gushulak

Bill was born on October 4, 1931 in Sundown, Manitoba to the late Michael and Alicey Gushulak. Dad left school at an early age to help support his brothers and sisters. His life was dedicated to providing for his family. He worked hard labour beginning in logging bush camps, construction labour, then going onto work for the then O & M Pulp and Paper Company and finally his favourite job there, driving the boom boats as Captain Billy with over thirty years of service. He kept the family freezer filled with food he gathered through gardening, fishing, berry and mushroom picking and hunting. The bush was just a walk in pantry for our father who would disappear for days on end and then reappear with food in hand. When an injury finally sidelined him, he continued to persevere without complaint-driving his scooter into his notorious adventures around and about. He held on fiercely to his independence, surpassing all expectations.

Dad was passionate about his Ukrainian heritage, country music and cowboy movies.

Dad loved children and took delight in his Neenee, Nonny and Billy followed by the grandchildren (Melissa, Alex, Lorrie and Jimmy). Then the next generation came forward to receive his treats- Wayne Gretzky, Bobby Orr, Gordie Howe and the Princess. In between he welcomed the rest who joined the family-there was always room for more children.

Dad walked his own path, following his own sense of what was right and left us a legacy of courage in the face of adversity, strength beyond the day and love without boundaries.

Left to cherish memory are his children Nancy (Ben) Normand of Kenora and their children Gerard, Robert,Tracey, Dave, Laura, James, Joseph, Veronica, Shayne and Verena, Joan Oswald of Apple Valley, MN and her son Alexander, and Allan (Jan) of Fort Frances and their daughter Melissa. Also surviving are his brothers Orest (Karen), Gary (Kim) and Denis, and his sister Iris (Ted) Gogosha as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was united in marriage to the former Shirley Robinson who predeceased him on February 27, 1994. He was also predeceased by his parents, brothers Walter and George and sisters Lillian Mcteague and Mary Franko.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances, Ontario. Father Evan Maximiuk will officiate followed by interment in Riverview Cemetery in Fort Frances.

Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday evening, January 3 from 7 until 8:30 p.m. at Green Funeral Home. Prayers will be offered at 7:30 p.m. by Father Evan Maximiuk.

The pallbearers will be Rick Socholotuk, Rod Cupp, Chris Gogosha, Dan Fox, Bill Gushulak Melissa Gushulak

In memoriam donations may be made to Rainycrest Long Term Care East Wing in care of Green Funeral Home, Box 427, Fort Frances, Ontario P9A 3M8.

On-line condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com