Eugene James Gulka

It is with great sadness that we announce that Eugene James Gulka passed away peacefully on July 15, 2024, at the age of 80 years. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 54 years, Stella; their four children, Angela (Kelly), Cory, Derek (Melissa), and Blair; his grandchildren, Connor, Nerissa, Carson, Madison, Brody, Ethan, and Tegan; great-grandchildren, Weston, Brinley, and Bristol; his brothers, Orest (Kathy), Jerome, Murray; sister, Dianne (Myron); sister-in-law, Beth; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Eugene was pre-deceased by his parents, Steve and Lena; Stepmother, Mabel; brothers, Myron (Brenda) and Robert.

Eugene was born February 1, 1944, in Preeceville, SK. He grew up spending his time outdoors, fishing, hunting, and playing hockey. He delivered newspapers as a young boy and worked his summers for the department of highways in his teen years. After graduating from high school, he entered the workforce managing different departments at the Co-op in Canora. He met his future wife Stella in 1966, and in 1969 they married and moved to Preeceville to start a life together. Both Eugene and Stella went to work for his dad Steve at his grocery store. Their first child Angela arrived the next year, followed by their sons Cory, Derek, and Blair. In 1981, with the help of family and friends, the family cabin was built on the North shore of Nelson Lake, where many good times were had spending his summers with his loved ones socializing, and taking his kids skiing, tubing, and fishing. In the mid eighties, his dad built a new grocery store on Main Street. which Eugene and his brother Jerome managed, and later took over when his father retired. Eugene was very proud of keeping the store in meticulous shape. He loved socializing with customers and enjoyed making his fresh smoked sausage. Eugene was actively involved in his community serving as a town councillor for 18 years, as well as being a member of the Lions Club, Curling Club, and Wildlife Club. Eugene retired in 2006 and very much enjoyed spending time traveling with Stella and friends. Some of his favourite things were taking regular bus tours to the States, trips to Oilers games to watch his favourite hockey team, going to The Brier, taking his grandchildren out fishing at the lake and watching their many sports activities, watching the Riders play, cheering on the Blue Jays, and curling. He had many fond memories of vacationing in Hawaii, The Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Mexico, the Caribbean, and their many trips to Vegas. Eugene, you are loved and will be missed forever.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, July 20, 2024 from Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Catholic Church, Preeceville, Saskatchewan with Rev. Fr. Ivan Simko as Celebrant. Cross bearers were Eugene’s grandchildren, Connor, Nerissa, Carson, Madison and Brody. Interment followed in the Holy Transfiguration Parish Cemetery, Preeceville, with Angela Nagy, Cory Gulka, Derek Gulka, Blair Gulka serving as urn bearers.

Memorials in memory of Eugene may be made to the Preeceville Hospital and Long-Term Care Auxiliaries, or to Holy Transfiguration Parish Cemetery Fund as gifts of remembrance.