Jack Gulick, resident of Westvale, AB, passed away on May 8, 2023, at the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital, at the age of 88 years.
Jack was born in Grande Prairie, AB, the oldest twin, and until his passing was very close with his twin Peggy Dreger, talking to her daily. His three oldest brothers passed, when he was young which left him the eldest son of 9 remaining children.
Jack worked in the family road construction business until his father’s passing at which time he bought a Caterpillar Tractor from the estate and went on his own. He was instrumental in the building of many roads in the Peace River Country. He was always willing to share the technology and skill required to build them. With 70+ years in the road construction industry he worked with and for many companies: Alberta Transportation, Walter’s Cat Works Ltd, Birch Hills County (as Transportation Supervisor), and Circle Y Construction for Phil Yanishewski, who he considered more of a friend than employer, to name a few.
He took great pride that he could still operate equipment and clean ditches on Range Road 35 in front of his home the summer of 2022, and some might say he never really retired.
He got into the cattle business raising Brown Swiss and continued for many years with Registered Simmentals which were the pride of him and his first wife, Greta.
There was always a horse on the ranch, and he continued to ride and take part in trail rides until his passing, and visiting a friend last year to do some riding and helping to fix a fence.
He always took great pleasure in quading and sledding with his sons and sons-in-law. As well as many riverboating trips with his family and Earl Solli.
The annual family camping trips to Tumbler Ridge and Pine Pass were always attended and, most times, his would be the first trailer set up for the weekend.
Jack will be sadly missed by his children: Colleen (Ernie) Hemmingway, Darlene (Darcy) Mason, Martin (Karen), David (Judy), and Randy (Roxanne); grandchildren: Jodi (David), Cory (Tyler), Christy (Hung), Allana (Derek), Tyrell (Emily), Michelle (Jay), Kirk (Kaylyn), Cambi (Johnny), Braydon, Alexandra, Calcifer, and Savannah; great-grandchildren: Kenneth, Piper, Jillian, Jude, Ivy, Blake, Harding, Dylan, Brontë, Thayer, Julian, Emmett, Evalina, Frankie, Ryan, Sierra, Ryker, and Ronin; as well as siblings: Peggy (Einer), Ella Mae (Jim), Harvey (Vivian), Jessie, Thelma, Pat (Joyce), and Shirley (Del).
Jack was predeceased by his parents; three older brothers; one sister; four brothers in-law; his first wife Greta in 2001; as well as his second wife Vivian in 2022.
The family is hosting a Celebration of Life on Sunday, June 18, 2023, at 11:00am, at the Gulick Cabins in Heart Valley, AB (corner of Township Road 760 and Range Road 35). Lunch will be served.
Please bring lawn chairs. In honor of Jack, the family is welcoming anyone wishing to ride into the celebration on horseback. Camping is available for the night of June 17 at the location.
Please bring your memories to share with all of us.
Condolences may be sent by visiting www.oliversfuneralhome.com.