Leonard Gulka

Leonard Larry Gulka passed away on August 25, 2023

He was born on July 14,1950 in Preeceville, Sk. He was the second of three children. His early education was in a typical one room country school in Checkow,Sask. In 1962 the family sold the farm to move to Preeceville he continued his education in Preeceville. After leaving school, he worked various construction jobs.

On November 1, 1969, he married the love of his life, Patricia. They came to Flin Flon to look for work and he hired on at HBMS, working in the coal plant, on November 17, 1969. They told everyone they came for their honeymoon and stayed. He got an Industrial Mechanic apprenticeship, getting his ticket in November, 1980. He also did jobs to make extra money such as roofing, carpet cleaning and wild rice farming in Northern Saskatchewan.

Being the father of 2 sons, he was an avid hockey Dad, he spent many hours watching his boys play hockey and as well as taking them to many out of town tournaments. 

In 1983 they bought a cabin at Amisk Lake were he spent many hours fishing and just enjoying being with nature as well as family and friends.

In 1996 he became a grandfather to Brody and then in 1999 to Riley. They found a t-shirt that said: Grandpa - The Man, The Myth, The Legend. They thought it suited him to a T.  Then in 2020 he became a Great Grandfather to Cove.

A favorite activity was playing golf. And on July 16, 2018, he achieved a golfers dream, a hole in one on hole #6 at the Phantom Lake Golf Course. He could also be found playing pool at Rack's Billiards with friends.

He retired in May 2008.  They stayed in Flin Flon but made many memorable trips to various places in Canada and the US.

In 2015 he built an ice shack. As soon as the ice was safe enough, he could be found spending time in it on White Lake. This was one of his favorite ways to spend an afternoon and maybe even bring home supper.

In 2018, he was diagnosed with cancer.  As with everything he did, he faced it head on and fought the good fight undergoing numerous treatments. Sadly, it was too much.

He is survived by his wife, Pat of 53 years, a son Todd(Tenje), grandsons Brody and Riley, great granddaughter, Cove, sister Lorraine, brother Lester (Yvonne), brother in law, Allen (Karen) and their families.

Welcoming him in Heaven is his son, Jerry, Mother and Dad, Olga and Bill Gulka, Mother and Father in Law, Amy and Gordon King, brother in law, Lawrence Slugoski

A special thank you to family for being there and to friends for acts of kindness and generosity, to everyone who sent condolences, to the staff at the Flin Flon General Hospital and Grant's Funeral Home for being so caring and professional.

As per the family's wishes all donations to be made to Cancer Care Manitoba