Monday, January 15, 2018
Dear Anne, Rebecca and Alana
I met John at the spring 1998 One of a Kind Show as I looked for furniture makers for our farm house undergoing renovation near Roseneath ON. We had a long and very interesting conversation and I browsed through his book of photos on the furniture he had made in the previous years. He was looking to expand the business beyond the southern area of Ontario near Dunnville,. Later my husband Ed and I drove to Dunnville in the winter of 1999 to be shown the marvelous work he had done in your own home and the furniture he had built for your family. We loved his work and had the happy circumstance of meeting Anne and both the young, bouncy and busy young daughters, Rebecca and Alana.
John, in consultation with us, created two especially beautiful pieces of furniture for our 1965 renovated farmhouse, a 12 foot dining room table, and a superb media center for TV and music.
Several years later, to our amazement, whose name should we see on highway 45 north of Cobourg - John Gulka Custom Furniture!!! We called and came by to see the new home, chat about the work he was doing in his workshop/garage/'barn' and to learn that Anne was teaching at TCS, my brother's alma mater.
We sold our farm near Roseneath some years ago now and I am happy to report that both of John's beautiful works are now happily loved by our buyers.
Ed and I are deeply saddened to learn of John's premature death and wish to extend our sympathies and condolences to you and all the family.
A master craftsman of humble mien, John was a pleasure to work with and a true professional. We trust that the years of wonderful family life with John will provide lifelong moving memories of a loving, caring and devoted husband, father and family man.
sincerely
Ann Kerwin
