Obituary of JOHN MICHAEL GULKA

GULKA, John Michael - August 9th, 1958 - January 12th, 2018 Best friend and husband of Anne O'Regan. Adored, adoring and oh so very proud father of Rebecca Gulka and Kam, and Alana Shepherd and Lyle. Missed by his parents Janice and Guido Filice; his sisters, Deanna (and Don) Lecuyer, and Tanya Filice Bento; his brothers, Joey Gulka, Gino Filice, and Jerry Gulka (Debbie). Also missed by his nephews, nieces and grand-nephews, as well as his extended family: the O'Regans, Medlars, and O'Donnells in Ireland; and the O'Regan-McGradys in England. Proprietor and sole employee of JOHN GULKA CUSTOM FURNITURE. John touched the lives of so many people many of whom will have some of the wonderful furniture he built over the last 25 years. John always lived every moment to the full, and treated every day since his diagnosis with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2005 as a special gift. For the last three years, he and Anne embarked on a great adventure, working in Korea and then in China where many friends will be sad to hear of his death. He took great delight in truly living (rather than just visiting) in different countries, learning new languages, meeting new people, learning something of the culture, the cuisine and how to shop in local markets. But his prime focus and joy was his family, and he was heartbroken that he had to leave his daughters, Rebecca and Alana, and his wife, Anne. He tried so hard to stay. He will be with them forever. As John wanted, there will be no funeral service or visitation. A celebration of his life will take place at a later date, to be arranged, at his childhood home in Waterford, Ontario. Arrangements are entrusted with THOMPSON-MOTT FUNERAL HOME, Waterford, 519-443-5332.