On February 16, 2015, in the comfort of his suite at the Broadmead Lodge, John Kulik, aged 96, passed in the evening on a beautiful spring-like day in Victoria, BC.  John leaves to mourn his daughter Judy, son-in-law Murray, granddaughter Alanna (Cole) as well as five sisters-in-law, many nieces, nephews and friends.

John was the youngest of four siblings (Mike, Lena and Mary) born to immigrant parents (John and Annie), formerly of Austria.  His parents settled in the Transcona area and while his father worked for the CP Railway, family members became market gardeners.  Even though there were many hardships growing up in the 30s, John always looked on the bright side of things and remembered the good times with his family and friends.  In 1941, he enlisted in the army with his best childhood friend, John White, and served his country in England first as a transport vehicle driver and then an ambulance driver.  Upon his promotion to a full corporal, John became the personal driver to Colonel White, CO of Aldershot Command.  Just before leaving for England, John got engaged and one of the first things he did upon returning from the war was marry his sweetheart Anne.  They were married 52 years and had two daughters, Judy and Shirley.  Over the years, John, Anne and the girls shared lots of good times with relatives at various family gatherings.  John and Anne loved the the great outdoors and in their earlier years would go on camping trips with their girls to Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park.  John also became part of the carpentry trade and built many homes with Hartman Construction in the St. James and River Heights areas.  In 1959, John became employed with Sears Canada where he thoroughly enjoyed his 25-year+ career as a carpenter in the Display Department and worked along side his fellow worker, John Ducharme.  The two of them, known as John and John, were almost inseparable on numerous store projects.  It was at Sears where John developed his friendships with numerous staff members from varying departments, and those bonds continued after his retirement with the Sears Retiree Club.  John was very proud of the lovely home on Moray he built and enjoyed for 50 years.  In his retirement years, he spent countless hours caring for his yard and became quite an avid gardener.  People driving by would even stop and take pictures of his park-like front yard.  He was also a dog lover and over time had three Pomeranians–Fluffy, Squeaky and Pom Pom.  Once his home became too much to maintain, John moved into Sturgeon Creek II Retirement Residence and was able to continue with all his walks and developed a new circle of friends.  John even became Sturgeon’s “poster child” for their advertising.  However, it was the love of family and friends that John cherished, and nothing in life was more important to John than his beautiful granddaughter.  He always looked so forward to Alanna’s school activities, dance recitals and all our family gatherings, especially the times spent at the cottage in Belair.  John was welcomed as family among our neighbourhood friends on Harrogate as well as our lake friends, and felt special being part of different functions.  At 91, John took his first plane ride since the war to live with Judy and Murray in Victoria upon their retirement.  From our many car rides, he was able to appreciate the beauty of the Island and enjoyed his family time with us where we would often reminisce about the good times.  With declining health, John moved to the Broadmead Lodge and over his three years there, he looked forward to the daily entertainment, the friendly caring staff and of course, the food.  The family would like to thank Dr. P. Houghton and the staff of A3 as well as companions Betty and Hope for all their care, compassion and friendship during John’s time at the Lodge.  John was a kind, generous and loving man who saw the good in everything, would go out of his way to lend a helping hand to family and friends and cared deeply for his family.

To remember John and a life well lived, a private memorial service will be held in Winnipeg at a later date.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Bros. Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com

 

  • Gerry Kulik

    Dear Judy and Family,

    I was so sorry to learn of John’s passing. John attended a fitness class at the St. James Civic centre several years ago. He was so well liked by everyone. He and I spent many times trying to figure out if we could be related in some way as we shared the same last name. We decided it was just a coincidence.

    I knew that John had moved to Sturgeon Creek and had always intended to visit him. I do have a picture of him as the “poster child” in our fitness scrapbook. It is frustrating when you want to do something and never get to it. A reminder not to put off until tomorrow what you can do today.

    I also had the pleasure of meeting Judy at our fitness luncheons. It is nice that John was able to enjoy the beauty of Victoria with his family.

    My daughter Brenda (fitness instructor) asked me to add her condolences to mine and many other fitness members were saddened by the news.

    Sincerest sympathy, Gerry Kulik

  • Debbie Warden

    Dear family of Mr. Kulik,

    I enjoyed many a pleasant moment with John at the front desk. He was a gentle soul and always had such a cheery demeanor. I’m certain anyone who crossed his path in his lifetime would have kind things to say about him. You were lucky to have each other.

    With sympathy, Debbie

  • Al and Pat Mackling

    Judy,
    Your Dad was much more than just a neighbour, he was our friend. Your obituary notice in the Winnipeg Free Press was excellent.
    We would appreciate knowing the date and time of the Winnipeg memorial service since we would like to attend.
    Sincerely
    Al and Pat Mackling

  • Derrene and Al

    We are sorry for your loss. John was always so happy to be a part of the Johnny’s Drive events,
    and his smile will always be remembered.

  • Christian Kerr

    Judy, Murray, Allana and Cole, I had the privelege of spending many afternoons in conversation with John about his fascinating life, from its humble beginnings through his WW2 stint in the UK, his love for family, and more. His was a century of quiet, dignified achievement and I know I don’t speak for me alone when I say I held him in the warmest regard possible for someone who wasn’t my own kin, though I would have been proud if he had been. Rest well, John.

  • Barb and Henk Verkuylen

    We were very honoured to have met John a few years ago and what a gentleman he was. We send our deepest condolences to Judy, Murray, Alanna and Cole and the rest of his family. Alanna we know how much you loved your grandad … a very important person in your life. May your wonderful memories help you during this difficult time.
    Barb and Henk Verkuylen

  • Allan and Mary Ann Loewen

    Judy, Murray, Alanna and Cole,
    We were very saddened to hear of John’s passing. May the many happy memories console you as time goes on.
    John was a true gentleman and we enjoyed our visits with him. We recall Christmas dinner on Harrogate Bay where John fit right in with our family.
    He will be missed.
    Al, Mary Ann, Nicole, John and Meaghan

  • Bill & Bev Andrews

    Murray & Judy….you were so fortunate in having your dad around for so many years. You will miss him deeply.

    Love Bill and Bev

  • Doreen and Harvey

    We are saddened to learn of your Father’s passing.
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.

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