| BULLICK - A gentle life, a gentle passing. Howard J. Bullick died peacefully in Stettler, Alberta on Wednesday, March 8, 2006 at the age of 92 years. A man of infinite patience, resolve and generosity, he will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, his friends and his community. The first of Robert and Susan Bullick’s eight children, Howard was born on September 13, 1913 in Calgary. After living in Delia for several years, the Bullicks settled in the Coronation area where Howard and his siblings – Stan (deceased), Gladys (deceased), Mabel, Rene, Bill, Ted and Joyce – attended Pleasant Heights School. In 1930/31, he learned tractor mechanics at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. He returned home to work on the family farm until 1935 when he bought his own land – next to his father’s. Later that year he married Mary Kathleen (Kay) Hannah. Their son Clayton was born in 1936, and their daughter Cynthia followed in 1937. The four lived with no running water, plumbing, nor electricity – and with the Depression, a horse and sled for transportation and good and bad crops. But even the toughest times held happy memories. After plowing under their crops in 1948, a particularly bad year for crops, Howard, Kay, Clay and Cindy moved to Coronation. During the next four years, Howard would work as a carpenter on the Coronation Co-op, the Provincial Building in Drumheller and a school in Botha. In 1952 he started his own construction company. Between 1969 and 1979, he worked as a carpenter for the County of Paintearth, repairing schools and teachers’ residences. Howard “retired” in 1979, but he never slowed down. He took up golf and joined the local coffee group and continued gardening. As well, he was a regular at the Drop In Centre, doing minor repairs and playing pool and disking. He and Kay also traveled with their home-built trailer. After Kay’s death in 1985, Howard went on many bus trips and boat cruises. A constant builder, Howard helped countless people with new cabinets, kitchens and renovations. He was always tinkering around his home, tending his garden, building a new fence or just keeping house. Community was an important part of Howard’s life and he was a member and participant in many organizations and activities. He belonged to the Coronation Masonic Lodge #72 since 1956 and was named Senior Citizen of the Year in 1989 by the local Chamber of Commerce. In 1999, the twentieth anniversary of the Coronation Golden Age Centre, Howard was crowned King along with Queen Muriel Heidecker. During the International Year of the Volunteers in 2001, Howard was recognized for his services to the community of Coronation and area. Two years later he was one of 83 nominees in Alberta for the Alberta Senior Service Award. Howard lived an active life in his own home until the age of 91. For the past year and a half, he lived at the Seniors Lodge in Stettler. Although his independence and health began to fail, Howard’s patience and goodwill never waned. He faced his last days without regret or complaint. He will be missed by many friends and relatives, including his children Clayton (Sylvia) and Cindy Graham (Stan Turner); his former daughter-in-law Bev Armstrong; his grandchildren Terry Bullick (Sean Mahoney), Scot Bullick (Pam Bulla), Craig (Shirley) Bullick, Troy Bullick (Nicole Prayag) and Deb Graham; and his great grandchildren Amanda Bullick, Aaron Bullick, Harmony (Glen) Hicks, Lexi Bullick, Ariel Hofmeister Bullick, James Mahoney and Ashley Bullick; and two great great grandchildren Logan and Melanna; siblings Mabel Glazier, Irene (Cyril) Lenton, Bill (Bubbles) Bullick, Ted (Thelma) Bullick, and Joyce (Tom) Wraight all of Coronation. Howard survived his wife Kay; brother Stan; sister Gladys; two grandsons, Bruce who died in 1969, and Randy who died in 2003. A funeral service was held on Saturday, March 11, 2006 at 1 p.m. in the Trinity United Church, Coronation with Rev. Stephen Shantz officiating. Nephew, Ron Bullick read a poem and a loving tribute in memory of Howard’s life was presented by all of his grandchildren. Linda Osetsky played the organ for the congregational hymns “Amazing Grace,” “Just A Closer Walk With Thee,” and “Church In The Wildwood,” accompanied by the Trinity United Church Choir. A musical favourite of Howard’s was played - “My Way” recorded by Frank Sinatra. The honourary pallbearers were “All of Howard’s Family and Friends.” Following the funeral service family and friends gathered together in the lower hall of Trinity United Church for a time of sharing memories and fellowship with luncheon prepared and served by the Trinity United Church Women. Memorial contributions may be made in Howard’s memory to the Coronation Senior’s Drop In Centre c/o Parkview Funeral Chapels & Crematorium. Parkview Funeral Chapels & Crematorium “Families Serving Families” were entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements. For further information please call Dean Ross or Verna Rock at 578-3777. |