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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
MYKULA, Harold - of Geraldton, passed peacefully on Saturday, April 20th, 2024, in the Geraldton District Hospital at the age of 79, surrounded by his family. Harold or Gumpy as he liked to be called was predeceased by his son, Sean, his daughter-in-law Joanne and his two sisters Irene Plichota and Sandra Cote. He leaves behind his loving wife of 57 years, Terry and his two daughters, Lisa Kirkland (husband Greg) Bev Vachon (husband Denis), and his grandchildren who were the light of his life, Dylan and Andrew Tittaferrante (partner Bailey Drover), Colin , Lyndsi (fiancée Mitch Osborne) and Shayne Kirkland along with many extended family including his brother-in-laws, sister-in- laws, nieces, nephews and his lifelong friend and partner in shenanigans Bill Boyle.
Harold grew up in Geraldton Ontario and began his adult life in the Navy, serving on 4 ships over 3 years. Those were years filled with adventure as he toured the world and lived at sea. His tattoos memorialized these days for him and he was proud to show them off and loved to talk about those times.
When Harold returned to Geraldton it didn't take long for this handsome, young sailor to capture the heart of Terry Valley. He swept her off her feet and the two were married just 4 short months after they met. They didn't waste any time building their own family having 3 children in quick succession.
Harold was not shy of hard work and he took pride in providing for his family. He worked in the forest industry for many years; starting as a cutter in the bush and later driving heavy machinery for the same company. He knew all of the bush roads like the back of his hand and loved looking for berries, hunting moose and partridge, fishing and never to be forgotten annual Christmas hunting adventures. He always knew the best spots!
There were so many good times spent at the family camp on Wildgoose Lake, everyone's favourite place to be together. Often, we were joined by extended family and good friends. He absolutely loved fishing off the dock or in the boat, sitting in front of the fire, eating a good meal, drinking a good glass of red wine and spending time in the beautiful screen house that he proudly built.
Harold became "Gumpy" once the grandchildren arrived. There was an extra sparkle in his eye when they were around. And although Gumpy is gone, his character and unique sense of humour lives on in his children and grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by many! We hope he is out on the boat right now fishing with Sean and Joanne.
For those wishing, memorial donations can be made to The Geraldton Harvest Food Bank.
A Celebration of Life will follow on Sunday, May 19th at Wildgoose Lake, weather pending. Details will follow closer to date! (The Thunder Bay Chronicle 24 Apr 2024)
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