Obituary of David Gilhula

GILHULA, David Joseph

It is with heavy hearts that the family of David Joseph Gilhula announce his passing on Wednesday May 11, 2022 at the age of 72. David is reunited with his mother Margaret Gilhula (nee Davis) (2012), father Merrill Gilhula (1967), brother John "Cam" Gilhula (2019) and his first best friend, his uncle Frank Gilhuly (1960).

Missing him deeply are his wife Barbara Gilhula, sisters Margaret "Pat" Bossolini (Frank, 2011), Marianne Lucio (Dan), sister in law Shirley Gilhula (nee Phillips) (Cam, 2019) daughters Jennifer (Brad Biggs), Rebecca (Jeremy Richards), Lauren (Eric Authier), Daina Lachine Brenton (Ira Brenton), son Chris Lachine, grandchildren Aston Sweet, and Blakely Brenton, 5 nephews, along with many other close family and friends. David was raised on a farm, a proud and wonderful upbringing with which he carried his work ethic and love of gardening through the rest of his life. One of his best last days was spent planting onions and spinach in his garden.

He also held on to share and give one last gift, a gift he said is a father's greatest honour- to give away his daughter at her wedding which took place two days before he passed. If we can hold a piece of David's legacy through our journey, may it be to show deep gratitude and loyalty to those who never leave our side. In extension to his family, David had an incredible circle of lifelong friends who celebrated him in the best of times and supported him through the worst of times. He understood that during the tough days, he could surrender to his family, both biological and chosen, who would carry him in love and strength until he could continue himself. David never took this for granted and he left knowing that he was loved by his favourite people. What a beautiful way to finish a life's journey.

Many words of thank you and gratitude are sent also to David's medical team which through the years has become extensive. He noted on many occasions how grateful he was for wonderful care givers. Cremation has taken place. David's life will be celebrated on Sunday July 17, 2022 with a graveside interment at St. Patrick's Church 5773 10 Line, Merlin, ON at 11 a.m. followed by lunch (perch or chicken) and sharing of our best David stories at the Merlin Legion 2 Stanley St, Merlin, ON. Please RSVP at rsvp.gilhula@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, a donation to help find a cure for Multiple Myeloma through Myeloma Canada would be graciously appreciated.