Emil Gundlock

A true original, Mr. Emil DeLynn Gundlock passed away on Saturday, November 6th, 2021 at the age of 81 years.

Raised on the farm in Warner, Alberta, Emil grew up in a family that served - his grandfather as an MLA, and his father in many roles including 14 years as an MP. However, it was memories of his mother sharing the bounties of her garden that left the greatest impression on him. His entire life Emil quietly gave away much of what he had to folks who needed it more.

Emil loved life and lived it to the fullest. He flew planes; started a political party; built a Pennsylvania Dutch Barn by hand; played the piano; taught his grandsons to hunt and so much more. He had many occupations – consultant, broker, rink manager, bus driver - but he was first and foremost a farmer. Farmall tractors (specifically the M) were his favourites. Once farm work was done, he was out big game hunting. He knew every inch of the Milk River Ridge, and loved heading to Northern Alberta in pursuit of moose, and trap shooting with Cody.

He instilled in his family an ethic of service to others. A strong advocate for those needing help, he was a member of many associations and numerous service projects. The status quo was never good enough and he always dreamed of bigger and better. He wore out a t-shirt that said "Always Right", and much to our aggravation, he usually was! He said what needed to be said, even when it was not appreciated. Taking the easy road wasn’t an option.

Emil loved his country. He cried at both the Canadian and American National anthems, attended Remembrance Day ceremonies regardless of weather, and much to their chagrin, loudly held politicians of all stripes accountable. He was proud to personally know 5 Prime Ministers, provide advice to countless politicians, and call Canada’s first Indigenous Senator, the Honourable James Gladstone, a good friend. For many years he made sure Lethbridge hosted a Citizenship Court on Canada Day, and also created an Alberta-wide program where babies born on Canada Day got special recognition as Canada’s newest citizens.

Everyone Emil met was treated to one of his stories or jokes. "Leave 'em laughing!" was his philosophy, and he did this right up until the day he died. Known as the Miracle Man in medical circles, Emil truly was one-of-a-kind in every way. The greatest way to honour Emil’s memory is to help someone else. Volunteer. Serve your community. Make a difference in someone’s life.

Emil is cherished and deeply missed by his wife Kimberly Lyall, daughter Darcee Jean and son Cody (Tanya);  grandchildren Chance (Ashley) LeCain and Elke LeCain, and Callie (Tom) Hill and Quinn Gundlock;  great-grandsons Rhys and Aiden LeCain;  his first wife and good friend Phyllis Gundlock, his  sisters Marjorie (Barry) Cronkhite and Trish (Jim) McAllister, sisters-in-law Judy Gundlock and Chris Gundlock, and brother-in-law Frank Farynowski; as well many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Deane and Dorothea Jean, Stepmother Olive, brothers Donald and Leonard, and his sister Jane.

In lieu of flowers donations are gratefully accepted to A New Dawn Foundation supporting families of first responders in times of need. www.anewdawncharity.com A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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