John "Jack" Jerome Golka

Loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather John “Jack” Jerome Golka passed away on Sunday June 27, 2021 at Pembroke Regional Hospital, he had turned 84 in February. Jack is survived by his loving wife of 62+ years, Ursula (Trebinskie), his daughter Jo Anne (Michael Truskoski), his grandson Graham O’Marra (Danielle) and the apples of his eye, his two great grandchildren, Cash and Daisy O'Marra and his 2 step great grand children Sophie & Andrew Truskoski.

Jack is predeceased by his parents John Sr. and Frances (nee Kuiack) and his siblings Edward, Bernice (the late Kenneth Lorbetskie), Wilfred “Pete” (the late Doreen) and Jerome “Jerry” (June). He is also predeceased by his in-laws Anne and Anthony Trebenskie, sister-in-law Esther (the late Bernard) Pelow and brother-in-laws Raymond Trebinski and Max (June) Trebenski. He is survived by his sister, Marcella “Mert” (the late Lorne Chippior), brother-in-law Bronis (the late Irene) Trebinskie and many nieces, nephews, Godchildren, great nieces and great nephews.

Jack was born and raised in Barry’s Bay and started his career working in the dairy and delivering milk. He then moved to the mines where he suffered a work place injury that resulted in a change of career. He joined St. Francis Memorial Hospital where he worked as an Orderly, a Pharmacy Technician and then he was asked to start the ambulance service in Barry’s Bay. This change in career piqued his interest in health care and he went back to school to become a practical nurse, specializing in psychiatry. He joined the Kingston Psychiatric Hospital and after working for years as a psychiatric nurse, he transferred to the Pharmacy. When the opportunity came to take the “golden handshake” he took it and never regretted his decision. Jack was a member of the RCCD School Board for many years and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

That describes what Jack Golka did but that’s not who Jack Golka was. My Dad was a kind-hearted, fun and loveable, private person who did not like a fuss for himself but would always make a fuss for others. He was fair in his judgement, compassionate and empathetic and he always believed in moving forward. He was a sports enthusiast and loved talking about “the game” with his brother Jerry. His family meant everything to him. He “spotted” my Mom, Ursula, through a window and knew she was his life-time mate. He went on to live each day they were together trying to make Ursula’s dreams come true. They shared a strong faith in God and lived their faith every day. They went on countless vacations, always coming home with a heart full of memories and an address book full of new friends. One of Dad’s all-time favourite stories to share was his time as an “Actor.” After he retired, he found himself with time on his hands so he applied to be an “extra” for the movie “Vendetta.” He applied on a lark but ended up getting the job. He wasn’t interested in the money and donated all of his earnings to three different local charities. His favourite part of being in the movie was Kraft Services. Dad was forever bestowing “wisdom” upon his family. We will always remember to have a back-up $20; stand up for what we believe in even if it’s not the popular choice; life is short so always forgive and move on; and, if things get to be a little too much, we can always ask for a “Time Out.” Dad, we’re going to follow your lead and “get on with the program.”

Our family is grateful for the extraordinary care he received from Dr. Jason Malinowski, Andrea, Myrna and Michelle, the Renfrew County Community Paramedic Service and Jullie McVeety. We are also grateful for the compassionate care he received this past week from Dr. Reducka and the 2nd Floor Medical team at the Pembroke Regional Hospital, especially Eric Lee and Ashley Mackzo.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation (sfvhfoundation.com). Please have Mass requests sent to Nativity of Our Lady Mission, Pikwakanagan (through St. James the Less Parish, Eganville.)

Due to provincial directives, the maximum number of people in the funeral home/church at any time is 25% of the capacity of the building and you must keep a minimum distance of 6 feet between you at all times.  This means no hugging, handshakes or other forms of contact with people outside of your household. No cycling of visitors. Masks are now mandatory to enter the funeral home/church/service location. You must book a time via the sign up below. You must remain outside in your vehicle (no waiting outside the funeral home/service location) and wait to be allowed inside at your designated time slot and you must sign in with your name and phone number once you enter for contact tracing purposes. Please also ensure you use the hand sanitizer as requested. We no longer take donations, but there are links and phone numbers below to donate directly to each organization if applicable.