GULEVICH, Grant Geoffrey

Suddenly & sadly in the early morning on July 22, 2020, Grant Geoffrey Gulevich at the tender age of 52 was called home.

Grant Geoffrey Gulevich was born to Victor and Phyllis Gulevich in Richmond, B.C. on December 23, 1967. He took #1 spot for biggest baby at 10 lbs, 12 ounces.

Grant spent his childhood in Tsawwassen, B.C. He and his brother Gordon (who were babies together – Gordon was nine months and one day older) were inseparable, finding fun, adventure, and trouble wherever they went every day.

Grant was involved in the church as an altar boy. He also volunteered for Bingo. He really enjoyed playing hockey until about 14. Grant was your usual teenager – the good, the bad, and the ugly. But he was so adorable; he got away with everything. And it helped to be the baby of a family of seven.

Grant married Marcia in August 1989; they soon moved to Lac La Biche. They welcomed their son Michael to the world in March of 1995. Grant – having limited mobility – was the stay-at-home dad, which worked great for him and Michael.

Grant loved the outdoors and animals. He had plenty of friends whom he cherished. His family was very important to him. He spoke lovingly about them.

Grant was a pipelayer by trade. In ’97, a 12-inch sewer pipe fell on him, crushing his vertebrae. Grant had surgery on his back and neck; he had a long road to recovery. Unfortunately, Grant was in a lot of pain and had battles ahead of him. Grant spent some time in a wheelchair. Doctors said he would never walk again, but Grant, being as stubborn as he was, proved them wrong. Grant was a fighter like his father. It worked for them.

In April of 2000, Gordon, Grant’s brother, collapsed. It was then discovered that Gordon was in Stage 4 brain cancer. While Gordon was recovering at the U of A , Grant was on the afternoon shift, where he kept a watchful eye over Gordon. Sadly, on December 5, 2000, Grant lost his dad Victor. Grant helped where he could with Gordon. Then, sadly, Gordon’s time came to an end on September 29, 2004. Grant’s marriage also came to an end at that time. It was definitely hard times for Grant in those days. He is now joined with his Father and Brother.

In March of 2006, Robin found Grant in her backyard. God said, “There he is, He’s yours, you have a tough battle ahead of you. I promise he will be worth it,” and Grant met Robin. For the past 15 years, they were in a loving and committed relationship. On May 4, 2008, Grant and Robin were baptized together with Reformed Christian Church in Hanes, AB by Pastor Andy Geylense. This was a positive turning point in the young couple’s life. The Church and church family became very important to them.

Grant loved to tinker with everything. His dad shared his knowledge with his sons. Grant in turn shared it with his stepson Curtis. There were many wonderful years of adventure and love. There were also struggles along the way. In 2016, Grant, Robin, and Curtis lost their home to a fire. It was very difficult times for the little family. Luckily, no one was hurt.

Grant had compromised mobility resulting from the accident in ’97. He did not consider himself handicapped, instead choosing to think if there is a will, there is a way. And they powered on.

Grant, Robin, and Curtis decided to move off the grid in 2017. There were hard times, but there were good times. Robin cooked their meals on the wood stove, even Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners. They were a challenge but created wonderful experiences living in the freedom – putting wood on the fire all night to stay warm in the winter, chopping wood, building a cabin. All of it took a toll on Grant’s body. Grant and Robin decided to move to town after a couple of years of “roughing it”, closer to the hospital as there were a couple of scares along the way.

Once in town, Grant and Robin had a lot more time for each other. Grant and Robin greeted each day with a dance to “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran. Hugs were mandatory each time they passed each other. Grant was the king of BBQs, which he liked to cook for Robin. Grant loved to put a smile on Robin’s face. It brought joy to his heart to share his love with her. In the last year, Robin and Grant had a lot of time for just them; their relationship grew every day. Robin was so grateful for this time they had. The last week of Grant’s life with Robin was literally PERFECT.

Grant had a very special relationship with his mother Phyllis. They spoke often on the phone. They had long wonderful conversations every week. The last conversation leaves his mother with a full heart. She still hears his laugh. Grant is also survived by his son Michael, brother Dennis and his wife Angela, niece Courtney and her husband Eric, two great-nieces Madison and Brookelyn, nephew Darren, brother Doug and his wife Willa, nephew Brett, great-niece Austin, nephew Geoffrey and his wife Brianna, and sister Darlene and her husband Bob.

On Grant’s wife Robin’s side, he leaves behind her son Curtis Paul; mother-in-law Maggie Fortin; father-in-law Robert Fortin Sr. and wife Mitzi; sister-in-law Natalie and husband Richard McKay; nephew Richie; nieces Alyssa, Kaitlynn, and Britney; brothers-in-law Bob Fortin Jr. and AJ Hamilton and family; many cousins of Robin’s who were very close to the couple; numerous friends; and, very importantly, Robin and Grant’s dogs, puppies, and cats, especially his personal service dog Maulee.

Grant conquered many battles within himself, but through Robin’s constant love and support, she helped him make good choices. The last few years were Grant’s best – he found peace, love, and happiness. You have to get through the hard times to really appreciate the good times. And for Grant and Robin, they certainly did. The good times were the best of times. God kept His promise; Grant was definitely worth it, but he was definitely taken too soon. God must have a special mission for this wonderful loving compassionate man.

God bless you, Grant. You are truly LOVED.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2020 from 7:00-9:00 pm at Serenity Funeral Service, 5311 91 Street, Edmonton.