Obituary of Earl Gaukel

GAUKEL, Earl William Peacefully, after a brief illness, at the BGH on Thursday, April 18th, 2013, in his 85th year. Loving husband of the late Helen Gaukel, (nee Bartlett, Feb. 24, 1974). Loving father of Alan (Debbie), Ken (Mary), Rick (the late Margie, Oct. 2012), Kate (Les) Tervit, and Pat Gaukel (Keith Meyers). Devoted grandfather of Melody, Amy (Mark), Kristy (David), Ryan, Jason (Jen), Michelle (JP), Nicole (Ryan), Melissa (Rich), Ashley, Jordan (Stephanie), Josh, Glenn (Michael), Sarah, Franz, and Anna Marie, and his great-grandchildren Holly, Matthew, Madelynn, Penelope, Genevieve, Morgan, Emma, Hannah, Audra, Owen and Elliott. Loved brother of the late Clarence (Jean), Betty (the late Cecil) White, Fred (the late Joan, Feb. 1999 and the late Gert Feb. 2007), Mary (Paul) Edwards, and Gary (Sharon). He will be very fondly remembered by the Bartlett family and many other family members and friends. Raised in Troy, Ontario, Earl touched many people in his life through his job experiences and extensive volunteer service. Leaving home at an early age to join the workforce in a war and post-war era, he was never without employment. In the early years he showed signs of entrepreneurship and an untiring work ethic by purchasing a truck and delivering ice for the Arctic Ice Company. That work ethic continued as he drove truck for the Brantford Expositor, delivering newspapers to rural areas. Jobs continued at CN Rail in the shipping office, building combines at Massey Ferguson, then, after lay-offs, his fate was set as he took on employment with the construction crew building the new South Dumfries Community Centre in St George. It was 1970, and his connection to that arena, by then, was more than just a job. Having married Helen, and with a growing family, Earl wanted to ensure that his children would have sport opportunities in their home community of St George. Coaching and driving kids to School Boy Hockey in Lynden to play on natural ice was the beginning of a commitment to hockey that would continue for many years to come. With no opportunities for kids to play locally after elementary school, Earl was instrumental in organizing bantam, midget and juvenile teams to play at the Ayr arena. He became a member of the Grand Valley Hockey League to ensure his involvement in the future of hockey opportunities for boys in St George. (Years later, he would be awarded a Lifetime membership in that organization). However, it soon became evident that the community would need its own arena to ice their teams, and a fund raising drive began. As the fund grew, Earl became the first president of the St George and District Minor Hockey, a thriving organization that continues today, benefiting thousands of boys and girls over the years. When the South Dumfries Community Centre was complete, Earl was hired on as assistant manager. While his work ethic was a plus, his many years of building a back yard rink for his own and neighbourhood children had to be a benefit to the job! Eventually, he became manager, and continued in that role for 22 years. When hockey grew to include a Junior team, they honoured Earl by naming the team, "The Dukes", after his nickname, "Duke" (of Earl). A sweater with his name hangs on the Wall of Fame in the arena. In the summer months, he became involved in minor ball, where his sons also played. At one time, Earl was the president of the Brant-Wentworth Minor Softball League. His volunteer service continued in his retirement years, as he became chairman of the South Dumfries Hydro Commission, then after amalgamations, sat on the Board of Brant County Power. He enjoyed being a part of the executive on the Ontario Arena Managers Alumni Association. This was a time of fellowship and fun to tour new arenas and talk of old times. Earl was a member of the first Community Policing committee, which the area has greatly benefited from. Over the years, Earl has received many honours for his dedication to his community. He was recognized with a Life Membership in St. George and District Minor Hockey, awarded the George Woolcott Trophy for Outstanding Contribution and in 1987 he received a Certificate of Recognition from the Honourable David Peterson, then Premier of Ontario for his contribution to amateur sports in the community. Most recently Earl was a recipient of the Helen Keller Fellowship Award. Presented to him by the St. George Lions Club this award honours untiring service to others. "While the buzzer has sounded for Earl, the goal light still shines bright for all whom he has touched." Friends will be received at the Beckett-Glaves Family Funeral Centre, 88 Brant Ave., on Monday from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 p.m., and on Tuesday from 10 - 11 a.m. A Funeral Service will follow in the Chapel on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. Interment St. George Cemetery. Donations to the St. George and District Minor Hockey's "Help A Kid To Play Fund" would be appreciated. A tree will be planted in memory of Earl in the Beckett-Glaves Memorial Forest.