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BRIAN GULIK Obituary

Brian A. Gulik Brian A. Gulik, born June 19, 1986, passed away suddenly. He was the beloved husband of Elyse Cahill; loving son of Larry and Rita (nee Laskowski); dearest brother and best friend to Eileen; dear son-in-law of Denise and John Cahill; cherished grandson of Virginia and the late Casey Laskowski; and brother-in-law of Cullom and Becca Cahill. A talented young man who left us way too soon. An award winning musician who played drums, mastered the piano and sang in the Wheeling High School Madrigals and University of Illinois Community Chorus. He wrote and composed many original songs. He was a writer who created funny, zany short stories; an artist who not only sketched on paper but fabricated modern sculptures from junk and everyday materials. And if you were family or a close friend, you received on your birthday a custom made, often three dimensional card with a special hand-penned birthday greeting. A graduate of the University of Illinois, he set out to find his place in the world. He worked for a time as a bank teller, but found it too boring. He surprised us all by next becoming a bicycle messenger in downtown Chicago. He did this for three years, riding over 25 miles every day. If that wasn't enough, he competed in bicycle rallies after work! Recently he returned to school and became a licensed EMT, the first step on his journey to becoming a paramedic. Looking for a position to open with an ambulance service, he took a job as a waiter. He took great pride in doing a good job, always getting everything "just right" for his customers, who rewarded him with good tips. Brian had a big heart and wanted to help everyone. He loved all, especially family. Somehow the universe had other plans for him. He left us on Monday, Oct. 8, 2012, at the young age of 26. We will all miss him and wonder "Why*" Visitation is from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, at Casey Laskowski & Sons Funeral Home, 4540-50 W. Diversey Ave., Chicago. Family and friends will meet for further visitation at 9 a.m. Saturday, at St. Alphonsus Liguori Church, 411 N. Wheeling Road, Prospect Heights followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Interment will be in St. Adalbert Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to Community Elements Org, 1801 Fox Dr., Champaign, IL 61820 appreciated. For information, call 773-777-6300 or visit www.caseylaskowskifh.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Herald on Oct. 12, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for BRIAN GULIK

Not sure what to say?





Maria Gonzalez

May 10, 2013

May he become an Angel of God and continue to look over you Rite, Virg, and his new wife.. I'm sorry for your lost... - MARIA (former employee of the Funeral Home)

Renee Grassi

January 21, 2013

I heard of Brian's passing just today. I am so saddened by this news. My deepest sympathies go out to his family. I have such fond memories of Brian as a classmate and friend at St. Al's, especially our trip to Washington DC. I'll always remember his kindness.

Renee Grassi
St. Al's '99

Cody Christensen

October 26, 2012

I only met Brian a couple times when you all visited Eileen in California. Just in that short time I can say he was an incredibly sweet and kind person. I found his personality to be one that lent itself to accepting people of all types in a very pure and sincere way. I'm very sorry for your loss and wish you the best.

Kara Carmichael

October 18, 2012

Dear Elyse, Larry and Rita. I had the privelege of going to St. Alphonsus with Brian. I still have a picture of that beautiful boyish grin in my mind. Brian always had a way of making people feel special. His kindness and warmth will never be forgotten.

There is a quote I find comforting..."He left pieces of his life behind him everywhere he went. 'It's easier to feel the sunlight without them,' he said."

I hope Brian is at peace. May memories of his beautiful life give you comfort.

Your family is in my prayers.

Sincerely,
Kara Carmichael
St. Al's '99
Hersey '03

Rhonda Gomez

October 17, 2012

Dear Rita and Family, We are deeply saddened to hear about your loss of Brian. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Gomez family

October 17, 2012

To Rita and Family,

A loss of someone we love is always difficult...but losing a son who should have had so much more life ahead of him, is doubly so. I didn't know your son, but he seemed to be a really good guy. My sincere condolences. Rosalie Cieply (Daughter of John V. Zygowicz and your cousin)

October 17, 2012

Larry and Rita and Eileen: so saddened to hear about the loss of your son and brother Brian. He was quite an accomplished young man. My thoughts are with you. Christine Haskins

Ray Pemoller

October 16, 2012

Dear Rita & Larry,

We just returned from being out of town and saw the notice in last friday's paper.
Please accept our sincere condolences in this difficult time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jan & Ray

Suzanne Cahill

October 15, 2012

To Rita and family
My heart goes out to you. I pray that your special memories help to sustain you during this very difficult time. With deepest sympathies.

Larry Nazimek

October 15, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss.

Lazicki Family

October 14, 2012

We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your son Brian. We remember how sweet he was as a little boy. Our deepest sympathies on your loss.

Erin Jackson

October 14, 2012

I was quite saddened this evening to learn of Brian's passing. I hope he is at peace and that his family and friends may soon be as well.

October 14, 2012

Rita,
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Jeanette Mehr

Robert Sochowski

October 13, 2012

MY VERY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY
OF: BRIAN GULIK!
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO BRIAN'S FAMILY!
Robert A. Sochowski
Guidance Counselor
Wheeling High School

Mary Jane Frank

October 13, 2012

I can't imagine the pain you must feel. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Peter Sheldon

October 13, 2012

My deepest condolences to all of Brian's family and friends. I was lucky enough to get to know Brian very well. He was my student and I was always struck by how excited he would get -- not only for himself when he did great work -- but for his fellow classmates when they did somethng exceptional as well. This world has lost a good soul.

Grace Hammond

October 12, 2012

The most heartfelt prayers, love, kindness, and light to a family that took beautiful care of Brian always, and for always more. My most heartfelt sympathies.

Eileen and Kim Alberts

October 12, 2012

Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

October 12, 2012

Rita,
May God bless Brian and comfort your family.
Kathy and Mike Burns

October 12, 2012

Sorry for your loss, our sympathy goes out to all the family.
Bernadette & Edwin Bobka/our new location, DePere, WI God Bless

October 12, 2012

We are so incredibly sorry for your loss. Brian was a great guy! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jennifer, Jim, Christopher and Nick Kopin

October 12, 2012

Sorry for your loss, our sympathy goes out to the whole family.
Edwin & Bernadette Bobka/from our new residence in De Pere, WI G0d Bless

October 12, 2012

There are no words to say but that we are deeply sorry for your loss. God bless all of you!

October 12, 2012

Dear Rita and Larry,

May God's love surround you and give you strength during this difficult time. Please know that you are in our prayers.

Evelyn & Nick Colella

Todd Blake Harris

October 12, 2012

RIP....God Bless

October 11, 2012

Rita and Larry, Our hearts go out to you in this time of grief. May the Lord comfort you in your sorrow, and bring Brian to Peace. You have our deepest sympathy. Alan and Terri

The Wheeling High School Madrigal Singers

Alicia Corcilius

October 11, 2012

I have been blessed to know Brian since our Wheeling High School days in Madrigals together. He always strained to hit the higher notes, but he was always a gifted musician. I followed his band Operetta pretty closely and even bought a CD - he did the art! I also worked with him for a time at Corus Bank in Wheeling. I do agree to the boring factor, but he was always a joyful person to be around. His laugh was infectious. I could not help but totally ball my eyes out yesterday - even at work. Brian was a true joy to be around and I am blessed to have even known him. My thoughts and prayers go out to you - the family - as this was such a tragic occurrence. Brian has left his mark in the world and will never be forgotten.

Mary Jensen

October 11, 2012

Dear Rita,
My heart breaks for you, your family and your new daughter-in-law. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

October 11, 2012

My heart aches for all of you. He sounds like such an extraordinary person. Lots of love to you all.

October 11, 2012

To Rita and your family. My heart goes out to you all your loss.
With much sympathy, Cinda Horwitz

October 11, 2012

Dear Rita and Larry,
Deepest sympathy to your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God keep you and give you strength during this trying time.

Monica (Hayden) Bowman

Doreen Mulvey

October 11, 2012

May God and the strength in the arms of loved ones help lessen your burden.

Kathy Butler

October 11, 2012

Dear Rita & Family,

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless!

Norri Dowling

October 11, 2012

Dear Rita and Larry,

My deepest sympathy to you both. Such a loss is difficult for all of us to understand. My prayers are with you and your extended families.

October 11, 2012

To Larry, Rita & Family:

As long as we live, Brian will live for he is apart of us.

John & Barbara Bergquist

Frank Randazzo Agency

October 11, 2012

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

October 11, 2012

Dear Gulik and Laskowski family,

Our deepest sympathy for the loss
of your beloved husband, son, brother,
and grandson. Our thoughts and
prayers are with all of you during
this difficult time.

Sincerely,
Bill and Marcia
Worley

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