Obituaries

February 7, 1944 - August 24, 2026

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Gerald Niel Goryniuk, a lifetime resident of the Saddle Hills area. Gerald passed away on the evening of August 24, 2026, while working on his beloved farm in Woking, Alberta. He was 82 years old.

Gerald was born on February 7, 1944, in Smoky Lake, Alberta, to Margaret (Moody) and George Goryniuk of Pakan, Alberta. He was the third of five children.

When Gerald was a young child, Margaret and George moved their family from Pakan and purchased the family farm in Woking, Alberta. The land would become the foundation of Gerald's life. In time, Gerald purchased the farm from his family and continued to make it his home until his dying day.

As a young man, Gerald worked various jobs in the oil patch, but he never strayed far from his roots or his love of the land, with exception to taking time to travel and explore the world outside of Saddle Hills.

Gerald had a strong passion for horses. He was an active member of the Alberta Equestrian Association, Alberta Mounted Shooter Association, and the Cowboy Mounted Shooter Association. He enjoyed participating in local activities and events, including the Grande Prairie Stompede and the Teepee Creek Stampede. If he wasn't farming, he was spending time with his horses.

Gerald was welcomed into heaven by his parents, George and Margaret (Moody) Goryniuk; three siblings, Greta (Goryniuk) Gulick, Norman Goryniuk, and Doris GwinVelt (Goryniuk); and his former wife, Wendy Penny.

He leaves behind his sister, Heather Goryniuk; his children, Krish Penny Davies and Michelle (Goryniuk) Tappert; his grandchildren, Brandon Davies, Heidi Tappert, and Benno Tappert; as well as his former wife, Janet Palser, along with many friends, neighbours, fellow horse enthusiasts, and all those whose lives were touched by his friendship.

A Celebration of Gerald's Life will be held on October 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Woking Community Hall in Woking, Alberta.

Family, friends, and neighbours are invited to gather together to share memories and celebrate a life well lived.

In accordance with Gerald's wishes, he was cremated at Bear Creek Funeral Home in Grande Prairie, Alberta.