Laurie Francis Tulk of Commerce Township, Michigan passed away on August 29, 2024 at the age of 95 years old. He was born October 5, 1928 in St. George's, Newfoundland to the late Ralph and Winifred (Vincent) Tulk.
Laurie graduated from Corner Brook Public School in 1945 and he remained in Corner Brook until 1947, working as a radio announcer for VOWN (Voice of Western Newfoundland). He then moved to Detroit, Michigan to pursue a bachelor's degree in civil engineering at Wayne State University. Two years later, Laurie met the love of his life, Isabelle Gillies, and they were married on September 15, 1950.
Upon graduating from WSU in 1954, Laurie's career as a civil engineer began in Detroit with O. W. Burke Co. followed by Palmer-Smith Co. Laurie then became a part owner and general contractor with Freeman-Darling Construction Co. in the late 1960's. As a result of their dedication and strong work ethic, Laurie and his partners developed Freeman-Darling into a highly respected and well-known contracting company throughout Michigan. Laurie was a leader in his industry, serving on several committees and as president for the Association of General Contractors in America (AGC).
Laurie and Isabelle moved to Southfield to raise their young family in 1961. With the help of family and many friends, they built their dream home on Lake Sherwood in 1973 where they lived for 50 years. Laurie was an avid golfer, enjoyed scratch-off lottery tickets, cribbage, crossword puzzles and long boat rides. He was a loyal fan of the Detroit Tigers, Lions and MSU football teams, even though he rooted for that "other" team occasionally. Laurie and Isabelle attended Detroit Symphony concerts for several years and shared a passion for travel as well. Although they appreciated learning about other cultures around the world first-hand, Laurie and Isabelle always enjoyed going to Newfoundland to visit their family the most. Laurie's greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially teaching his grandchildren how to fish and use his lapidary equipment to cut and polish rocks.
Helping other people was extremely important to Laurie and he gave unselfishly of his time and resources. He was a faithful volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, Milford United Methodist Church, and the Lake Sherwood HOA board. Laurie will be remembered by those who loved him for his kind, humble spirit, joyful sense of humor, unbounding energy, big bear hugs and the sound of his beautiful whistle.
Laurie is survived by his wife; Isabelle; three children, four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many extended family members.
Leslie (Les) Wellon Tulk passed away January 29, 2021 at the Penticton Regional Hospital, in British Columbia, at the age of 87. He is predeceased by his father - WWI survivor and member #234 of the Blue Puttees - Ralph, mother Winnifred, two brothers - Selby and Harold, and sister - Sylvia. H leaves behind brother Laurie (Isa), wife of 61 years Frances, children Gordon (Gayle), David, Cathy (Rob) and Robert (Karen), seven grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Through is careers as an electrician in the Bowater's papermill, sales manager for Atlantic Brewery, co-owner of One Hour Martinizing and insurance salesman with Mutual Life, he made friends throughout Western Newfoundland. Always read to lend a hand to anyone who needed it, he took great pleasure helping others build and maintain their cabins in George's Lake. Les was a huge sports fan - from his days playing defense for the Curling Rangers, to playing curling and golf. A lover of card games, especially Bridge at the Corner Brook Golf Club, the Westmount Club and with friends in his house and cabin. Les was an avid outdoorsman - from camping in Barachois Park and Cartyville, to trout and cod fishing with family and friends, to big game hunting in the Newfoundland back country in Rocky Ridge.
He was cremated in Penticton.
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