Carl “Musty” Gawalko

Carl Orest (Musty) Gawalko

April 6, 1938 – May 28, 2025

On a “Toronto-Blue-Jays-Blue” sky day on May 28, 2025, our cherished husband, father, Guido and loyal friend hit it out of the park for a final home run – that is the day our loved one was called home at the age of 87.

Carl Orest Gawalko (famously known as “Musty”) was born in Radway, Alberta on April 6, 1938. He was the second son of Dmytro and Katherine who immigrated from Ukraine in 1927. Musty was an adventurous youngster who loved baseball, hockey, watching tennis, he joined the cadet corps, developed his own twist on the homesteading skills and traditions his parents taught him. His mother, a homemaker and a wonderful cook of Ukrainian food. His father, a railway worker, gardener and beekeeper.

Musty and Donna married in 1961 and made bustling Drayton Valley their forever home. They had a true love and happy life and were blessed with son Bruce and daughter Lori. Together, they raised them on love, values, laughter and Donna’s perogies. Musty had a strong work ethic and loved being outdoors, building and gardening. He worked hard in the Drayton Valley area as an operator for Pembina Pipeline and various oil and gas companies for over 50 years. It was during this time that he became a community staple. A helper, a giver and a loyal friend to so many people. He and Donna opened their door to everyone and they established a large never-ending circle of friends and social fun in their nearly 64 years of marriage. Musty always believed in giving back to the community and he did so as a dedicated volunteer for the Drayton Valley Food Bank and as an avid DV Thunder supporter.

Musty was the original Bonyak (Ukrainian slang for “pot”) and he modified the word to represent someone as a “Goofball” and affectionately used that label when anyone did something in his presence that he thought was funny. Musty’s humor and laughter lasted till his last days where he insisted on asking his grandchildren to share in jokes.

He does not leave us without his life acquired wisdoms or “Musty-isms” for all of us to remember: 1) The two most important words in life are “Yes, Dear” 2) “Always put the watchamacallit in the watchamacallit.” 3) “You don’t need the instructions.” 4) “Yes, there is such a thing as a dessert side.” 5) “What’s his name – you know who.”

Musty will be deeply missed by his adored wife Donna, son Bruce (Teresa), their children McKenna (Luke), Cassidy and Hudson (Megan); daughter Lori (Al) and her son Blake as well as his dear friend and “extra” son Denis, countless friends and extended family. Musty was predeceased by his parents, brother Steve and is now reunited in laughter with his brothers-from-other-mothers, John and Bob.

The family would like to thank the numerous nurses and healthcare professionals for the compassion and care given to Musty during his hospital stay.

A Celebration of Life for Musty will be held on July 12, 2025 at 2 pm at the Drayton Valley MacKenzie Conference Centre, 5737 45th Avenue. To honor Musty’s humor, always find a reason to laugh.

In lieu of flowers and to honor his giving nature, please consider donations to The Drayton Valley Community Foundation, Stars Air Ambulance or charity of one’s choice.

To leave condolences, please visit www.affinityfuneralservice.ca

Arrangements in care of Dwayne Henley at:

Affinity Funeral Service

5001 45 Avenue, Drayton Valley, Alberta T7A 1L1

Complete obituary to follow