Richard Philip “Rick” Gulvin

Geneva- Richard Philip “Rick” Gulvin passed away unexpectedly on September 21, 2024.

We lost a legend. We lost a loving son, husband, father, and grandfather. Rick was a giver, and his world centered around helping others. His faith was as strong as his sense of humor. For his faith and service to others, he has been rewarded with peace.

A private church services will be held at St Johns Church officiated by Pastor Charles Bang. A Celebration of Life will held at Heart of Gold Veterinary Care 3858 State Route 14A, Geneva NY on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024 from 3- 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that you consider a donation to “A Home for Every Heart” c/o Heart of Gold Veterinary Care. Funds will be used to treat animals with medical needs that surpass owner fund availability.

Rick was born May 11, 1962 to Linda (Schlieman) and Philip Richard Gulvin. Rick graduated from Midlakes High School in 1980. Shortly after graduation he attended CCFL for Business Administration and joined the Army National Guard. Rick was employed for 20 years at Mobile Chemical (Pactiv) in Canandaigua before partnering with Wilfred (Will) Zimmerman in 2009 at Zimmerman Fertilizer in Stanley, NY.  When Will’s health started to decline Rick entered into a partnership with Kortney Smithling of Stanley and they quickly grew an empire, renaming the business Stanley Ag, LLC.

On May 26, 1990 he married the love of his life, Elisha M Johnson. They shared a life full of family and friends. From the racetrack to his daughter’s childhood horse shows, they built a bond that withstood the test of time. They worked together side by side at the fertilizer plant. In 2016, Rick learned about his first daughter, Amy – age 34. Not even an unexpected child could shake Rick and Elisha’s loving and faithful foundation. As a family, they welcomed her with open arms and spent summers with the kids and grandkids at the racetrack.

This past summer of 2024 was the best summer yet! Rick took the racecar on the track for the first time in over 30 years after racing for years at Land of Legends. He worked hard to finalize the building of Heart of Gold Veterinary Care, completing it just in time for his daughters to dedicate the entire building to him at their Open House. Rick even squeezed in a camping and biking trip this summer with the whole family. He truly lived a life of love and laughter.

Rick is survived by his wife, Elisha and their daughter, Dr. Jessica Gulvin (Matthew Orr). His surprise daughter, Amy (Walter) Wech. His grandchildren, Derek and Dylan Wech. Beloved dog, Mandy. Spoiled cat, Jasper. Parents, Philip and Linda Gulvin. Sister, Mary (David) Smith. Nephews, Joey Johnson and Andrew Smith. Niece, Meghan Smith. Brother-in-Law, Carl Johnson. Mother-in-Law, Marilyn Jensen. Business Partner, Kort (Brooke) Smithling and his children, Emmett and Samantha. Rick will also be missed by his family at Heart of Gold Veterinary Care.

Please visit www.kenperkinsfuneralhome.com to send a message of condolence to the Gulvin Family.