Donald Matthew Gourlay
Died: December 6, 2012 | Place: University Hospital
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Obituary
GOURLAY, Donald Matthew….Donald M. Gourlay of London in his 84th year. At University Hospital, London on Thursday, December 6, 2012 surrounded by his loving wife of 63 years Donna Jean (Rider), his six sons and daughters-in-law. Proud father of Michael of Toronto, John (Cathy) of Thorndale, Peter (Barbara) of Catham,Paul (Barbara) of Yellowknife, N.W.T., Jeffrey (Deborah) and Steven all of London. Proud grandfather of Carl (Melissa), Reid, Eric (Heidi), Fraser (Alexa), Andrew (Marielle), Laura (Josh Stevenson), Christina, Freyja (Jim), Ben, Joyce and Julie Gourlay and his great-grandchildren Katelyn, Gus and Hayley. Dear brother of Mary Yates of Ingersoll and brother-in-law of Jean Gourlay of Winnipeg. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by his brother Jim Gourlay. Don loved farming and equipment and was a John Deere Dealer at Gourlay Equipment Centre and Green Acres. He was a cub leader from 1956-1968. Don was a member of the Woodstock Flying Club. Don and Donna loved the square and round dance movement and ballroom dancing. They were executive members of several dance clubs throughout over 40 years of dancing. He loved golf, camping, boating and spending time with his sons and their families. He was an active member at Centennial United Church and Wesley-Knox United Church. Friends will be received by the family on Sunday, December 9, 2012 from 2-4 & 7-9pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be conducted from Wesley-Knox United Church 91 Askin Street, London on Monday, December 10, 2012 at 2:00 pm with Reverend Tracy Crick-Butler and Reverend Dr. Douglas H. Ross officiating. Interment Woodland Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, 123 St. George Street, London, ON N6A 3A1 would be appreciated. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com . The family wish to express their sincere thank you to the staff of University Hospital, surgical unit 8th floor for their care and compassion.
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Donna & Family; We are so Saddened to hear about Don’s passing ,we had many wonderful years together @ ORFEDA & I am proud to say that he always said one of his biggest contributions to ORFEDA was hiring “Glen Peart” you have no idea how proud that always made me feel ?,Donna ,you & Don were two of the nicest people we met & it’s great to have a huge supportive family around you ! our thoughts & Prayers are with you all ! Glen & Betty
It was with great sadness to learn of Don’s passing. Don will always be remembered for his kindness and compassion which he expressed to others. I will always remember my time spent learning while working with Don at Huron Tractor. He was never too busy to listen and would always offer quiet words of advice. Our thought’s are with Donna and the entire Gourlay family at this tough time. He will be missed but not forgotten. Allan and Jane
Donna & family, Neil and I are thinking of you and all your family at this time. Good memories will help you through this difficult time. We have many good thoughts around the Farm Machinery business and ORFEDA gatherings. Neil treasured Don’s guidance and input while making decisions on the provincial board regarding Farm Machinery business matters.
Sinerely, Neil & Marie
I was saddened this morning to read the obituary for Don and I want to express my condolences to all of his family. My memories of Don date to the 1950’s and 1960’s. In the 1950’s, we lived around the corner from the Gourlay family on Lorne Avenue. I was in Don’s Wolf Pack as a cub scout at Centennial United Church. I attended several John Deere nights at the Seven Dwarfs with my late father (a huge John Deere fan) and my brother. I was at Camp Kee-Mo-Kee in its’ first year of operation with Michael. I recall going to the old YMCA on Wellington Street for swims with Don, Michael and John. There were many visits over the years to John Deere dealerships where Don worked. In later years, my son went to dealerships with his grandfather and always managed to come home with a new green toy. Don was a wonderful friend to my father, my family and to many other people. He will be missed by many people.
Dear Donna, I was so sorry to read about Don’s death in the paper. You were always a team – wherever you were, Don was not far behind. I hoped to come to the visitation, but I am working 1 – 10 today. I was also hoping to visit with the family. Please accept my sincerest condolences and my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Always, Perfptch
We are so sorry to hear the passing of Don. Please accept our condolences and know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
We were so saddened by the passing of Don. We have such wonderful and cherished memories of our days together through ORFEDA and the laughter we shared. We are so sorry we were not able to give our condolences in person. Please accept our most heartfelt sympathy.
Donna and family
My apologgy for not being able to make it to the funeral. I always thought Don was a great man. You and Don were a very smooth couple dancing at the Round Abouts. Cherish those memories. My thoughts are with you at this time.
Jim Silcox
Dear Donna & family, Our deepest condolences on Don’s passing. Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this time. Over the years there were many John Deere deals put together with Don from the
Green Acres days up until his retirement at Huron Tractor. After his retirement we looked forward to his yearly visit when he stopped by after his dental appointment in Woodstock. The Minler Family Roger, Mary, Dwayne, Jeff & Sara (McCready)
My heartfelt condolences to you Donna and your family. One great guy to have worked with.
Donna….keep your chin up and always wear your beautiful smile.
Love Dianne
I was on the farm machinery board with Don in the 1980’s .I always respected his opinion and considered him a true gentleman.you have my sympathy in his passing.
Dear Donna and all your family,
I was saddened to read this morning of the passing of Don, such a kind and gentle man. Please accept our sincere sympathy in your loss. Having just lost my Mom, Lil McLellan 3 weeks ago, I have great empathy in knowing what you are feeling right now. Donna..you were always so kind to us at the Huron Tractor Christmas parties…Hugs to you.
I offer my sympathies to teh Gourlay family.
I served on the farm machinery board (Orfeda)with Don when he was president.
He was a true gentleman and I always admired his dedication to his family, his business and the farm machiney industry.
Donna
We were so sorry to hear about Don. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We hope you are well and maybe we’ll see you at WOW in june next year.
I fondly remember working with Don at Huron Tractor. To this day, he’ll come to mind whenever someone asks “How are you?” because he would often answer “If I were any better, there’d be two of me!” He was simply a joy to know. My heart goes out to your family at this sad time.
So sorry to learn of Uncle Don’s passing. Now you have to believe there’s a fine time being had up there – two brothers – opposing farm equipment companies – much debate and tom foolery going on for sure. Aunt Donna and all the cousins; we’re so far away, there was no chance to join you in celebrating Uncle Don’s life. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love & Hugs
There’s so many good things for me to say about Don, but don’t know how to put it all into words.
Don gave me the chance to work somewhere that i loved, ( i’ve liked all my jobs, but i “loved” working for Green Acres ).
Don was dedicated to the farm industry, and that came across every day to me.
I remember him walking through the shop and i would be having a little trouble with something and he would show me a” trick of the trade” to make the job easier.
I also remember when it was so very hot ( in June or July ) And i would be rushing around, Don would come up to me and say ” John this is Canada, not Wales slow down and pace yourself
The BBQ’s Don did at the shop were amazing ( i did, and still do like my food as everyone will remember ) so i looked forward to Don’s cooking.
Green Acres Was like a family to Carol and me, and I thank Don,Donna and there boys for there help in making Canada our home at that time.
The Farm industry has lost a very well respected man who knew the farm industry better than most.
Carol will be sure glad to see you my friend.
Donna and families so sorry to hear about Don’s passing. The many memories of working with him and John, Jeff at Green Acres holds a special place with me. You where always treated like family and greeted with a smile. What a remarkable person and I am blessed to have know him.
Our sincere sympathy on the loss of Don. He was a very nice man, friendly and kind. Dennis always enjoyed dealing with him at Green Acres.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We have great memories of the Green Acres days as well as at the flying club.
We are saddened to hear about Don’s passing. I very much enjoyed working with Don during my days at Huron Tractor. He will always be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time of great loss.