GOURLAY: Edwin
The family is very saddened to announce that Mr. Edwin Gourlay, 83, years, of St. Mary's Villa Humboldt passed away at his residence on Monday, July 22, 2013. Edwin was born on September 8, 1929 to Clifford and Marion (nee Weston) Gourlay in Ingersoll, ON. He obtained his education at Thamesford, ON. At the age of 14 Edwin, fondly known as Buck, took a train to Saskatchewan to obtain employment which he found in Renown as a farm labourer. He thoroughly fell in love with Western Canada. Buck found the people to be very friendly and provided excellent meals. His favourite time on the farm was threshing. On one of the neighbouring farms Buck met Elsie Banow and on April 24, 1948 he married Elsie Banow. Together they were blessed with six children and made their home at Manitou Beach. Buck did a variety of jobs that involved handling of heavy duty equipment. For a period he worked with the Department of Highways and this allowed family time when the children could come along and camp and enjoy a summer vacation. Buck had a passion for horses and raced Chuck Wagon and later Chariot with his daughter Edwina. Many people were accustomed to only seeing his back during a race as he usually was in the front winning many trophies. Buck and Edwina made a good racing team winning many Chariot races for 15 years. Buck was fortunate to win a trophy for the oldest rider trophy. In 1994 Buck and Elsie retired to Humboldt where Buck became an avid gardener - potatoes being his specialty. He was kept busy keeping his daughter Linda's garden in immaculate shape. Another love was chopping wood which kept him busy and in shape physically. Buck loved to visit and have coffee keeping up on the local news. He also followed his grandchildren and their activities. Due to failing health in 2009 Buck moved to St. Mary's Villa where he resided until his passing. Buck will be sadly missed and loving remembered by his wife of 65 years, Elsie Gourlay; five children, 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren: Michael (Barb) Gourlay of Humboldt and family Pamela (Jack) and children, Kyle, Ramone and Mykaella, Charlene (Brendin) and their daughter Janeese and Justin; Linda (Scott) Ewen of Humboldt and family, Arlee (Tom) and their children Austin, Emilee and Holly, Jeremiah (Karen), Cameron (Heather) and Kaylee (Kris); Donna (Roch) Boisvert of Leduc, AB, and family Corey (Brandy) and children Madison and Brooklyn, Crystal and family Chackquick, Brandon and Aiden; Edwina Gourlay of Jansen and son Billy Gourlay and family Dawson, Taryn and Cohen; and Patti (Dale) Wasylciw of Saskatoon/Watrous; sister: Berniece (Allan) Borland of Thamesford, ON; sisters-in-law: Josie Mayor of Port Alberni BC, Diane (Rick) Gosse of Devon, AB; and Sara Banow of Melville; and by numerous nieces and nephews. Edwin was predeceased by his parents, Clifford and Marion Gourlay; son, Bruce; brothers-in-law, Bill Banow, Edward Banow and his in laws Mike and Emily Banow. A Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. from Malinoski & Danyluik Funeral Home officiated by, Jenny Irwin. Interment followed at Humboldt Public Cemetery. Memorial donations in Buck's memory may be directed to St. Mary's Villa Foundation. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to MALINOSKI & DANYLUIK FUNERAL HOME Humboldt.
