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David Stewart Menzies GOURLAY

David Stewart Menzies GOURLAY obituary

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Thompson Funeral Home

530 Industrial Parkway South

Aurora, Ontario

David GOURLAY Obituary

GOURLAY, David Stewart Menzies April 19, 1923 - May 16, 2018 Passed away peacefully with family at his side. Predeceased by his wife, Frances Collins "Frankie" of 64 years. Born in Johnstone, Scotland he was the youngest of 8. He was a proud member of the RAF during WWII before coming to Canada. Dad lived to be 95 years young and left a mark on the golf profession on many levels. A believer in education and hard work were his two main mottos that he lived by. Dad's dedication to the golf industry was recognized by many prestigious awards including the "Distinguished Service Award" both with CGSA and the GCSAA. He worked as a golf course superintendent at the Chedoke GC, Kapuskasing GC, Pine Valley GC, Summit GC, Summerlea GC and Thornhill GC for 30 years. Dad will be deeply missed by his 6 children: Beth, Ian (Tracey), David (Barb), Jean (Steve), Sheila (Jeff) and Jim (Martha). "Papa" to Shannon (Vaughan), Sarah (Adrian), Jonathan, Amanda, Lindsay (Dave), Matt (Jenna), David, Cameron, Robert, William and James. "Great Papa" to Willow, Mya, Stajan, Mila, AJ, Dante, Keene, Carter and Payne. Dave will be fondly remembered by extended Gourlay and Collins family members. Please join us for a Celebration of Dad's Life on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 from 4 - 8 p.m. at the Thornhill Country Club, 7994 Yonge Street, Thornhill, ON. In lieu of flowers, contributions in David's memory may be made to Canadian Cancer Society, or Autism Ontario. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ThompsonFH-Aurora.com for the Gourlay family.

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Published by Toronto Star from May 18 to May 19, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
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7 Entries

George Franko

April 28, 2024

I was first met Dave Gourlay in Kapuskasing Ontario when he took on golf course superintendent and golf Pro. I was about 12 at the time, (and now am 84), in 1952-53. I was a fledgling caddy at the time, the runt of the litter about 5' 1/2 inches tall. I made 50cents per round. Drs. Dupont, Latimer and Murdock were regulars. The catch of the day was Adelor Lefebvre, he paid 75 cents.
I got along famously with Dave. I looked after the pro shop when he went into town. He offered me a. set of Lady Campbell clubs 3,5,7,9 if I shagged balls two hours a day as he was preparing for the Pro Golf Tournament in North Bay. (I think he needed 4).
He then asked me to caddy for him in North Bay 325 miles away. He paid the train fare (parents okayed) and got me a pull out bed at the St Regis hotel. After the tournament I hopped on the train back to Kap. (Don't ask because I can't honesty remember!)
Shortly after that (? a reality check) Dave decided to go full time into Golf course managements and Superintendent. We all know where. that led, which is almost unbelievably remarkable. Dave was sensitive, considerate and thoughtful. Not begrudging the sons, but I think he would have loved to have had a daughter. I hope he has lots of grand daughters. We know where Dave is, at His right hand.The Doctors Also influenced me and I became one at Queens 1965.
There's no sadness here, just a celebration of a remarkable life. George Franko.

May 22, 2018

So sorry to hear of your father's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He was a wonderful friend and supporter of the Thornhill Club. May the support and comfort of your friends and family help you cope in the days ahead.
Don Schaefer

Don and June Watts

May 21, 2018

To the Gourlay Family: Our sincere sympathy.
We were sorry to hear of your father's passing. He had a long and wonderful life with Frankie and his family. He was so very proud of all of you. He had many friends and always had a smile and a story to tell. We had many great times including Fergus (you could never take the Scot out of him). Enjoyed vacations in Florida walking the beach. So many good memories he has left us all with.
Don and June Watts

May 19, 2018

So sorry to hear of David's passing. I only knew him for the seven years I was at Thornhill C C. He was a true gentleman and a hard worker who loved his family, friends and golf. I will always remember him fondly. Lloyd McClelland

Dave and Frankie 1978

Thomas Keane

May 19, 2018

Thomas Keane

May 18, 2018

Dear Gourlay Family: We was so sorry to hear of the loss of your Father, he had a long and successful life. He was a charming, caring and had a great sense of humour. He had a lovely soft Scottish accent. He was a gentleman in the true sense of the word. I have so many fond memories of visiting your family at the your home at Thornhill Golf Club. Your parents were always so generous and welcoming to our Scottish and Irish family. May he join your Mom in heaven and may they both rest in peace. They were wonderful people to all who knew them. God bless you all, with sincere condolences to you all.

Irish Blessing:
May the road rise to meet you...
May the road rise to meet you,
may the wind be ever at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and the rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Thomas Keane and Family

Jeanette McGhee

May 18, 2018

May the God of all comfort and mercy give the family hope and peace during this time of sadness and sorrow. Jeremiah 29:11,12.

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Thompson Funeral Home

530 Industrial Parkway South, Aurora, ON L4G6W8