Ronald John Gourlay
October 8th, 2020
Dad passed away peacefully with his daughter and son-in-law by his side on Thursday, October 8, 2020. He will be deeply missed by his children, Brenda (Jon), Carole (Kerry), Kevin (Gladys), Rhonda (Warren) and Greg. Dad was a proud grandfather to Jason (Tatania), and Avro Gourlay, Derek Engel and Candice (Shane) Maser, Matthew (Jess) Gourlay, Amanda Gourlay, Luke (Abby) Gourlay and Daniel Gourlay, Meghan (James) Keall and Lauren (Spencer) Keall, Carson Bolt, Bryan Gourlay and Melanie Gourlay. He was also a great-grandfather to Hunter, Gabriel, Wyatt and Aurora Moffat, Lane Engel and Cole Maser, Trinity, Scott, Destiny and Darius Gourlay, and Paisley Graham. He will also be missed by his sister, Joyce (Bill) Bach and Bryan (Ann) Gourlay; as well as numerous nieces and nephew.
Dad had a great sense of humour and liked to tease. He was a great carpenter and loved to build or create things. He was very talented in being able to figure out how to fix things either electrical or construction related. Dad’s career was with Alberta Government Telephones and was extremely knowledgeable when it came to troubleshooting issues or designing large commercial sites for telephone communications. He was a Scout leader and a member of the church council. Dad moved into Sagewood at the beinning of COVID and found it difficult not being able to see his family and friends. A special thank you to the Sagewood staff as they watched over him and cared for him creating a loving bond between them.
Due to COVID, a Private Funeral Mass will be celebrated.
Messages:
Sending our love to all who loved Uncle Ron. I have such fond memories of him on the farm where he and Auntie Marg made us feel so welcome. He worked hard and played hard, but his treasure was his family. I think we will always all remember his laugh – and that smile and twinkle in his eye that no doubt meant a practical joke was up his sleeve. We are sorry we could not be there to support all who loved him. He – and all of you – are in our prayers. Love, Arlene and Ray
Sending love to my Canadian family! Uncle Ron was so much fun. He had a great laugh. I loved watching him stir the pot. Sending much love to you all during this hard time.
Uncle Ron was a man who loved life and loved to laugh. He could talk to anybody, including strangers, with no hesitation or reservation. He was a warm and loving man who wanted to help others. I have many wonderful memories of being with uncle Ron. I will always remember him with a big smile on his face. Go forth into that wonderful new life. We will all look forward to seeing you soon. You are loved. Love you so much. Cathy
We will miss Uncle Ron! He loved to tease and the laugh I can still hear!! He had such a kind heart. Our thought and prayers are with you all!! The Jensen Family. ❤️
Anne and I send our deepest condolences on the passing of our dear Uncle Ron. We remember with great affection and kindness the time that we spent with Ron and Margie in Medicine Hat, with Ron and Bea in Medicine Hat. I remember the wonderful times that my siblings and I spent with our cousins (back when we were teenagers) in Strathmore. Your father was a gentle and kind man who did love to tease, and who treasured his family. We send our love to each of you and we pray that your father will be welcomed into the arms of our heavenly Father. Love & Prayers, David and Anne Bach
I have lots of great memories of Uncle Ron, Auntie Marg and all of the family when my family and I visited Canada when I was a kid and as an adult. The farm outside of Strathmore was so much fun! Other great memories include the Alaskan cruise with Uncle Bryan, Auntie Ann, Bea and Father Ray. I wish I could join the family for funeral services and a chance to reconnect. The picture of Uncle Ron is very much how I remember him. A sly smile on his face that was usually followed by some wisecrack and his big laugh. I will miss him greatly, but I know he is in a better place and can now watch all of us with Auntie Marg at his side.
Ron will be missed! Life remains but on a different level. He will get to be with Margie and meet the little one lost during pregnancy. God is good always . Love to all of you Uncle Bill and Auntie Joy
Our deepest condolences to the Gourley family. My first day in telecom at AGT was reporting to Ron at the North garage for AGT. What a great man and friend who used to invite the entire crew out for Marg's Turkey dinner :) Maybe it was Turkey dinner that made me look for Ron today :( Prayers going out today knowing we will meet again,