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Coleen Smith posted a condolence
Saturday, October 5, 2024
I remember when Ron and his buddies (mostly family), arrived in Youbou. My Dad like these young men (all cousins I believe) from Nova Scotia so much he helped them get jobs at B.C Forest Products...a sawmill in Youbou. The had many Sunday Dinners at our house. My Mom thought very highly of them. They were always polite and thoughtful when they were there. Ron and my sister Grace went back to Nova Scotia and were married there and lived on the beautiful Gourley Farm.Years later as a teen-ager I went to N.S. to live with them. Met my future husband at that time. We both miss 'Ron' very much. Condolences to his wife Bette. Think of you often.
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Coleen Smith posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 18, 2024
I was very young when Ron and his group arrived in Youbou. My Dad was Head Sawyer at the mill and one of the first to meet Ron. He and his 'buddies' came to many Sunday Dinners at our house. My Mom loved having these young men visit...always very polite and thoughtful. As it turned out Ron married one of my sisters and Ben Irving, Ron's cousin, married the other. Ron and my oldest sister went back to Stewiacke, married and ran the family farm and Ben and my other sister were married and raised their family here in Youbou. They created Ben's Marina on Cowichan Lake.
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Coleen Smith posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
I was very young and his fellow motorcycle buddies (cousins) arrived in Youbou. My Dad was the Head Sawyer at the mill there and took an instant liking to the 'boys from Nova Scotia'. They got jobs at the mill and had many Sunday Dinners at our house. Two of them married my two older sisters. They were all incredible and thoughtful young men. My Mom thought very highly of all of them. Miss them very much.
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Coleen Smith posted a condolence
Monday, May 20, 2024
When Ron and his buddies took a cab across Canada they arrived in Youbou, B.C. There was a major sawmill there and my Dad helped him get a job. My Dad was the 'Head Sawyer' at the mill. Dad liked Ron and the other 'boys' so much he would invite them to family dinners on Sunday and on special occasions. They all thought the world of my Dad and the feeling was mutual. My Mom loved having the 'boys' around. They would also help my Dad with chores that needed more than one set of hands. They all lived in the 'bunkhouses' that were owned by the company, B.C. Forest Products.
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Coleen Smith lit a candle
Saturday, January 27, 2024
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Coleen Smith posted a condolence
Saturday, January 27, 2024
I remember when Ron and his cousin Ben Irving arrived in Youbou with the rest of his motorcycle buddies/relatives. I was only a little kid..don't think I was in school yet. They went to work at the lumber mill and rented a cabin at a place by the lake. My Dad took a liking to the "boys from Nova Scotia" right away. He was the 'Head Sawyer' at the time and was able to get them jobs. They had to start at the bottom like everyone else, but it didn't take them long to move up the ladder. Eventually Ron decided to go back to work with Dad on the family farm. He didn't go alone, he took his future wife with him. He was a very caring and hard working man. Special man.
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Coleen Smith posted a condolence
Sunday, December 17, 2023
I met Ron when I was about 4-5 years old in Youbou, B.C. He and his motorcycle buddies traveled across Canada from Coast to Coast. They arrived in Youbou and immediately got jobs at the lumber mill. They met my Dad who was the 'Head Sawyer' there. He took an instant liking to these young men and they to him. They were invited to many Sunday and holiday dinners at our house. My Mom enjoyed having them around too. They were polite and thoughtful....'raised well'. Ron was a very thoughtful and caring man. We still miss him and think of him often.
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Coleen Smith posted a condolence
Friday, December 15, 2023
We were so sad to hear of Ron's passing. Our family met him when he and his friends (and cousins) came to Youbou on their motor bikes in the 1950's. They applied for work at the lumber mill and got jobs immediately. My Dad was the 'Head Sawyer' and took a liking to these young men as soon as he met them. They had many Sunday dinners at our house. They lived at the single men's residence across from the mill. Two of them married my two older sisters. I got '2 big brothers' out of the deal. Much more I could write, but enough for now.
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Coleen Smith posted a condolence
Thursday, April 6, 2023
Q: How did you meet Ronald?
A: My Dad was the ‘Head Sawyer’ at the saw mill in Youbou when Ron arrived in Youbou. I wasn’t even old enough to go to school yet. Ron and his cousins went to work at the mill. Dad liked them all so much he’d invite them to Sunday dinner quite often, and also to all holiday dinners. I would always ask him to take me for a ride on his motorcycle. I don’t think there was ever a time when he said, “No.” I would sit in front of him and hold on to his arms. He was so kind and thoughtful. The whole group always called my mother “Mom”.
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The family of Ronald Elroy Gourley uploaded a photo
Thursday, March 29, 2018
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Georgie Lee Campbell posted a condolence
Thursday, May 18, 2017
Bette
Cheri (Hatfield) and I want to let you know we are thinking of you and your family at this very sad time. Our sincere condolences.
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Kathleen Amos posted a condolence
Thursday, May 18, 2017
We just returned to Nova Scotia and heard your sad news. Deepest sympathy from Bob and I and all of Theresa Martin's family.
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Barbara & John Olekszyk posted a condolence
Thursday, May 18, 2017
We have very fond memories of our two visits to my mother's birthplace, Stewiacke, both times so warmly welcomed by Bette and Ron. Knowing John loved golf, Ron made sure John had a tour of Fox Hollow Golf Course, while Bette and I went through old family photos. You both made us feel so at home. Our sincere condolences to you and your family Bette. Ron will be missed.
Barb and John
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Robert Forrester posted a condolence
Thursday, May 18, 2017
sorry for your loss and may the days be brighter down the road.My condolences bob
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Gould/Hutchings relatives in Alberta posted a condolence
Thursday, May 18, 2017
Tried to order a big bouquet of WHITE flowees for you, but was too late in arranging. Will make a donation to your charity if choice in lieu. Was to have the following message: Rest PEACEFULLY Ron. A brave & bold soul to wear all white! Bette & family, may you find comfort from each other and in memories and life lessons of Ron, so vividly shown in your tribute video. Love, your Hutchings/Gould relatives in AB.
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Brian and Wanda Densmore posted a condolence
Thursday, May 18, 2017
Our condolences to the Gourley family, thinking of you at this difficult time.
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Mary Jane McDonald posted a condolence
Thursday, May 18, 2017
Chester and Christopher our deepest sympathy to you and your families on the loss of your dad. He loved you dearly and always spoke so highly and proudly of His Boys. His suffering is over. You know that our family understands all of your pain and feelings of such great loss. Our doors are always open when you need a hug. Love to you and your families. Aunt Mary, Anita, Colin, Jodi, Craig, Madeline, Colby, Nicholas, William
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Shari Hanson posted a condolence
Thursday, May 18, 2017
Bette and family,
On behalf of the Alberta Hanson family, I extend hugs and prayers to you through this time of farewell to Ron. Please know we are thinking of you through this journey! I have such fond memories of Ron as 'larger than life' to me when I was but a lowly prairie girl studying in Halifax and you embraced me into your home to escape to cow space and ride a horse! I recall when my parents visited and we sat around your kitchen table discussing 'codes of practice' for animal production and the unique differences between NS and AB. Thank you for the many ways you shared Ron with your community, with Agriculture in Canada, with adventures you pursued together and with obvious genuine love for him. Love and Hugs to you all across the miles. We are with you in spirit!
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Debbie and Kevin pike posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Dear Bette and family, We are away on vacation so only heard today the so sad news that Ronald had passed away. Although we have not seen you guys much in recent years, Kevin and I hold lots of memories dear in our hearts. Our Arizona visit, Bette you getting that speeding ticket, omg that was funny...Ronald's awesome planked salmon, Christmas visits, golf games and more. He lived and loved a LARGE fife and I figure he didn't have many regrets. His love for you, his family and home, was always evident to us. Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Debbie and Kevin Pike
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Bruce & Germaine Thurrott posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Bette and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Ron was a great man and he will be missed.
We are so glad we got to see him a couple of summers ago.
He was such a such a gentlemen.
Take care and we will see you next time we are down.
Love Bruce & Germaine
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Vicki &Kevin Ives posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Heaven has gained a very sweet soul,it was truly a pleasure to have known Ronald.So sorry for the your loss Betty and family.
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Wendy & Stephen Spencer posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Our sincere condolences on the passing of Ron. He always had a smile on his face whenever we saw him at the course. I know he will be sadly missed by all.
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Bryan W Langille posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Linda and I wish to express our condolences to you Bet and your family . Ron was one of the nicest guys I ever met , one of a kind !!
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Gary and Betsy Wright posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
To Chris and your entire family
Gary and I wish to extend our sincerest sympathy to all of you at this very sad time. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
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Paulette and Robin Tedford posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Our condolences to Ron's family. We knew Ron through MMTA11 when we travelled by motorcycle throughout Nova scotia. Ron was a well respected and liked fellow rider. God bless you Ron and guide you on life's journey
sincerely
Paulette & Robin Tedford
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Jean Douglas posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Our sincere condolences to your Bette, and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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Nadine Wright posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
So sorry to hear of Ron's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Chris and Nadine Wright.
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richard thompson posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
may you know my thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the days ahead
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Coleen and Steven Smith lit a candle
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
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Coleen and Steven Smith posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Steven and I are so sorry to hear of Ron's passing. He was such an amazing man. I will always consider him my 'big brother'. I was so fortunate to know him as a young child. As a teenager I could always count on him if I needed to talk. He was a caring, gentle, man. I feel so fortunate that he was in my life. Bette you two had a wonderful and special life together. I am so happy you found each other. Sending love to you and thinking of your whole family.
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Cindy Peacock posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
So sorry to hear of your loss Bette and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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Peggy lit a candle
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
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Gone but not forgotten... A great man has left us but his memory will live on..
Love to Bette, Chester, Christopher and their families
xoxoxo
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Kim and Trevor MacNeil posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
So sorry to hear of your loss. May your memories bring you comfort today and in the days ahead.
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Wayne & Linda Mingo posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Hi Bette:
Our condolences to you in the passing of Ron. You had a lot of good years together and will surely be missed.
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Anitra & David Whidden posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Bette, Marion, Chester, Christopher, Liette and families
I have so many fond memories of the Gourley Farm. Gary and I were best friends throughout our childhood years and there are memories of his Grandmother Rennie's cookies, his Grandfather Chester picking us up everyday after school, riding Skipper, snowmobiling and helping Ronald with the haying.
As years went by Ronald became a father figure in my life, taking Gary and I to concerts, shopping, to the movies and our weekly trip to Truro shopping for magazines, soda, chips and chocolate bars, or just where ever we wanted to go.
He went above and beyond giving of his time and love for family and friends and making you feel welcome in their home, where the teapot was always waiting, or a tall bottle of the good stuff was ready to pour.
I will miss your warm greeting whenever I would see you, "How are the kids?"
RIP Ronald...you will never be forgotten Xo
With Deepest Sympathy
Anitra Whidden
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Diane Johnston posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Bette and Family:
We were saddened to hear of Ron's passing.
What fond memories we have of our brief times together, what a great guy!
Know that we are thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Love and Prayers
Diane & Jack (Treneer)
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JUANITA WITHROW posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
So sorry Bette and family. Ronald was a wonderful man.
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Brian Ellis posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
We are so very saddened by the passing of Uncle Ron. I've never met a kinder soul who made you feel so welcome in his presence. I should have received the beating of a lifetime when I damaged his car in my younger days, yet I think he just laughed it off. If he was angry or upset I sure didn't hear about it. I'll never forget him and take comfort in the fact that he's no longer suffering and is at peace...somewhere, he & my dad are having a cold beer...and not the non-alcoholic variety either. Tammy, Hannah & I send our love & deepest condolences to you and your family. Love Brian
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JOHN AND KATHY TAYLOR posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
OUR CONDOLENCES TO THE GOURLEY FAMILY ON THE DEATH OF YOUR LOVED ONE.
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JOHN AND KATHY TAYLOR lit a candle
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
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Donna and John Gottlieb posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
So very sorry for your loss Bette. Ron was an amazing man. We will remember him fondly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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Deborah Nelson posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Thinking of you in this sad time. Ronald was a wonderful man, loved and respected by all who met him.
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Marven and Cheryl Hennigar posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Dear Betty and family - Our sincerest condolences on Ron's passing. He was one of the kindest gentleman we have had the pleasure of knowing. He has been a family friend my whole like and was greatly respected by Mum and Dad (Frances & Keith) their whole lives. He will be greatly missed.
Sincerely, Marven & Cheryl Hennigar
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Don & Norma Hippern posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Bette, Chester, Chris and families,
So sorry to hear of Ron's passing. Ron was a wonderful sweet man,and will be missed by all who knew him. Thinking of you all in this time of sorrow.
Don & Norma
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Adam an Lisa flinn posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
We send our condolences to the Gourley family.thoughts an prayers.are with you Chris an Chester.
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Patricia Gourley lit a candle
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
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Wayne and Debbie Ellis posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Bette, Chester, Georgina, Ava and Issac, Christopehr, Olivia, Monique and Liette:
We were so sorry to hear of Ron's passing. He truly was a wonderful man and will be missed not only by you but all that knew him. He always took the time to talk to you whenever he met you, whether it was on the street, in the store or up at the golf course. Take comfort in all the memoires that you have made and are yours to keep and cherish.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you go through this difficult time.
Condolences
Wayne and Debbie
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Janis Constable posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Bud Gourley was my dad, and his brother Ronald my uncle. I'm Ontario born, but found myself in Stewiacke Nova Scotia every summer of my childhood. What a special and heartwarming greeting my sister Brenda and I received from Uncle Ronald every time we traveled "home" to Nova Scotia .... like we were his long lost children! His hugs were fatherly, his grin super wide, his face beaming, his eyes twinkling. His hands were ginormous and strong compared to my little city girl hands ! As we got older, he would tell us stories of the family .... his parents (my grandparents) and near and far cousins.
I could tell many endearing stories, but I'll stop here.
The world has lost one very special man .... he had the biggest heart and the kindest heart. What more could anyone ask of the Patriarch of their family?! I have been blessed to call him my uncle. I have been blessed to know his love.
Peace be with you Bette, Chester, Georgina, Christopher, Liette, Andrew, and all of the next generations of Gourleys.
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Donna Arnold posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Bette and family ;
My sincerest condolences to all Ronald was such a kind and wonderful gentleman, reapected and loved by so many Bette it was always evident you two were soulmates He will be greatly missed Rejoice in the many special memories
Love and blessings
Donna Arnold
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Craig Treneer posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Bette & Family:
Your world has just changed and so has ours. I'm very proud to have called Ron a friend. The fond memories are what we get to keep.
Thinking of you all.
Craig
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Gwen Baker and Tom Kiely posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Our deepest sympathy to Bette and family. Ronald will be greatly missed not only by family but also the community. A NICE MAN
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Roy and Bernice Thomson posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Our deepest sympathy to you Bette and the Gourley Family. We have many fond memories of the reunions at Stewiacke.
Ronald was a great man. RIP
Bernice and Roy and Family
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Verna and Gary Morrow posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
One of the great blessings of our lives was knowing and having Ron as a dear friend. We will forever cherish times spent together with Ron and Bette, playing marbles, dancing and socializing at the Legion in Mesa, sharing conversation and laughs with mutual friends while enjoying Bette's fine cooking, making lasting memories on our island cruise to Hawaii, and our visits to Stewiacke when we were always greeted with open arms and treated like royalty. So our parting words to you, Ron, are, in fact, your parting words to us: "Still love you to death". Till we meet again.
Verna and Gary
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Jason & Victoria Misener lit a candle
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
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Heather Paul posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Chester, Chris, and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Healing thoughts to you all
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Darlene & Joe Garden posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Bette and Family
So very sorry for your family's loss.
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Bill and Raylene MacEachern lit a candle
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
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Bill and Raylene MacEachern posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Bette and family:
Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your loving husband, father and grandfather. Mayhe RIP
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Brenda Irving posted a condolence
Monday, May 15, 2017
I would like to send my deepest condolences to the family as Ben Irving's daughter i heard all the story's and saw all the pictures about the early times in Youbou I remember Ron as a larger the life man who always took the time to talk with me when ever he came out to the west coast to visit I know he will be missed dearly
Brenda
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