Obituary of Ronald Elroy Gourley

WELL KNOWN STEWIACKE BUSINESS MAN AND ENTREPRENEUR PASSES AWAY. GOURLEY, Ronald Elroy-The world has lost a wonderful man today, his family lost a loving husband, father and grandfather on Sunday, May 14, 2017 at his home in Stewiacke at the age of 89. Born in Stewiacke, he was a son of the late Chester and Rennie (Walker) Gourley. Ronald was a third-generation dairy farmer. Upon completion of high school, he and four others hired a taxi from NS to Youbou, Vancouver Island, BC-with his father’s blessing. He became a foreman of a 700-man sawmill. He returned home at the age of 27 to run the family farm, Hillside Dairy Farms. During those years, Ronald consistently put the agriculture industry and community ahead of his own business believing that success could only be achieved through a vibrant industry as a whole. Upon retiring at the age of 65, he went “all-in” again. With vitality and strength, he built Fox Hollow Golf Club, which has become one of the best courses in Nova Scotia. He worked every day for another 20 years. His passions were motorcycles and airplanes. At the age of 65, he and his wife Bette embarked on a 59-day motorcycle and camping trip across Canada. Ronald was the Executive Director of the Dairy Farmers of Canada for 10 years, President of Nova Scotia United Milk Producers, Vice President of Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture, Director of Farmers Cooperative Dairy Ltd. for 10 years, Chairman of Nova Scotia Dyke Land, Chairman of Nova Scotia Dead Stock, Winner of the Farm Family of the Year award in 1984. Charter member of the Stanley Flying Club, Member of Halifax Flying Club, the Debert Flying Club and the Experimental Aircraft Association. Ronald had his private pilot’s license since 1957 until he stopped flying in 2007. He built and owned many airplanes over his lifetime. As a community member, Ronald demonstrated himself as an outstanding man who was extremely well known and respected. He was a charter member and a 25 year volunteer with the Stewiacke Volunteer Fire Department, a Sergeant in the Reserves, a proud Scout Leader and donated blood over 50 times. He is survived by his wife Bette; sons, Chester (Georgina), Christopher; daughter in-law, Liette; grandchildren, Andrew (Katie), Olivia, Monique, Ava Lynne and Isaac; great grandchildren, Myla and Fiona; sister, Marion Faulkner; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by son, Gary; grandson, Benjamin Ronald and brother, Bud Gourley. Visitation will be held 2-4pm and 7-9pm, Wednesday May 17 in Ettinger Funeral Home, 2812 Highway 2, Shubenacadie from where a funeral service will be held 2pm, Thursday, May 18, Rev. Canon David Fletcher officiating. (Live stream of the funeral service will begin at 1:55pm) Interment will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Stewiacke East A reception will follow at Fox Hollow Golf Club. The family would like to thank the staff of the VON for their excellent care and compassion. Donations may be made to the Colchester East Hants VON Condolences, words of comfort and memories of Ronald may be shared with the family at www.ettingerfuneralhome.com