Obituary of Michael Gourley

Michael Gourley 1946-2012 On Friday, March 02, 2012, after an extraordinary and fulfilling life, Michael Gourley passed away at Toronto General Hospital. Beloved husband of Suzanne, father of Joel Gourley and Emily O'Brien, father-in-law of Josette Dalsin and Chris O'Brien, and proud grandfather of Madison and Zachary O'Brien. Devoted son to Lowell and the late Fred Gourley. Michael will be missed by his three brothers, Steve and Kathie, Andy and Barbara, and Mark and Janet Gourley, and his three sisters, Sylvia and George Hayes, Pat and Fred Ager and Susan Gourley and Roger Hart. Michael was a proud uncle to many nieces and nephews on both sides of his family. Michael was truly blessed and enjoyed a wonderful life. The profound love he felt for his wife and family was an inspiration to his children and many friends. Included among his favourite moments were fishing with his son on the Bulkley River, bicycling with his wife in Vero Beach, riding the waves in Gloucester with Emily and photographing Maddy and Zach's splendid adventures. Michael fought hard to continue his life's journey, undergoing transplant surgery in August of 2011. Determination and fortitude kept him alive for the ensuing 6-month battle with haemolytic anaemia and an ultimately fatal brain infection. Michael took great joy in helping many people and organizations achieve success throughout an outstanding career in the private and public sectors. Passionate about innovation throughout his life, he continued as a Committee Chair for Sentry Select and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute until his illness overcame him. Prior to retirement, Michael was a Partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers Canada LLP, the CEO and Vice Chair of the Ontario Financing Authority, Vice-President of the University of Western Ontario and the Chair of the Ontario Electricity Financing Corporation. Perhaps one of his proudest achievements involves his visionary work as Chair, and as one of the Founding Members, of the Ontario Innovation Trust. Michael had an exemplary career in public service. Michael served as Deputy Minister of Finance, Deputy Treasurer, and Deputy Minister of Economics for the Province of Ontario. In addition, Michael was the Assistant Deputy Attorney General and Assistant Deputy Minister of the Office of the Budget of Ontario. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES CHAPEL LIMITED, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 30, 2012. A memorial service will be held in ST. CUTHBERT'S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 1399 Bayview Avenue on Saturday, March 31 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Liver Transplant Fund of the Toronto General and Western Hospital Foundation. Please call 416-340-4430 or visit athoughtfulgift.ca. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.