TIMOTHY RICHARD HUGH GOURLAY
With great sadness we share the sudden passing of Tim “Tubes” Gourlay, which came as a shock as he was famous for always being late (except for a tee time). Tim left this world, family and friends far too soon and despite enduring the debilitating effects of pulmonary fibrosis over the past 20 months he found the energy to remain upbeat and make those around him feel loved till the very end.
Tim leaves behind his loving partner Maryse Bergeron; brother Greg Gourlay (Maureen) and their children Graehme and Sarah; his Banff cousins Jenny Gourlay (Kevin Reierson) and Cathy Macdonald; his three BC cousins on his mother’s side as well as an untold number of friends from around the world, many of whom he considered “brothers”. He will be greatly missed by all and never forgotten.
Tim was born and raised in Banff and in so many ways had the idyllic childhood. He and his friends had all the experiences one would expect from the freedom and open spaces of a small-town set in a mountain paradise during the 50’s & 60’s with no small measure of adventure, high jinks and mischief. Every August of his childhood was spent in White Rock, BC where his mother’s family had a summer cottage. Many fond memories were made as were bonds with his maternal grandparents, cousins and summer friends. White Rock was where he learned to swim and acquired his love for the ocean. Tim had a passion for hockey from an early age. A talented player, he played for various teams in the Bow Valley, a season of junior hockey while attending the College of Notre Dame and later after graduation from BCHS three seasons in Europe for a team based in Chamonix France. Tim enjoyed a variety of other recreational sports including skiing (both snow and water), swimming, softball and golf. A past member of The Banff Springs Golf Club Tim proudly carried on the tradition of his paternal grandfather, who was a founding member, and sponsor of the Club’s longest running continuous tournament, The Gourlay Cup. The “Stupid Brothers” golf tournament was another much-anticipated annual event.
As an adult Tim continued to live his charmed life to the fullest sharing many adventures and escapades with his pals. Whenever he got his ass in a sling, he always managed to somehow come out unscathed, except for this last time.
Always the life of the party Tubes lit up the room when he arrived. He was hard to miss. He was the one with the biggest voice and never shy about sharing his opinions, whether you were interested or not. He loved to sing and dance (despite not being particularly good at either) and often closed the night up on stage with the band for their final song.
For the past 16+ years Tubes escaped to Spur Valley for the summers; working part time on the golf course, playing golf, boating, and enjoying the company of Maryse and friends.
Tubes’ friends were his wealth; and in that regard, he left this world a very wealthy and fortunate man.
As he wished, Tim’s passing will not be marked by ceremony, but rather by a gathering of his friends for a good old Banff party; which will take place at the Banff Legion on Saturday, February 25, 2023.
A special thanks to the medical staff at Banff Mineral Springs Hospital and Banff Community Health Centre for the care Tim received while there.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Tim’s memory to a charity of your choice or consider the Banff Legion, now that they’ve lost their largest contributor to the “swear jar”.
