Obituary of Lawrence Gourlie

Age 89, of Tacoma, WA passed away on June 25, 2007, due to complications from pneumonia. He passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family. He was a gracious man with a great disposition, thoughtful, a tremendous sense of humor, and an award-winning smile. He was considered the consummate storyteller who, with his intellect and sense of wisdom, was always a valued source of guidance. He was born in Ashippun, Wisconsin on May 27, 1918, the fourth of eight children born to Forrest and Ellen Gourlie. He attended Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin and graduated with a degree in Economics and Business Administration. Being a true adventurer, after college he wanted to see the West Coast, so he hopped a freight train and headed for Seattle and then on to Alaska. In Alaska he worked as a radio engineer in charge of installation and operation of VHS radio test stations. During his time in Alaska, World War II started, and he left Alaska and enlisted in the Army, where he served with distinction as the Battalion Radio Chief in the 82nd Airborne Division, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, during five campaigns, two of them aerial invasions, with the principal one being a drop behind the German lines the night before D-Day, June 6, 1944, known as the Normandy Invasion. He received three foreign unit decorations and the Purple Heart. Following the war he moved to Everett, Washington, as he decided it was a good place to call home and raise a family. While living there he was employed by Greystone Concrete Products, where he became its President and General Manager. Being an inventor at heart, at Greystone he invented and had several patents on concrete pipe manufacturing machinery. While working and raising an ever-expanding family, he felt it was very important to give back to his community. He served as President of both the Central Lions Club and the Everett Library Board as well as being a board member of Everett Chamber of Commerce and the local chapter of the Red Cross. . In 1964 he decided to make a switch from private industry to government service. He became the Northwest Regional Director of the Small Business Administration (SBA) of the federal government, where he served until his retirement. After that, he and his wife would spend the summer months in their home on Whidbey Island, and the winter months in their 2nd home in Palm Springs, CA. Retirement found him very busy hosting friends and relatives, serving on his homeowners board, doing handyman repairs for widows in his community, and spending time on the golf course, as he was an avid golfer with many hole-in-one trophies to display. He was a loving and caring father, husband and friend to many, liked by everyone he met. He will be missed by all but he leaves us with many wonderful memories. His life and the lessons he imparted will live on with his family and in their hearts. He is survived by his children: Yvonne and her husband Bob Turnbull of La Quinta, CA, Russ Gourlie of Darrington, WA, Renee' and her husband Jeff Moore of Tacoma, WA, stepsons Mark Ashworth, Bellingham, WA and Scott Ashworth, Oak Harbor, WA. He was preceded in death by his wife of 34 years, Elaine Fisher Gourlie, and a son, Burr Gourlie, of Bellingham, WA. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Vanessa Goodrich, Greg Smith, Russell Gourlie, and Dakota Ashworth; as well as two great-grandchildren, Kaya and Jaden. Please join us for a celebration of his life on July 11, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. held at the Weatherly Inn, 6016 N. Highland Pkwy, Tacoma, WA 98406, with refreshments to follow. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Franciscan Hospice/Franciscan Foundation, www.fhshealth.org .