GOURSKY, William Ernest 'Bill' - (August 4, 1939 – October 12, 2020)
It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful yet unexpected passing of a special man, and deeply loving husband and father, at home in Brampton, Ontario, aged 81.
Bill is survived by Anne, his loving wife of 55 years, and sons Drew and Christopher.
He is predeceased by parents Adam and Stella, and sister Olga. Bill will also be missed by niece Terri Gibner (Jim) and extended family, as well as Roy Garrad and a close group of longtime friends and colleagues.
Born in Simcoe, and a southern Ontario resident throughout his life, Bill was a caring person with deep dedication to his family and community. Beginning in the 1960s in New Toronto, he worked with street youth, and transitioned into helping young people through the Etobicoke Board of Education. In the late 1970s, he and wife Anne established the Etobicoke After-Hours Referral Project, which uniquely diverted young offenders away from the criminal justice system, by providing counselling and supports.
As the executive director of the Etobicoke Social Development Council in the early 1980s, through to the end of his career, Bill led community-based initiatives that improved conditions and lives for seniors, youth, and families. He was awarded the Canada 125 and Queen’s Golden Jubilee medals for his dedication, and service.
Even in retirement, he was a dogged champion for people’s rights and needs. A longtime resident of Brampton, Bill chaired the Region of Peel’s Accessibility Advisory Committee, volunteered for many years with Peel United Way, and most recently, co-chairing two committees in the William Osler Health System. He accomplished real change for those with disabilities and was looking forward to the day when Ontario would be completely barrier-free.
Bill’s affection for people also extended into his work as a wedding officiant and celebrant, where he was privileged to witness and guide couples through their vows with a sense of fun and joy.
As someone who helped others, Bill would have wanted to acknowledge those who helped him. Special thanks to Dr. Barbara Millar, Pushpal Dhanoa of Spectrum Health, and Mitchelle Gabon.
Bill’s empathy and passion, as well as his sense of humour and infectious laugh, made him an irreplaceable presence in the lives of those who knew or encountered him. He will be missed by all.
Private funeral arrangements as per Bill’s wishes. A Celebration of Life will take place in the spring of 2021.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to United Way Greater Toronto, or the William Osler Health System Foundation. Arrangements with Andrews funeral home, Brampton.
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