1929
2017
Richard "Dick" "R99" Irving Gourley, 88 of Hopkinton passed away peacefully on October 26, 2017 at Presidential Oaks nursing home.
Richard was born in Concord, New Hampshire in 1929. He graduated from Concord High School in 1947 and later completed a course of study at a plumbing and heating trade school in the Boston, Massachusetts area. Richard married his high school sweetheart, Joan, in 1950. They were married for 51 years until her death in 2001.
After returning from a Niagara Falls honeymoon, Richard and Joan, with the help of his father, built their first home on a lovely plot of land on Dimond Hill in Concord. Richard established Dimond Industries and purchased a sawmill in Hopkinton from which he ran his lumber company for several years. The couple briefly lived at West Point in Newburgh, NY, where Dick served in the Army during the Korean War.
Richard worked as a bank teller at National State Capital Bank in Concord before purchasing his home heating oil business, Ken Ross Oil Company, in the early 1960's, thus reaching his long time goal of owning a business and of being his own boss. Richard and Joan soon found a piece of land in Hopkinton. Joan designed their new home with Richard built to accommodate their growing family and new business. He ran Ken Ross Oil successfully until retiring and selling the business in 1987 at the age of 58. During his retirement, Dick enjoyed working on the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad as a conductor, entertaining the many passengers on board as well as volunteering in many capacities with other organizations.
Richard was an avid swimmer, boater and water-skier, even crafting his own set of homemade waterskies. He belonged to the Winnipesaukee Water Ski Club for many years. Richard and Joan enjoyed many excursions in their motorhome, the most ambitious of which was a cross country trip in 1977. Dick also enjoyed reading and carpentry, but he was most passionate about helping others.
Some of the many organizations he belonged to or held volunteer positions with are: Kimball Pond Association, Salvation Army, Hopkinton Fire Department and Ambulance squad, and the Hopkinton Fair Association. Most notably Richard donated over 8500 hours to the Mr. Fixit program, for which he received the Spirit of New Hampshire Award in 2006 from Governor Lynch, recognizing outstanding contributions in volunteerism. Also, he donated over 60 gallons of blood to the Red Cross during his lifetime.
Dick was well known for his love of the color red and affinity for Lawrence Welk's music and television variety show. He will be remembered for his quirky sense of humor, integrity, kindness, love of family and willingness to help others.
Richard is survived by his four children, David Gourley of Wells, Maine, Susan Gourley Callahan of Hopkinton, Douglas Gourley of Hopkinton, and Scott Gourley of Washington, DC, as well as one granddaughter, Pamela Gourley-Delaney and two great grandchildren, Rhys Delaney and Gwyneth Delaney of Clayton, California, and other loving family.
A celebration of life will be held on December 2, 2017 at the First Congregational Church of Hopkinton, in Hopkinton, New Hampshire at 1:00pm and will be led by the Reverend Gordon L Crouch. There will be no visitation hours. Arrangements are being handled by the Bennett Funeral Home of Concord.
The family would like to thank the staff members of Age At Home healthcare service, Presidential Oaks senior living facility, and Concord Regional VNA for the kind and loving care they provided during Richard's final years.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://www.BennettFuneral.com for the Gourley family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Bennett Funeral Home.
December 26, 2017
Sue Callahan
November 27, 2017
Bethany Howard
Remembering Richard (Ralph) for his sweet and subtle lessens tought without teaching. I am forever grateful for Boathouse Summers and the mentoring example of how to care more deeply for each orher.
Be in Peace Sweet Ralph!
November 26, 2017
Bob DeAngelis
I always enjoyed working with Dick on the Mr. Fix-it program which we did many times. I was his go-to guy for woodworking projects. He was great person with a wonderful sense of humor. He always gave everyone a special name mine was "hilltop Bob" because I lived on a hilltop in Warner. My condolences to the family and my Dick rest in peace.
November 6, 2017
Carol Rattee-Roy
I have fond memories of Mr. Gourley visiting his Dad at the NH Odd Fellows Home. It was many years ago but his dedication to his father (and his suspenders!) made a lasting impression on me.
November 6, 2017
Ira Migdal
It is with a heavy heart that I acknowledge the passing of R99. I met Dick when I arrived in Hopkinton in 1983 and it was an honor and privilege to call him a friend. I am going to miss you Dick, and to the family, please accept my condolences.
November 5, 2017
Bob Ross
I am saddened to hear that Dick passed away and my condolences to your family. When my dad, Ken Ross, was very sick Dick was instrumental in keeping the business going. He was very well liked by all the oil company customers.
November 5, 2017
Carolyn Quinn
Sorry to read of classmate Dick Gourley's passing. May he rest in peace.
November 3, 2017
Liah Perdikes
Sending love and prayers to Sue and your family. ❤❤
October 31, 2017
We feel so blessed to have been a part of Richard's team over the years. Richard was a special person and will be remembered fondly for his sense of humor and ready advice!! Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you!!
Fondly,
The Age at Home team
October 29, 2017
Billy Hagy
Richard A. Gourley Family, It was an honor for me to have known Richard and to have been there to share a portion of his life with him. I will be eternally grateful for everything he shared with me. Rest in Peace my Dear Richard.
Billy J. Hagy
October 28, 2017
I was very lucky to have you for my Dad. Thank you for everything. I will miss you always. Love Unk
October 28, 2017
Susan Callahan
I was very lucky to have you for my Dad. Thank you for everything. I will miss you always. Love Unk (Sue). ❤❤❤❤❤❤
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more