Obituary for Melvin James Gourlay
Melvin James Gourlay, 83 of Lincoln Park and Bronson passed away Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at Sturgis Hospital.
In following his wishes cremation has taken place and no formal services are planned at this time. The family was cared for by Dutcher Funeral Home.
Melvin was born November 7, 1937 to Melvin and Helen (Mesic) in Ecorse. He was a hardworking man, spending 47 years as a Millwright with National Steel in Ecorse, retiring in 1998. On May 21, 1960 he married the love of his life, Joan Biskner in Lincoln Park, MI. He enjoyed living on the lake with her after he retired. Together they made and shared many memories.
Melvin was a man of many interests. He coached Lincoln Park Little League football and baseball for many years. Melvin enjoyed spending time playing golf, bowling, and was an avid reader. He liked watching sports and history shows, as well as reading about each. Melvin was fond of playing poker, especially with his family and friends. He always put the needs of his family first, especially traveling to his children’s and then grandchildren’s sports and events. He will be remembered for being extremely friendly and talkative to everyone he met, being outgoing with a great sense of humor, wanting to laugh and play games whenever possible. He will be dearly missed by those that knew and loved him.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Joan Gourlay of Bronson and Lincoln Park; his children Kathy (Charles) Francis of Lincoln Park, MI, Charles (Diane) Gourlay of Woodhaven, MI, and Leslie (Mike) Masciovecchio of New Boston, MI; his siblings Richard Gourlay of White Lake, Janice Gourlay of Howell, and Karen (Jerry) Pike of Lewiston; his grandchildren Chuck (Heather) Francis, Kelli Francis, Chaz Gourlay, Steve Gourlay, Michael Masciovecchio , and Gianna Masciovecchio; his twin great grandsons Dean & Dylan Francis; several nieces & nephews; and his cats Winnie, Smokey, Ebbie, and Rudy. He was preceded in death by his parents; his grand-daughter Kara Jane; his sister Nancy (Leonard) Teklinsky; his sister—in-law Diane Gourlay; and his dog “Sadie”.
Memorials may be directed to the Branch County Humane Society. www.dutcherfh.com
In following his wishes cremation has taken place and no formal services are planned at this time. The family was cared for by Dutcher Funeral Home.
Melvin was born November 7, 1937 to Melvin and Helen (Mesic) in Ecorse. He was a hardworking man, spending 47 years as a Millwright with National Steel in Ecorse, retiring in 1998. On May 21, 1960 he married the love of his life, Joan Biskner in Lincoln Park, MI. He enjoyed living on the lake with her after he retired. Together they made and shared many memories.
Melvin was a man of many interests. He coached Lincoln Park Little League football and baseball for many years. Melvin enjoyed spending time playing golf, bowling, and was an avid reader. He liked watching sports and history shows, as well as reading about each. Melvin was fond of playing poker, especially with his family and friends. He always put the needs of his family first, especially traveling to his children’s and then grandchildren’s sports and events. He will be remembered for being extremely friendly and talkative to everyone he met, being outgoing with a great sense of humor, wanting to laugh and play games whenever possible. He will be dearly missed by those that knew and loved him.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Joan Gourlay of Bronson and Lincoln Park; his children Kathy (Charles) Francis of Lincoln Park, MI, Charles (Diane) Gourlay of Woodhaven, MI, and Leslie (Mike) Masciovecchio of New Boston, MI; his siblings Richard Gourlay of White Lake, Janice Gourlay of Howell, and Karen (Jerry) Pike of Lewiston; his grandchildren Chuck (Heather) Francis, Kelli Francis, Chaz Gourlay, Steve Gourlay, Michael Masciovecchio , and Gianna Masciovecchio; his twin great grandsons Dean & Dylan Francis; several nieces & nephews; and his cats Winnie, Smokey, Ebbie, and Rudy. He was preceded in death by his parents; his grand-daughter Kara Jane; his sister Nancy (Leonard) Teklinsky; his sister—in-law Diane Gourlay; and his dog “Sadie”.
Memorials may be directed to the Branch County Humane Society. www.dutcherfh.com