Obituary of Morley Gusway

Morley Gusway On Friday, January 22, 2016, at the age of 86, Morley peacefully left us to join his heavenly Father while surrounded by his loving family. He is predeceased by his devoted wife of 57 years, Lucille; parents George and Pearl; siblings Georgina Coburn, Gene, Barry, Keith, and Shirley Opre; brothers-in law Victor Coburn and George Opre; sister-in-law Lianne. Morley will continue to live on in the hearts of his family members and friends. He is survived by his brother Graham (Myra); three children Jeff of Regina Beach, Shawn (Kimberly) of Regina and Paula (Glen) Tourville of Columbus, Ohio; grandchildren Mishan and TJ (Chelsea) Gusway, Shawnelle and Dunigan Gusway, Micaela (Derek) Hartman, Chase and Austin Tourville; great-grandchildren Jaiden and Sawyer Gusway; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Thomas Morley Harold Patrick Gusway was born on February 1, 1929 in Regina, SK. Growing up in a devout Catholic home, Morley was taught from an early age to help others in any way and anytime it was possible. Morley met the love of his life, Lucille, and they were married in November of 1950. The birth of their first child in 1956 signified the start of their family. Two more children followed after, in 1964 and 1965 and their family was complete. As Morley entered into his late twenties, his battle with alcoholism intensified until he hit rock bottom. On October 25, 1959, Morley turned his life around and joined Alcoholics Anonymous. Since then, he dedicated his life to his family and helping others and remained sober until his passing. In 1963, he started his own business, the Regina Rent-It-Centre, which is still family owned and operated today. In the late 1960s, Morley became a member of the Regina Optimist Club. He played a major role in the construction of the Optimist Arena and the Optimist Baseball Park. His dedication to the Optimist Club earned him a life membership. In the mid-1970s, Morley opened the first ever detox centre in Regina to aid others recovering alcoholism. In 1978, Morley’s story was chosen to be featured in a miniseries that CBC filmed entitled “The Achievers”. In the early 1980s, Morley helped the Regina Food Bank open their doors by offering the basement of the Rent-It-Centre free of charge. In 1984, Morley was asked to sit on the Saskatchewan Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission by the Provincial Minister of Health. At their first meeting, he was unanimously voted in as the Vice Chairman, a position he held for 10 years. In 1986, Morley and three friends purchased the Regina Pats Hockey Club. During the games, Morley could be found handing out autographed hockey sticks, donuts or popcorn to children in attendance. In 1988, he was invited to join the Board of Directors for the White Spruce Youth Treatment Centre and held his position for 6 years. The B’nai Brith honoured Morley with their Man of the Year award. In 2005, Morley was awarded the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal, which is given to individuals for their significant contributions to society. In 2014, he was awarded the prestigious Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal, which is given to individuals who display exceptional volunteerism in the province of Saskatchewan. This medal is the province’s second highest honour through amendments to The Provincial Emblems and Honours Act. Up until his passing, Morley continued to be active within the Alcoholics Anonymous community, attending meetings regularly and mentoring others on their journey to recovery. Morley’s zest for life was too big to be contained. His smile was warm and his laughter was infectious. He loved to dance, sing, and golf. He always had a story to share or a joke to tell. His office at the Rent-It-Centre was never empty; whether it was full of friends playing rummy or people just stopping in for a word of advice. Morley’s office door was closed to no one. He was extremely generous with his time and other resources with friends, family and his church. He was dedicated to his family and loved each member dearly. Morley was an inspiration and a role model for many and he made an impact on any life he touched. The family would like to thank Leslie and the staff at Victoria Park Personal Care Home, Dr. John Morris, Dr. Fouche Williams, and the nurses on 6F at the General Hospital for their compassionate care of Morley. The Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, January 28, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Child Parish, 2636 7th Ave E, Regina, SK with Father Ken Koep as Celebrant. Donations may be made in Morley’s memory to the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan, 301 - 2550 12th Ave, Regina, SK, S4P 3X1.