gor[b] Paul Gorbould: Words and Pictures

1. 

   jill lavin
   December 19th, 2007 - 22:12

   I am so sorry Barry is gone …but I am glad he is at peace.
   I will remember him as always “youthful” ….in the positive way that the young have of finding wonderment in everything new. Barry took the time to make his classrooms areas of wonderment as well… I remember the HUGE weather balloon occupying most of the ceiling at CASS ! I remember him as having a wonderful wit…never malicious but always playful …I know his first love was his family…and then –of course- travel..!!
   I wish him wonderment in his new journey…and I wish you peace and the strength to wish him Bon Voyage…
2. 

   Kerry Johnston
   December 20th, 2007 - 09:55

   Barry’s death brings on a flood of warm memories, which are a real gift to me from a former colleague and friend.

   First of all, Barry was a valued colleague at the Woodstock Collegiate. I first remember him as a gifted teacher and Head of Department. His quick mind and tremendous curiosity about life opened many doors for his students. Geography was his disciplne, but his connection to students on a personal level opened vistas far beyond the confines of the formal curriculum.

   My time with Barry in the school office while he served as Vice-Principal was very rewarding. He had a keen intelligence and a love of challenge, and these he brought to the administrative tasks of a sometimes thankless job. His perspective as a family man and loving father always seemed to colour his dealings with students. These were fair, firm and always, most caring.

   I always had a lot of fun working with Barry in the school office. He had a very British sense of humour, in my view, and we had a lot of laughs together, which lightened the load.

   And of course, there are the countless times when we all shared occasions as friends. He was a great host, and I have fond memories of those countless barbeques! My memories of Barry are when he was at his best, before illness took its toll. Those memories are a fine tribute to and legacy for Barry. He made life better for all those he touched.

   Kerry Johnston
3. 

   Ross Pirie
   December 20th, 2007 - 17:25

   As I read some of comments and viewed the pics on the website, I felt that I must add my two cents. Barry definitely impressed me as an adventurer. He broadened Grace and my horizons with regard to the possibilities of travel abroad. Not only did Barry and Dianne do house exchanges in Europe but shared and encouraged us to do the same – and we did, enjoying one of the best holidays ever in Germany, France and England.
   Our thanks go to Barry for being an encourager and the individual he was.
   Our sympathy to Dianna and family.
4. 

   Paul Young
   December 21st, 2007 - 07:37

   I remember Mr. Gorbould very well as one of my teachers at College Avenue SS. Mr. Gorbould was a great teacher and I really enjoyed his classes. Rest in peace Mr. Gorbould! My thoughts and prayers are with your family!
5. 

   Chris Carter
   December 24th, 2007 - 17:02

   As a life-long friend of Paul I have many memories of “Mr. Gorbould” as the pre-eminent organizer of birthday parties and sleepovers. He was enthusiastic about the kinds of things and adventures kids loved, patient and generous and made sure that fun was the name of the game. It’s a tribute to him that many others will share similar memories. Chris, Jen, Zoe and Owen send our sympathies to Mrs. Gorbould, Alison, Paul and Heather, Ava and Grace. Gone but definitely not forgotten.
6. 

   Peter Ens
   January 1st, 2008 - 15:23

   With Paul being my best friend all throughout high school I had the privilege of spending a lot of time at Barry and Diana’s home on Tobin place. My memories of all the times I visited there are warm; accepted into the household with open arms by the beautiful, intelligent Diana and the warm charm of Barry.

   “Mr. Gorbould” was at one time quietly introspective and the next moment infusing the moment with a playful sparkle. He possessed a grace and gentleness that I have spent my life looking for in other people.

   I can remember a time that after coming from the Gorbould’s home on my bicycle I was hit by a car who turned the corner in front of me and Mr. Gorbould happened to be driving up the street behind the accident and tore off after the driver. Coming back, he checked to see if I was alright and of course I started shaking with shock. But I do remember thinking that other than my own parents, I couldn’t be in better hands.

   I love all you guys, Paul, Alison, Diana, Heather, Grace and Ava. My family (Nauni, Kaiman and Charlie) send their love to you at this time.
7. 

   Janet Hoegg (Hutchinson)
   January 6th, 2008 - 08:27

   Dear Diana, and all other family and friends of Barry Gorbould,

   Our mutual friend Bonnie Hartley sent us the news about Barry. He was an amazing man and I am grateful to have had both of you in my life. News of his passing sparked many memories, but the most vivid and important is the memory of my first trip to Europe which I took with the two of you.

   My husband Bob and I are in Costa Rica this winter and we would not be here in this wonderful WARM country if not for the great courage you and your dear husband showed 37 years ago when you agreed to take a bus load of teenagers from Woodstock on a ¨geography field trip¨ to Europe — two weeks in Holland and Switzerland in a warm and sunny early spring which changed my life forever.

   Many people never leave their home town, or home province, but you two were brave enough to take a merry band of travellers across the ocean and half way across Europe!! I have not been without a passport since that trip and have travelled to Europe a number of times, including two trips ¨behind the iron curtain¨ when it still existed, to New Zealand, Cuba, Bermuda a few times and now to Central America.

   You two taught me to be brave. On that field trip you expected we would communicate in Dutch, French, and Italian, even though none of us spoke those languages, and that we would get answers to questions like, ¨what kinds of flowers do you grow¨and ¨how long have you lived here in this mountain village¨ so, because you and Barry said we could do it, somehow we DID get answers to those questions. Not only that, those ¨strange¨ people were really nice. And eating cheese and smoked sausage and herring for breakfast turned out to be OK — there really was more to life than white bread, peanut butter and corn flakes!!

   The whole trip was amazing and when I was 21 and had finished University I did not hesitate to get a Eurorail pass, a back pack, and a youth hostel card to spend a few months wandering around Europe. And yes, I re-visited the places you had taken us, this time feeling so ¨grown-up¨.

   We even have you to thank for our Honeymoon. We landed in Paris on New Years Eve, spent a few days there before moving by train to Nice where we had rented an apartment and where we shopped and lived in French for three months before moving across to Catelonia for two weeks with my cousin in Perpignan and then back to Paris for the first week in April. Bob had never been to Europe, but I convinced him it would be just fine the same way you and Barry convinced me it would be fine so many years before, and because I believed it was possible it actually WAS possible.

   It would not have happened if you and your wonderful husband had not had the amazing plan to give a bunch of small town kids a chance to see the rest of the world!!

   Even when planning our winter here in Costa Rica it never crossed my mind that things would not work out just fine. We only speak a bit of Spanish, but thanks to you guys I can point and smile and shop for food in any language!!

   I thank you and Barry from the deepest parts of my soul for teaching me the basic travel survival skills I use to this day.

   With much love and great hope, Diana, for your happy future with your children, grand children and maybe even GREAT grand children,

   Fellow travellers,

   Janet Elizabeth (Hutchinson) and Bob Hoegg (no fixed address
8. 

   Heather Cook
   January 6th, 2008 - 11:09

   I met my father-in-law only once before the surgery that would save his life, but change him into a different Barry Gorbould than most people knew. Barry had been described to me as a charming, witty man. Following his surgery, Barry found it increasingly difficult to communicate the way he once had. He occasionally lost his train of thought and his fine motor skills were affected. The man who had once built a canoe from start to finish and had built sixty per cent of the household furniture was now having trouble tying his shoelaces and said he felt “fumble-fisted”.

   But some things about Barry never changed. His unending devotion to Diana never faltered. Like many couples that have been together for years, they were able to have whole conversations comprised of just a few words, looks or gestures. Their shared history provided them with a language of their own. I recall vividly the image of Barry sitting at the breakfast table and kissing Diana on the hand. Diana would look at Barry and say “Barry” as if to say, “our son’s 23-year-old girlfriend doesn’t need to see you flirting with me,” and Barry would just shrug as if to say, “Why not?”

   Barry was incredibly proud of his children. I loved when Paul and his dad went canoeing and camping together, and when they worked on projects. When Paul and I were first dating, I saw a huge beautiful garden sculpture in Toronto. Barry and Paul worked together to carve a smaller wooden replica of the sculpture for me for Christmas. I now see Paul enjoying working with our daughters on all kinds of different projects just as he had done with his father. And I can’t help but think that Barry was just 38 (the age Paul is now) when he was originally diagnosed with his brain tumor. I feel it was a sign of his loyalty to his family that he remained with us well beyond the doctors’ expectations. Barry was determined to be with us in any way he could.

   I remember once when we were all in Guelph helping Alison move and Alison turned and hugged her dad. It was as though he had been handed the moon. He quite simply lit up. In the last five and a half years I’ve seen Alison’s devotion to her father as she helped care for him. Barry was just so proud of her.

   Some may have felt that the past sixteen years were not among Barry’s best, but they were the only years I had with him, and I can’t help but feel grateful for the time we were given with Barry. Barry was there for Paul and Alison’s graduations from university. He saw his son married and accepted me into his family, making me feel as if I was the daughter-in-law he had always hoped for. Oh, that is with perhaps one small exception… About six years ago Barry asked, “Are you still Heather Cook?” I said, “Yes,” and he said “Not Gorbould?” “Well,” I replied, “I’m a Kindergarten teacher, Barry. Three and four year olds can barely get Cook right.” Barry nodded, shrugged and said, “Still….”

   I knew I was forgiven when he held his first grandchild in his arms within hours of her birth. I’m so glad he was able to meet both of his granddaughters. I’m comforted by the fact that our daughters will have memories of their Granddad. They knew him, they played with toys on his wheelchair tray, they drew pictures for him and spoke about him.

   It was also during this time that Barry and Diana celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. Paul and Alison planned a special dinner for them comprised of culinary favourites from their many travels. Pasta and pesto from Italy, cheeses from Holland, wine from California, French onion soup (compliments of my dad, Bob). I remember Paul and Alison preparing the menu, choosing the music and reminiscing about their travels. It may not have been the anniversary Diana and Barry had dreamed of, but they were laughing, talking and enjoying being together.

   It’s reassuring to know that we all had time to hold Barry’s hand, feel his love and let him know that he was loved by us. In the end, eloquent language, charm and wit were not required to convey the real message. A look, a smile, a squeeze of the hand… all is understood. You are loved, Barry, and we know you love us too. Peace be with you.
9. 

   Bob Douglas
   January 8th, 2008 - 07:46

   This morning at the monthly Probus meeting, I plan to outline Barry’s life and have the club members join me in a moment’s silence in remembrance of Barry. He was, until 5 years ago, an active Probus member who enjoyed our fellowship as we enjoyed his engaging personality.
10. 

    Christine Davis formerly Taugher
    February 1st, 2008 - 16:01

    Mr. Gorbould was a great man. He was one of my teachers at CASS in the 80’s. But he was also my coach for cross country. I can not run and am not athletic but he let me be on the team. He found things for me to do. I got the job of”manager”. I had quit for a while but my parents encourged me to go back. I just found out Mr. Gorbould had phoned my parents and asked them to encourge me to go back. At pratice he had me run with another student that had challenges. That student and I had great converstions. Mr. Gorbould would thank me for running with this student. I shoud of thanked him for the life lesson he taught me Don’t judge a book by its cover and he gave me self esteem and made me feel like a somebody. Thanks Mr. Gorbould I hope you are finally at peace.

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