Bill Gushue
January 6, 1929 to July 30, 2024
Obituary
William J. Gushue, surrounded by his family, died quietly at his home in St. John’s on July 30, 2024. He was 95. Bill lived his life well and to the fullest, excelling in his career and building a world and a family with Sheila (Kelly) Gushue, his beloved wife and partner since 1955. He was a university professor, a naval commander, an investment dealer, a scholar, a good friend, a wise mentor and a raconteur of the first order. Many of his friends and family knew Bill as Gushe or The Gushe; the definitive article was, we think, well earned. We will miss him so very much.
Bill was born in Bacon Cove, Conception Bay, on Jan. 6, 1929, the oldest child of Patrick and Evelyn (Whelan) Gushue, and grew up there and later in what is now Port au Port West. He was proud to have grown up in a rich oral culture, and relied on it during a long career at Memorial University and beyond.
Bill is survived by Sheila; his children Lisa Gushue (Scott Hewlett) and John Gushue (Martha Muzychka); his treasured grandchildren Beth Pardy Hartling (Ed), Mark Pardy (Vanessa Warren) and Nicholas Gushue (Mary Sampson); and his cherished great-granddaughter Evelyn Pardy. Bill also leaves to mourn Scott’s daughters, Leslie Hewlett (Jamie Harding) and their sons, Jude, Dorian and Lincoln; and Claire Hewlett (Scott Stapleton).
Bill will also be deeply missed by his brothers George (Mary), James (Judy), Lawrence, Michael (Micheline), Kevin (Kelle); and Kirian (Doris); his brother-in-law Kevin Kelly (Sheila); and his sisters-in-law Helen Kieley, Ann O’Rourke, and Patricia Cogswell, as well as many relatives in a large and loving family. Bill loved them all.
Bill is predeceased by his infant sons William John and William Gerard; parents, Patrick and Evelyn; parents-in-law William (Bill) and Bride Kelly; brothers Patrick, Leonard, and John; sisters Annette Ryan, Margaret White and Mary; sisters-in-law Mary (MacPherson) Gushue, Mary Pearen, Bride Gushue and Marian Abbott; brothers-in-law Eric Cogswell, Jerry Ryan, Robert Kieley, Jude White, James O’Rourke and Reg Pearen.
Bill wore many hats in his life and career. After earning his PhD at Boston University, Bill taught for many years as a professor at Memorial in St. John’s in the Faculty of Education. He launched the Department of Educational Foundations and recruited its stellar faculty, founded an academic journal (the Morning Watch), and served as associate dean in both that faculty and the Faculty of Graduate Studies. He was a commanding officer of HMCS Cabot, and was the training officer for a generation of UNTD candidates. He was provincial representative on the board for Canada’s military colleges. He was an advisor to the federal minister of Defence. As an investment dealer, he worked at Merrill Lynch in St. John’s and was vice-president of Mutual Securities.
Bill loved welcoming friends to the family home, where he and Sheila have lived since 1968. He read voraciously until very recently, and was endlessly curious about his friends’ lives and opinions. Nothing pleased him more than a room full of laughter (except for the dead silence of one of his two bridge clubs).
At Bill’s request, there will be no funeral. Cremation has taken place.
Visitation will be held at Carnell’s Funeral Home at 329 Freshwater Rd., St. John’s, on Sunday, Aug. 4 and Monday, Aug. 5, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. each day.
The family is so very grateful to the many people who have made these last months easier to manage, and helped us honour Bill’s wish to spend his final time at home. We are thankful to the magnificent community paramedicine team; to Dr. Noreen Fardy, the pain management team and the community health nurses; to Dr. Andrew Hutton; to the dedicated and kind home-care workers who became part of our family; to the professionals who helped Dad during a hospitalization this winter at the Health Sciences Centre and his at-home care in the subsequent months; and especially to Joe Tucker, who has been keeping an eye on Bill and Sheila for years.
Bill did not want a fuss. He even at times said he did not want an obituary, and he no doubt would be uncomfortable with the length of this one (and likely would edit it, too). He was an exemplary man, though, and we adored him.
Bill believed passionately in the potential of the child. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a cause focused on youth or education, including the William J. and Sheila Gushue Scholarship, which was founded by family friend Michael Jackson, and which is presented annually to an undergraduate at Memorial University.
“To lose your father is to lose the one whose guidance and help you seek, who supports you like a tree trunk supports its branches.” — Yann Martel, Life of Pi
Schedule
Visitations
2-4 p.m. on August 4, 2024
7-9 p.m. on August 4, 2024
2-4 p.m. on August 5, 2024
7-9 p.m. on August 5, 2024
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
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Even amongst a faculty known for dedication to and delight in excellence, Dr. Gushue was recognized at Memorial as an exceptional educator. I knew him albeit briefly during my time at the University, as well as through my acquaintance with some of his family members, to whom I offer my condolences.
Sheila, Lisa, John and the Gushue family.
My deepest condolences on your loss.
It is so sad when a good man passes. Let us always remember, though, that Bill has left his mark on so many lives. As Head of a department in the Faculty of Education at Memorial, he was invariably supportive of his juniors. Indeed, he proved in the course of his life to be an exemplar of so many virtues, not least his sincere acceptance of diversity in his social and occupational circles, his respect for the feelings of others, and his willingness to extend access to university scholarships to a wider segment of the university student body.
It was wonderful to have known Bill, a truly inspirational person who elicited the best in people who met him.
Sheila, Lisa, John and family
With deepest sympathy for your loss. Bill was a legend.
I have so many memories of Bill at the Elks and parties at our house.
Find peace and comfort in all your wonderful memories
I am so sorry I wasn’t able to attend the service, I was out of town
Lisa
Sorry to hear of your dads passing
My prayers are with you
Tom and Minnie
Mrs Gushue, John and all the Gushue family
My condolences on the loss of your husband and father.
He was a beautiful man and always a joy to cross paths with
I had the pleasure of taking one of his courses at MUN, perhaps the course I enjoyed the most because he brought such passion and humour to his teaching- it wasn’t so much the content but the delivery. peppered with sports trivia and stories. I can still picture him in his navy blazer coming in with a briefcase and a large smile
Our condolences on the passing of your dear father, John!. For you and your family, our wishes of peace and love through these days of sorrow.
Lisa, Scott & family
We send you our sincere condolences on the passing of your beloved father. Our thoughts are with you during this very sad time.
Had several trips to the Blue Charm on the Gander river with Bill and friends. He was a 100% gentleman. A great listener and treated everyone the same. Total respect. Classy man . The Gander group who are now pretty much all left us as well often talked about as they called him Grushe. Everyone enjoyed Bills company and his beautiful mind very much. Didn’t know his family but would like to pass along my sincere condolences to you all. Treasure all the great memories you have. Liam Halley.
Dear Sheila, Lisa and John, Bill may not have wanted an obituary but this one depicts him just as I remember him: knowledgeable and so interesting : a modern day man with a Renaissance mind. To you he was husband and dad: a man who cared for you and you cared for , for a very long time.. The more fortunate the greater the loss. My deepest sympathy
Andree
Darling Aunt Shelia, Lisa, John and family,
I know you are feeling the yawning void left by Uncle Bill but I’m thinking you are also greatly heartened by the many tributes to him and the wonderful memories people are sharing with you.
I have many Uncle Bill memories ( I could never bring myself to call him Gushe 😊). The ones that stand out are of he and I chatting in his ‘den’. There would sit Uncle Bill, firmly ensconced behind his desk, looking for all the world like a captain at command central.
The tv would be on ( a news channel) with the stock market scrolling below) Stacks of papers, articles , magazines and books would be all around and within arms reach. As was the phone.
Before I’d be invited to sit I was asked to ‘account ‘ for myself. I so enjoyed that ritual. It was quintessentially Uncle Bill. Then the chats would begin as we bantered back and forth. He was always, without fail, interested in what was happening in my life. No topic was too random or mundane. His insight and knowledge knew no bounds and his sense of humour was delightful.
Uncle Bill will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. I’m picturing Dad, ROK and the Gushe having a grand ol’ laugh together.
My prayers are that Bill, now free of any pain and suffering he may have endured during his last days, is resting in peace with his Lord and his family and friends savor the special memories he brought into their life sharing laughter, fun and success.
Mrs. Gushue, Lisa and John,
I remember your dad’s ability to pontificate with a twinkle in his eye fondly. Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss.
David Dobbin
With thoughts to Bill’s beloved wife & soul mate, Sheila and to your two, Lisa and John, my heart and condolences to all of your famiies and loved ones.. Not just a legacy but a life well lived and well loved.. God Bless..
Nora Phillips (a Whelan & Gushue cousin from Colliers).
With thoughts to Bill’s beloved wfe & soul mate, Sheila and to your two, Lisa and John, my heart and condolences to all of your famiies and loved ones.. Not just a legacy but a life well lived and well loved.. God Bless..
Nora Phillips (a Whelan & Gushue cousin from Colliers).
Shelia and family
Saddened by the loss of Commander (The Gushe).
He was a great friend during my UNTD days and later as a golfer.
I was proud to be one of “his boys” as he called us..
It was a true pleasure to have known him. He will be missed.
My condolences to Lisa and John and their families, and Mrs, Gushue, on the loss of their father and husband. The obituary provides a wonderful overview of a remarkable man and what he meant to so many people. What an incredible life he lived.
Lisa and Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on the passing of your father. Deepest Sympathy. Hugs and love.
John, Martha and the Gushue family deepest condolences on the passing of your dad, husband and confidante leader.
Remember him fondly.
Dear Sheila
Our sincere condolences. Bill had a great life and I know he had a big influence on my life and all those who passed through the Untd under his leadership. He was an inspiration
Dearest Sheila, John, Lisa and all your family,
Love surrounds you as you cherish your father’s memory and celebrate the “all of him” that grew that love. Collectively and personally, he has enriched so many and may you be wrapped in the comfort and embrace of basking in his essence, which remains alive, in each of you and yours. Fond childhood memories of a giant of fascinating and kind man. Please know I hold you in my heart as you grieve his passing.,
Wendy Fagan, Vancouver Island
Dear Sheila, Lisa, John and all of Bill’s family,
Condolences for your loss. His cheerful, joyful demeanor and a full, well-lived life is an inspiration for me, and must surely be a wonderful comfort for you. I remember Sheila and Bill were regular attendees at my mother and father’s January 6th get-togethers, and once we learned that the date also happened to be Bill’s birthday, they made sure that “Happy Birthday” and cake were added to the usual carols and Christmas treats.!
Sheila, Lisa, John and the Gushue family,
MY thoughts and prayers are with you on the passing of a loving husband and father.
May the wonderful memories you have sustain you at this time.
Dear Sheila, John & Lisa
My heart goes out to you, but may your joy and pride in Bill’s life match your sorrow.. We’ve all been fortunate to know him.
I first met Bill when he was on sabbatical at OISE in the late sixties and he never really changed, remaining as welcoming, supportive and flamboyant as ever.
He did so much to create opportunities for all of us — believing, though he never said it, that the success and reputation of the Department and of the University were those of its staff and students. And that anyway you just would., that success was not diminished by being shared
Our sorrow in losing him will be in keeping with his contributions and his successes.
Michael
My condolences to the Gushue family. Bill recruited me into the UNTD (University Naval Training Division) and ultimately into HMCS Cabot in which I served for 25 years. I did one course from Bill at MUN which was thoroughly enjoyable. He was a great teacher and role model. He will not be forgotten..
Lisa, John and family.
The loss of a loved one is never easy but may it give you some comfort to know that his life was blessed with love and accomplishments. An incredible man who was held in high esteem by his family and all who knew him. A long life filled with happiness and appreciation for all the joy around him. May he rest in peace. May your memories sustain you.
Dear Aunt Shelia, John, Lisa and family,
On behalf of the O’Rourke-McKay clan here in NB, please accept our sincerest condolences. Also accept our gratitude for the privilege of knowing Uncle Bill and enjoying his stories and zest for life! He will be missed by so many and also fondly remembered forever. Love to all, Gina, Larry, Melissa and Jordan
My deepest heartfelt condolences. I have many sweet memories of spending time with The Gushe which I will hold dear.
He was funny and very charming and loved to ‘hold court with a wide smile on his face! Our conversations always left a smile on my face. He was so dear to me. I will miss him.
A life well lived.
With all my love,
Sharon
My sympathy to the family.A true gentleman with wry humour.Enjoyed our years together.Tony Evans
Lisa, Mrs. Gushue, and John,
So sorry to hear about Mr. Gushue’s passing yesterday. Very special to have him on Long Pond Rd. for his final sendoff.
Brian, Mabel, and O’Grady Family
Barrie, ON.
Mrs. Gushue, Lisa, John and families
My deepest condolences to you all on the passing of your husband and father. Bill was a good friend of my own father (Gerry Anstey, rip). I recall the daily phone call to my dad for the three months he was palliative. How he looked forward to the daily chat. Bill was an exceptional man. If everyone could have such a friend. My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.
Leslie Osmond (Anstey)
Our heartfelt condolences to Sheila and family. From Alma Ottenheimer and family.
Lisa, John and family, please know we are thinking of you. May your Dad rest in peace. Take care!
Lisa and family, my thoughts are with you as you deal with your loss. I know you have a lifetime of happy memories which which will help you through that process.
Lisa and family, I’m so very sorry to hear about the Gushe. He was an extraodinary man who had a well lived and well loved life. Condolences to all
Sincerest Condolences to the Gushue Family…..I need to post a condolence on behalf of our Family, my mother Carmel (Phillips nee Whelan (her Dad was Long Johnny Whelan from Old Road Colliers), pretty sure Bill’s Mom Evelyn was her Fathers Sister….My mother spoke of Evelyn and her Son Bill quite often when we were growing up. She was very proud of them. RIP Bill, you graced this Earth with intelligence and fortitude and passed it on to all those you came to know. A real testament to our Family. God Bless!
John, my condolences to you and your family. My dad thought very highly of your dad and always enjoyed a game of bridge with him.
My condolences to the Gushue family. I first met Bill at Memorial where he taught me several courses. He was an exemplary person and deserves every kind word that is said about him. RIP Bill !
Jim Byrd, Port Credit, Ontario