1927 – 2026
Gus was born in Fort William, ON on April 5, 1927. He grew up on Brodie Street with his parents, William and Suzanne, along with his older siblings, William (Bill) and Yvonne. Those days on Brodie Street were packed with fun adventures with family and friends. Gus loved sharing stories about being one of the “Brats” from Brodie Street. He finished his education at Drew St. and Selkirk Vocational Schools where he made friendships that lasted a lifetime.
During World War II, Gus joined the army, following in the footsteps of his father and brother Bill. After completing basic training, the war ended. Gus took pride in his service and was honored to be recognized as a veteran by Veterans Affairs Canada for his connection to the Slovak Legion.
The family eventually moved to Sprague Street where Gus began his career in banking at Toronto Dominion Bank, later working at Pittsburgh Glass and North Star Oil. It was during this time that he met Corinne Morris at the 1925 Club. This marked a new chapter in their lives as they blended their families with the Morris Family from Ridgeway Street.
On August 1, 1953, Gus married Corinne at St. Paul’s Anglican Church. The reception took place at her family home-a place that also hosted their 60th Anniversary celebration-showing just how strong their bond was throughout the years.
Gus enjoyed a wonderful life with Corinne and their two daughters: Carolyn (Graham) Carlson (Thunder Bay, ON) and Michelle (Robert) Russell (Frankfort, MI). Family outings were always happening during these years as they included more relatives like Bill Barclay’s family, Yvonne Gerrard’s family, and Frederick Morris’s family. Keeping these relationships strong meant everything to Gus. Many friendships blossomed while his daughters grew up around Hamiliton Avenue and Holly Crescent.
His professional journey concluded when he served as Office Manager for Shell Canada. Throughout his career, he was active in Fort William Lodge No. 415 and Scottish Rite while serving on the Board of Managers for St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church where he earned recognition as an Elder Emeritus.
The absence of Gus will be felt deeply by all who knew him-family, friends, and neighbors alike.
Gus leaves behind his wife Corinne along with daughters Carolyn and Michelle along with their families. His extended family includes cherished nieces and nephews across Canada: Tom (Terese) Barclay, Suzanne (Marny) Tsai, Patty Gerrard, Gary (Karen) Morris, Allison (Kim) Lee , and Pam Morris (Albert). Other relatives are still living in Scotland and France.
A Memorial Service led by Reverend Joyce Yanishewski took place at Mountain View Cemetery for close friends and family on Thursday September 10th ,2026 at 11 AM. A Gathering of Remembrance is planned for Saturday October 17th ,2026.
If you’d like to honor Gus’s memory , please consider making donations to St. Joseph’s Foundation of Thunder Bay , St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church or any charity you prefer.
The arrangements have been handled by Blake Funeral Home , Thunder Bay , ON.
You can send online condolences to www. blakefuneralchapel. com
