HomeMy WebLinkAbout1352Article taken from the Pickering News, March 22, 1924, page 8.The sudden death of John
Gormley, which took place on Thursday last, cast a deep gloom over the village. Mr. Gormley
had been in poor health for a number of years, but his sudden demise was unexpected. The
deceased, who was in his 60th year, was born on his father's farm on the lake shore and was a
resident of the township all his life, with the exception of the time in which he taught school at
Etobicoke township and Highland Creek. He attended Pickering College where he secured his
third class certificate. After attending the Whitby Model School, he taught in his home school,
No. 2, for two years. He then attended Whitby High School where he secured his second class
certificate and matriculation. He then attended Toronto University for one year and the Ottawa
Normal School, after which he resumed teaching, for six months in Etobicoke township and for
about eight years at Highland Creek. As a Teacher he was most successful and was was
greatly beloved by pupils and parents. Failing health compelled him to give up teaching,
and the remainder of his life was spent in farming and gardening in which he took a deep and
intellegent interest. Several years ago he purchased the market garden on Church street south,
where he contunued to reside until his demise. Mr. Gormley was a great reader and was a most
interesting conversationalist. In politics he was an ardent Liberal and took a very deep interesst
in public affairs. In 1911 his ability was recognzed when he was appointed Census
Commissioner for South Ontario, a position he filled with satisfaction of the government.
He was a great admirer of healthy sports, being an enthusiastic cricketer and footall player,
and was also passionately fond of music, having been a member of the Pickering and Highland
Creek bands and alo a member of Melville Church Choir, West Hill. Personally he was
esteemed for his high moral character, His noble principles and honesty of purpose made him
friends where ever he went. The large number who attended his funeral on Saturday afternoon,
when interment was made in the Methodist cemetrery, testified to the high esteem in which her
was held in the community. He is survived by his sister, Mrs. A. Gormley and two brothers,
W, of Pickering and Ed. of Toronto. One sister Margaret, and four brothers, Davd, Robert, Alex,
and Samuel, predeceased him.