19.05.2010
Death of the Revd Wilbert Gourley
It is with sadness we announce the death in service of the Revd Wilbert Gourley, Rector of Zion Parish, Rathgar, Dublin. He died this morning (Wednesday 19 May 2010) in St James's Hospital after a short illness.
William Robert Joseph (Wilbert) Gourley was born in 1948. He graduated from Kings College London with a Bachelor in Divinity in 1974. He was ordained a Deacon in 1975 and a Priest the following year. He initially served as Curate in Newtownards (Down and Dromore) from 1975 to 1978 and then subsequently as Rector of Currin with Drum and Newbliss (Clogher) from 1978 to 1981 and St George and St Thomas (Dublin) from 1981 to 1988. In 1988 he was appointed Rector of Zion parish, Rathgar and served there until his death.
The Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd Dr John Neill said "Wilbert was a deeply caring priest of great ability, both theological and pastoral, and held in great affection by his parishioners. He faced illness at various points in his ministry, and not least in these last months when he battled cancer, but he remained a man of deep faith, courage and good humour to the end. I extend my sympathy to Gladys and the family at this sad time. May Wilbert rest in peace to rise in glory".
Wilbert will repose at home in Zion Rectory on Friday 21 May 2010 from 3pm to 6pm. Parishioners and friends are welcome to attend. His funeral service will take place on Saturday at 12 noon in Zion parish Church, Bushy Park Road, Rathgar followed by a private cremation. The Bishop of Clogher, the Rt Revd Michael Jackson will give the address at the service. No flowers, please. Donations, if desired, to the Oncology Unit, St. James’s Hospital or Our Lady’s Hospice, Harold’s Cross Palliative Care Unit.
