Last founding member of Gorman Bros. Lumber dies following 100th birthday

The last founding member of Gorman Bros. Lumber Ltd. in West Kelowna has died shortly after her 100th birthday.

“We are sorry to announce that on Sept. 16, Eunice Gorman, the last of the founding members of Gorman Bros., passed away,” reads a company Facebook post. “Eunice passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by members of her family, who were singing hymns of faith to ease her passing.”

She celebrated her 100th birthday, Aug. 23.

“Eunice was crucial at the startup of Gorman Bros. as the first bookkeeper, for the fledgling Gorman Bros. Lumber and Box Company. Eunice, like the other founders, always believed that family and community were important and a favourite verse that she likes to remind us is; Proverbs 22:1 – A Good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,” reads the company's Facebook post.

She was delighted to get a letter from Queen Elizabeth, congratulating her on her 100th birthday, along with cards signed by the 1,000 employees within the Gorman Group.

In the last few weeks of her life, she reflected on “an incredible life lived,” the Facebook post reads.

Gorman's history dates back to 1949 with an informal chat between founders John and Ross Gorman. Eunice and Edith were married to the brothers. Today, the Gorman Group is managed by Ross and Eunice’s son-in-law, Nick Arkle, according to the company's website.

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