Alexander Gourlay

Alexander Graham "Sandy" Gourlay, 72, of Keedysville, Maryland passed away on Friday, January 29, 2016 at his home.

Born on May 30, 1943 in Washington, D.C., he is the son of the late Alexander and Nellie (Park) Gourlay.

He graduated from Blair High School in 1963.

He served an apprenticeship for union carpentry which eventually became a hobby of his. Eventually, Sandy turned his passion into his career to help provide for his family. He also did a lot of work for his church with his carpentry talents.

Thanks to his brother, Sandy became a career firefighter for the D.C. Firefighters from 1972-1994, retiring in '94 as captain of the D.C. Fire Department. He was very proud to say he held the fastest times for firefighting training.

Sandy volunteered for Meals-On-Wheels of Washington County and at Robinwood Medical Center in Hagerstown.

He was a member of the ELKS Club, the COPD support groupWhisperes, and the Redmen.

He was a baseball fanatic! Sandy was a member of the men's league softball until age 66. He also enjoyed to golf in is free time and play pickleball with is wife, whom he married in June 27, 1964.

Besides vacationing with his family, which he loved doing, Sandy really enjoyed being able to see his grandchildren participate in there sports and activities.

Sandy is survived by his loving spouse of 51 years, Pam Gourlay; two sons, Sean Gourlay and wife Norah of Potomac, Maryland, Tim Gourlay and wife Starr Goodman of Clarksburg, Maryland, and Tracy Wegner and husband Larry of Hagerstown, Maryland; grandchildren, Brittany Beasley and fiancée Chris, Hillary Brindley, Alex Gourlay, Tavis Clore, Trent Gourlay, Faith Wegner and Tyler Gourlay; one great-grandchild, Joey Staley; dear dog, Casey and Sunshine the cat.

In addition to his parents, Sandy was preceded in death by his brother, Bob Gourlay and his dogs, Chris and Megan.

A private memorial service for family members will be held at a later date at the Shiloh United Methodist Church in Hagerstown.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sandy's name may be directed to the Shiloh United Methodist Church, 19731 Shiloh Church Road, Hagerstown, Maryalnd 21742.

"We'll Raise A Glass To You!"