Samuel M. Gourse, 97

SARASOTA, FLA. – Samuel M. Gourse passed away Oct. 15.  He was the husband of Bernice (Markoff) Gourse.  He was born in Fall River, Mass., the son of the late David and Ada (Israel) Gourse.

He was known for his abundant energy; his whimsical cartoons drawn on any available piece of paper; his beautiful photographs of people, places and things; his memory for details of Fall River from the 1920s through the 20th century; his strong connection to his alma matter, Brown University; and his love for his family, especially his wife of 48 years.

After serving as a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force during WWII, he returned to Fall River to operate his family’s clothing store, The Hub, S. Gourse & Sons, a Fall River institution for more than 80 years. He later worked at Paramount Line, Inc. in Pawtucket as the personnel manager.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his children Allan Gourse (Elizabeth), Richard Gourse (Wilma), Judith Hoffman, Susan Hynes (Thomas), William Geffner,  as well as his sister, Natalie Prokesch. He also leaves his grandchildren Rebecca and Alexander Gourse, Marcus and Alicia Hoffman, Stacy St. Pierre, Michael Hynes, great-granddaughter Jacqueline St. Pierre, and eight nieces and nephews. The family would like to honor and thank the caring team of Sarasota Bay Club Care for their support and kindness in recent years.

 Contributions in his memory may be made to the Samuel & Bernice Gourse Endowed Scholarship Fund at Brown University.