Regiment: R. C. E. M. E.
Force: Army
John Gorrie, born in 1901, was a metal worker in the shipyards in Scotland. In 1921 he married Helen (“Nellie”) in Edinburgh. The following year, he immigrated to Canada by himself, travelling by ship to Quebec, and then by rail to the west, where he settled in the Bear Lake area (AB). In 1923, Nellie followed the same route. Within a year they purchased their own farm, NE 35-72-7. During World War II, John joined the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Corp of the Army. This regiment was formed in 1944 to address the growing complexity and quantity of military equipment, providing engineering and maintenance. John and Nellie lived on their farm many years, and in later years they only lived on the homestead in the summers, staying in town (Grande Prairie ?) in the winters. In 1973 they left the farm, moving to Grande Prairie permanently. The Gorries raised 6 children: Bill (William) (who also served in World War II), Jack, Helen, Betty, Alec, and Harold. Son David died in infancy. John passed away on April 29, 1985, and Nellie died the following year in May at age 85.
Source: Buffalo Trails pp. 121-122
Wikipedia.org – information about the R.C.E.M.E
Bob Kennedy – Legion
Surname File – news article on Gorrie’s 60th Wedding anniversary
AGS Obituary index (Helen)