Robert Gush, then a young Canadian flying officer, made the acquaintance of Barbara Bowmar of Nottinghamshire, England during his service overseas in the Second World War. Love blossomed and Barbara immigrated to Canada in 1947 after Robert returned to Saskatoon to study engineering at the University of Saskatchewan. Married in November 1947, Robert and Barbara were blessed with two daughters, Susan and Heather. The family’s busy lives included a love of the outdoors and a passionate interest in gardening. Involvement in community was an important focus for the family, so it was no surprise that Robert Gush made provisions in his will to create the Gush Family Fund at Saskatoon Community Foundation. The Gush Family Fund was established in 2002, following Robert’s passing. Annual incomes from the endowed fund supports charities that were particularly important to the family: the University of Saskatchewan (Engineering Fund); St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation; Saskatchewan Parkinsons Disease Foundation; the Salvation Army of Saskatoon; and the United Way of Saskatoon and Area.
The parents of Susan (nee Gush) and her husband, Bruce Gossen, provided a strong role model of social responsibility and concern for others. Suasn has had the privilege of growing up and living in our fair city all her life and Bruce has spent most of his life in Saskatoon. As long-term residents, Susan and Bruce appreciate the reach and impact of Saskatoon Community Foundation. The also feel lucky to live in Saskatoon and to be in a position to give back to our community. Following the example of Robert and Barbara Gush and Louis and Luverna Gossen, they have chosen to provide annual support to the Gush Family Fund to continue to grow the Fund and increase the positive impact it has on our community.