He owned fashion boutiques in Dumfries and Ayr in the Swinging Sixties, ran an all-Scotland toy distribution company and built up a successful holiday complex at Barend in Sandyhills.
And he found time to represent Colvend coast residents on Kirkcudbright County Council, Dumfries and Galloway Regional Council and Dumfries and Galloway Council.
In fact, public service features strongly on Frank Gourlay’s CV – Dumfries and Galloway Tourist Board chairman and Crichton Development Trust chairman being another two examples.