November 16, 1930 - April 4, 2022 - After a life fully lived, George Mirton Gough left this earth at the age of 91.
Survived by his beloved wife Gail Barbeau-Gough, loving children Judith Gough (Bill MacPherson), Joel Gough (Kara), Barbara Gough; grandchildren Emily MacPherson (Richard Spalding), Leah MacPherson, Ty and Joely Gough; sister Marilyn Mills (late Newell), and stepsons Marc (Kathy) Barbeau and Scott Barbeau. George also leaves in-laws Joyce Booth (late Don), Bette Fortin (late Rene) and Wayne Godfrey (late Joan). Predeceased by his first wife Eva Fisher-Gough, parents George Gough and Doris (nee Bean) Gough-Finn, and sisters-in-law Marion Caple (Ed), Doris Agnew (Don), Helen Roberts (Barry), Pat St. Germain (Don), and Janet Edwards (Don). George was respected and loved by many nieces and nephews, friends, relatives and neighbours.
George’s work ethic and integrity were unparalleled. His work journey began at the age of 10 bailing hay at his uncle’s farm in Bruce Mines. He loved work and adventure. George fondly recalled his work as a teenager when he worked on the ACR. He worked as a police officer in the Sault in the 1960’s and then went on to build his business as a contractor. He established Gough Masonry in in 1972 and retired in 2004 from the still active business. George was a past president of the SSM Construction Association and Board member of the Ontario Masonry Contractors Association.
George was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed many adventures with his buddies at Cooper Lake and Last Chance Lodge (Wart Lake). He enjoyed many summers of Mad Max volleyball at Horseshoe Bay and playing guitar at the bonfires. He loved wandering the autumn bush in Northern Ontario landscapes. George was a long-time contributor to the local hockey scene, coaching and sponsoring numerous teams for decades. He was appreciated for his fairness and integrity behind the bench.
Heartfelt thanks to the whole Care Team at Maple View Goulais Bay Unit. Special thanks to Dr. Fratesi and his team at SAH for their exceptional work and kindness, especially Shannon. Sincere gratitude to Dr. Booth, Dr. Hill, Dr. Oliver, the Alzheimer Society and numerous other medical and nursing individuals who have helped to care for George over the past two years, including all professionals from Paramed (Alisha) and CBI Health.
Dad was an eternal optimist and we suspect that he was likely surprised by his own mortality.
The family invites you to visit either of the following links to view a 2020 interview with George for the Oral History of Sault Ste. Marie project.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQ4A5V-hKRo
https://catalogue.ssmpl.ca/#section=resource&resourceid=1103018062¤tIndex=8&view=fullDetailsDetailsTab
Family and friends may visit at Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E. 705-759-2522) on Friday, April 8, 2022 from 10:30 am -12:30 pm. Funeral service to follow in the chapel at 1 pm. Mrs. Helen Smith officiating. Interment Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations to the Alzheimer's Society of SSM and Algoma District, SSM Humane Society, or charity of your choice. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Gough family.