Martin F. J. Gough

It is with great sadness we announce that Martin Gough, of St. Joseph’s, St. Mary’s Bay, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2024 at the age of 76, surrounded by his family.

A beloved father and husband, Martin was predeceased by his parents; Marion (Duggan) and William, as well as his sister Mary Aquinas and brother Richard. He leaves to mourn his adored wife Augusta (Power); his devoted children – Mark (Sharon), Lisa (Dan), Cecile (Leo) and Karl; his grandchildren – Ewan, Emily, Matthew, Alexander and William; his sister Marcella (Fred – deceased); his sister-in-law Barbara; as well as dozens of cousins, nieces, nephews and all their families.

Raised in St. Joseph’s, Martin was the youngest child of Willie and Marion Gough and beloved little “brother” of his cousin Anna, who refused to start Grade One to allow Martin to “catch up” so they could go to school together.

Martin grew up with many friends and was best buddies with his older brother Richard and future brothers-in-law Don and Bruce. “Thick as thieves,” they never missed a chance at getting up to mischief. He loved all animals, regardless of how many legs they had or whether they were covered in feathers or fur. Most photos from his childhood include some kind of animal, many with a cat under his arm, sometimes in a headlock.

During these early years, he set his eyes and sights on his soulmate – Augusta Power. His patience and tenacity in wooing her over the years paid off when she finally said “yes” to his countless invitations to go on an “official” date, as she could no longer resist his romantic nature.

History is full of love stories, but Martin and Augusta’s will be one for the ages. She was the love of his life for 53 years of marriage (and even longer if one counts the time it took for him to get her to say “yes” to his countless proposals). They were two peas in a pod.

By the grace of God, and with numerous offers of help from family and friends, they survived having four babies within the span of 11 months. Many often commented on how they should be nominated for sainthood given the incredible feat of raising Irish Quadruplets. Because family was so important to Martin and Augusta, they moved back to St. Joseph’s to raise Mark, Lisa, Cecile and Karl so that they could experience the wonders and joy of growing up in rural Newfoundland.

Throughout his life, Martin loved music almost as much as he loved spending time up in the woods with his father. There were many evenings spent in the kitchen, with Augusta singing while doing the dishes as he strummed along on his guitar. Fred Astaire had nothing on Martin. He liked to work the whole floor when he danced a polka or old-fashioned waltz. Watching Martin and Augusta dance together was a glimpse into the tenderness of childhood sweethearts.

Martin loved meeting and talking to new people and he never forgot a face. He was also one of the best storytellers in St. Joseph’s and was always called upon to recall the smallest of details, everything from family ties to the history of the communities around St. Mary’s Bay and the Irish Loop. He often kept friends and family entertained by retelling local stories, thereby keeping the culture and heritage of his family and community alive.

Martin had many titles over the course of his life. They included electrician, electrical inspector, volunteer fire fighter, town councillor, contractor, business owner and Commanding Officer of 2895 Enright Memorial Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps. Throughout his life, Martin had an indelible impact, shaping the lives of so many people who felt honoured to call him a colleague, teacher and mentor. But to him, his most treasured titles were loyal son and brother, beloved husband, devoted father and faithful friend.

The Gough family would like to extend special thanks to the doctors and nurses of 7 West, St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital, who cared for Martin in his final days; to Dr. Jonathan Greenland of the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre; to Dr. Joseph Coffey of Coffey Dermatology; and all the medical professionals who supported Martin and Augusta over the years.

Martin will be resting at St. Joseph’s Church on Wednesday, August 7th, from 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Good Shepherd Parish, St. Joseph’s, SMB on Thursday, August 8th, 2024 at 11:00 am with inurnment to following at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed with the link below.

Given his love of animals, in lieu of flowers, donations in Martin’s memory may be made to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in St. John’s (contact details on their website – www.spcastjohns.org). Good deeds in his memory are also welcomed.

To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world – Dr. Seuss.