Passed away peacefully on January 20, 2022 at the age of 88 years, in Newmarket. Predeceased by his loving wife of 66 years, Joan (Dolman), just ten weeks ago. Theirs was a true and special love and their family is comforted knowing that they are together again.
Geoffrey will be remembered and sadly missed by his children Linda (Michael Derry), David (Aileen), Leslie, and Janet (Paul O’Neil). Loving grandfather of Stephanie, Daniel, Gregory, Trevor and Amanda, and many great-grandchildren. Dearest son of the late Esther Louise (Pugh) and Reginald of Runcorn, England. A very special Uncle to numerous nephews, nieces, and their children.
Geoff had a smile for everyone he met. He led a life full of adventure, fun, pragmatism and down-to-earth service. Geoff had a knack for fixing anything mechanical and building everything his family needed or wanted – whether it was a brick garage, a garden shed, a kayak or a granddaughter’s dollhouse. He loved steam trains and volunteered at the South Simcoe Railway in Tottenham – helping refurbish the boiler – and built his own model railway track in the basement of the family home. He and Joan enjoyed many road trips together across North America when they were retired.
He loved the outdoors, and was a great walker and hiker – with Joan in their courting days, with the Boy Scouts and sons in the Lake District, with his kids on the Bruce Trail, and with the family in the forest on Sundays. His kids and grandkids enjoyed many fishing trips with him. The peace and beauty of his garden, especially his peonies and roses, was a welcome place to relax and renew.
Geoff worked as a stationary engineer at ICI in England, and then at Ontario Hydro’s electrical generating stations in Canada. He was quick to help and volunteer his time and expertise where it was most needed, including being the project manager for the restoration project at St. Paul’s Anglican Church. He was a proud member of the Newmarket Veterans Association and enjoyed spending time with his fellow Veterans and participating in Remembrance Day Services every year.
Family and friends know how kind and generous Geoff was giving his time and expertise for anyone who needed a helping hand. There were many times that the family would be returning from a fun day at the seaside or visiting a castle, and Geoff would stop to help a stranded motorist at the side of the road. Joan would be keeping four hungry and tired children entertained, while Geoff would have his head under the hood of a stranger’s car getting them on their way again – because of course he travelled with his tool box in the trunk of the car at all times!
A very special thanks to the wonderful caregivers and staff at The Renoir Retirement Home and his spiritual family at St. Paul’s. Your support and kindness is much appreciated.
Geoff’s ashes will be interred at the Newmarket Cemetery in the near future at a service for family only, who are comforted to know that he and Joan will rest together in their Columbarium niche – ’Still Sharing’.
If desired, memorial donations may be made to St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Newmarket.
Read Less
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Geoffrey Gough Thursday January 20th 2022..
roadhouse and rose funeral home
Death notice for the town of: Newmarket, Province: Ontario