Joseph Francis GOUGH

GOUGH Joseph Francis Joseph (Joe), founder of J.F. Gough C.A. and former owner of Avalon Bookkeeping, made his final entry in the earthly ledger Monday September 28th, 2020 in his 82nd year. Joe made his exit surrounded by his loving family; he leaves behind a wide circle of friends, acquaintances, and colleagues to celebrate his life. Left to mourn his passing and adjust to life without him are his beloved wife Catherine (Chat). Joe and Chat would have celebrated their 60th anniversary on October 1st. Joe’s children Joanne (Pat Singleton), Michael (Laura), and Cathy will have to take up the torch he passed on. Joe’s siblings and their spouses, Marie (Bill Gregory), Ralph (Pat RIP), Elizabeth (Joe Davis), Helena (Bob Coady), Maureen (Tony) Healey and Anna, will forever remember their oldest brother. Joe’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren Amanda Gough, Krista (Jamie Cleary), Kate and Nick, Patrick Singleton (Victoria), Erica, Lucy, Madeline and Stephen Singleton (Cherilyn), Violet, Gwen and MaryAnn. Also, special cousin and lifelong friend, Gertie Daley. He was predeceased by his parents Michael and Jessie Gough. Additionally, Joe’s and Catherine’s lives were forever impacted by the untimely and early death of their beloved son David. Joe is also predeceased by his sister–in–law Pat Gough (Ralph) and by Catherine’s parents William and Annie Pollett. In addition to family members, Joe will be fondly remembered by Noreen Keating who was a dear friend of their departed son, David. Bob Meade lived close to Joe and Chat; in their lives Bob personified all that a good neighbor could possibly be. Joe was born in St. Joseph’s, Salmonier. The Gough family ran a general store where all provisions could be purchased. Joe left Salmonier at the tender age of 14 to complete high school at St. Bon’s in St. John’s. He continued in the academic sphere until he earned the designation Chartered Accountant in 1964. Joe worked at a couple of local firms before striking out on his own and establishing his own firm in 1966. He quickly built an impressive list of clients who were not only impressed by his professionalism, knowledge, and unyielding integrity, but also his charisma and sense of humor. He went above and beyond for his clients and he was honored to serve them. The firm lives on with his beloved son Michael and dedicated and loyal colleague of 43 years Bruce Fancy. Joe always had a joke or a story for any occasion. His ability to recall details of family or historical facts, with complete accuracy was truly amazing. A man of great intelligence and also a light hearted sense of humor that was appreciated by all. Joe had a love for the traditions set in St. Joseph’s and often regaled people with stories of Uncle Ab or others integral in weaving the fabric that made his background so memorable. Joe also had musical talents few knew he possessed. He could pick up many instruments and reproduce tunes completely by ear alone. He was indeed a man of many talents and gifts and his legacy will live on. His family, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were everything to him. He will be missed. A special thanks to the many home care workers who went above and beyond for Joe over the past few years. Also, to the staff of Kenny’s Pond Retirement Home, the staff of 4SB Health Sciences Centre and Dr. Jane, Dr. Crocker and Dr. Murray. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Caul’s Funeral Home and in compliance with all COVID – 19 guidelines. Resting at Caul’s Funeral Home, LeMarchant Road, on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. Funeral Mass will take place on Thursday, October 1, 2020 from the Basilica of St. John the Baptist at 1 p.m. with cremation to follow. Those who wish to attend the Funeral Mass must register with the family, for anyone not able to attend, the Funeral will be live-streamed at www.thebasilica.net Flowers gratefully accepted or donations in his memory may be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association.