Mr. Hugh John Gough

We are heartbroken to announce the sudden passing of John, beloved husband, father, step father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, cousin, friend and neighbour. John was born at Grace Hospital in Calgary and was raised on his family homestead just outside of Okotoks. It was here that he shared the last 35 years with his cherished wife Marijke and where his final sight was of the foothills that he loved. His career was spent in the Alberta Oil and Gas Industry where he was well respected for his frank honesty and speaking his mind. He created loyal business relationships and forged many lasting friendships. He loved his work and reluctantly retired in 2017. He never met a stranger and had many friends from various facets of his life. His home was open and welcoming and he and his wife hosted a steady stream of visitors. He was a loving dad and granddad and enjoyed making memories with his family. John was a ‘Jack of all trades’ in the best way. You would often find him in his shop, working on his latest project and happy to share his knowledge with the next generation. John was a dedicated volunteer with many charities. Incredibly, this would have been his 50th year with the Calgary Stampede Chuckwagon Breakfast. John also worked with the Mennonite Disaster Service rebuilding homes and infrastructure in Bolivia, Ukiah, West Virginia, Williams Lake, Grand Forks and Cape Breton. To quote Peter Thiessen, Project Leader “John’s faith journey found teeth in the MDS Service assignments; he was at home.” He was the youngest of 5, sister Connie Bodkin (97) and sister in law Florence Eastcott remain. He is predeceased by his parents Elizabeth (Betty) and Hugh Gough and siblings Doug, Kendall and Garnet Eastcott and Marjorie Wedderburn. Left to grieve are his devoted wife Marijke; daughter Nicole (Shawn) grandchildren Kaylee, Hunter, Brenden, Erika, Carly (Thomas) great grandchild Benjamin; son Francis (Emma) grandchildren Daoud, Rowan and Amelia; Ron (Shandy) grandchildren Ryder, Ryiss; Cobi (Brian) grandchildren Cassidy, Dylan (Maddie), Darby; Steven (Katya) grandchild Fred. John was a role model, a devoted husband and a true gentleman. With John, you always knew where you stood. He leaves a legacy of generosity, integrity and love. A service to honour John’s life will be held on Friday, May 2nd at 2 pm: Evangelical Free Church, 28 Westland Rd, Okotoks, AB, with refreshments to follow. For those unable to attend the service, livestreaming will be available at www.lylereeves.com. If you wish, donations in John’s memory can be made to the Mennonite Disaster Service: https://mds.org/ways-to-donateor mail: MDS 200 – 600 Shaftsbury Blvd, Winnipeg MB R3P 2J1 Our deepest thanks go to the staff at Foothills ICU. Caring for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals of High River (Craig Snodgrass) 403.652.4242.

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Mr. Hugh John Gough

May 12, 1949 - April 23, 2025