Charles Bryan Chuck Gough, 73

Chuck Gough died Oct. 3, 2010, while traveling in Europe with his beloved wife Kay, as they celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary with a trip to Italy and Croatia. We are still reeling from his unexpected death, and because we all loved him so much our hearts are aching, but we gain some peace knowing he died as he lived, with passion, adventure and a zest for life. Chuck was born on Jan. 22, 1937, on the family farm in Canova, S.D., originally homesteaded by his grandparents and then farmed by his parents, Hazel and Jennings Gough. He was the third of four children, with two older sisters, Ardath and Joyce, and a younger brother, Dennis. Chuck was born with a strong work ethic, and grew up working the farm alongside his family, driving the tractor or the combine, raising cattle, hunting pheasants and fostering a love for horses which he shared with his father. Chuck contracted polio while showing his prized Hereford cattle at the state fair and spent months in the hospital, making a full recovery during a time when many weren t so fortunate. His iron will and strength served him well in his life as he battled health issues more recently in his life. After graduating with honors from University of South Dakota with a degree in accounting, he went on to get his CPA, moving to Minneapolis and eventually becoming a full partner at a prestigious international accounting firm. This work opened the door to his love for travel. Chuck transferred to Tokyo, Japan, in 1967, the first of several overseas homes. Chuck married Kay Knox, the love of his life, who joined him in Tokyo and they later moved to Brussels, Belgium, and then on to Stockholm, Sweden. They took every opportunity to travel while living overseas before settling in Dallas. Once in Texas he started several successful real estate, home building, and property management ventures. In his free time he raised cutting horses, starting Jennings Corporation in honor of his father. In retirement, Chuck and Kay discovered and fell in love with Bigfork. Chuck loved Bigfork! Chuck threw himself into work on numerous nonprofits and boards and he was often hard to pin down, as he donated countless hours of service to the community, sharing his expertise and willingness to give of himself. He truly enjoyed his family, loved golfing, boating on Flathead Lake and spending time with the many wonderful, new friends he made in this community. Chuck is survived by his wife, Kay, and five children who all adored him and who will miss him tremendously. Sons are Steven and Mary of Kearney, Neb., and John and Sarah of San Francisco; and daughters are Kristin and Bill of Polson, Jane and Keith of Hampton, Minn., and Rachel and Kurt of Seattle. Chuck was the doting grandfather to his many grandchildren who truly loved him; they are Wally, Brian, Ben, David, Eli, Connor, Shaylee, Luke, Kate, Bennett and Talon. Chuck taught all of us to play canasta and Texas Hold Em. A family gathering never passed without a late night card game and someone going all in against Grandpa; he was the one to beat. He instilled in all of his children his love of family and his beliefs that you need to work hard, play hard, always do your best, and be honest. We won t ever forget his values, his love, or his memory. He will be dearly missed. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 11, at Community United Methodist Church in Bigfork, (750 Electric Ave., Bigfork, MT 59911). In lieu of flowers, please consider a tax deductible gift in Chuck s memory to: Friends of Bigfork Fire Department, P.O. Box 2333, Bigfork, MT 59911.