Wayne E. Gough
February 8, 1951 — March 28, 2024
Gardner
“There’s two dates in time
That they’ll carve on your stone
And everyone knows what they mean
What’s more important is the time that is known
In that little dash there in between.”
-Garth Brooks
Wayne E. Gough, 73, passed on from this life on March 28, 2024, in the comforting presence and warm embrace of his loving family. He was born on February 8, 1951, to Virginia (Hopkins) Gough and William Gough in Gardner, Massachusetts. Wayne was an adoring son, a dutiful brother, a caring uncle, a devoted husband, a loving father, and—his newest familial title—a proud grandfather.
Family and friendship were the foremost focus of Wayne’s life, and he leaves behind a legacy of love that endures in those with whom Wayne shared his life: his beloved wife of forty-one years, Linda (Greenwood) Gough; his son Shane Gough and Shane’s wife, Erika Francia-Gough, and daughter Alyssa (Gough) Johnson and her husband, Timothy Johnson; his grandson Tevin Johnson; his sister Cynthia Gough Davis and brother (predeceased) David Gough; his nieces Melonie (Gough) Walker and Lisa Davis; his nephews Alex Greenwood, Brandon Greenwood, Sam Greenwood, Trent Gough, and Erik Gough; his brothers- and sister-in-law Kevin and Lisa Greenwood, and Glen Greenwood (predeceased); his father- and mother-in-law, Allan and Shirley Greenwood; his great-nieces Micaela Walker, Mackenzie Walker, Makenna Walker, Abbi Davis and Lennox Greenwood; and his extended family that also includes a long list of loyal friends.
On that list are many four-legged family members and friends over the years, as Wayne was indeed an animal lover and a compassionate dog (and cat) dad, as well. Most recently, Wayne loved to have his close companion, Tedy—an energetic rescue dog, adopted through the Sterling Animal Shelter, fiercely fond of Wayne—close by his side.
Dedicated to a life of service to others, Wayne worked 15 years for the railroad, Boston to Maine, first on the rail lines, then as a locomotive engineer and later a conductor, before a stand-out successful career as an appliance repairman, for which he received multiple national awards for exemplary performance and service. Wayne’s career of more than thirty years as an award-winning appliance repairman reflected his passion for helping people, even strangers. There was almost nothing Wayne couldn’t figure out or fix—with the right amount of duct tape and his handy Leatherman multi-tool, of course.
Those who knew Wayne well know that passion, patience, kindness, and strength were hallmarks of his character, and the foundation for a fun life of adventures, explorations, and experiences. Wayne loved to travel with his family, enjoying camping excursions to favorite destinations like Winhall Brook Campground in Vermont, Assateague Island in Maryland, or Ne’re Beach Campground in Old Orchard Beach, Maine—where Pier Fries and Bill’s Pizza were always part of a well-balanced summer vacation diet. Chatting around a campfire late into the night, cooking on a grill (sometimes overcooking, accidentally), catching a fighting fish, or cruising in a sports car or a boat, Wayne lived his life best with family and friends by his side. Those with the fortune to have been by Wayne’s side enjoy better lives for it, for the examples of selflessness, forgiveness, and good humor in how he lived.
Calling hours will be Saturday, April 6th from 1-3pm at Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central Street in Gardner. A celebration of life will be held at a future date.
If you would like to make a donation in honor of Wayne’s memory, in remembrance of Wayne’s love for animals and helping others, please consider contributing to the Sterling Animal Shelter. (https://www.sterlingshelter.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Saturday, April 6, 2024
1:00 - 3:00 pm (Eastern time)
Mack Family Funeral Homes - Lamoureux Smith & Polks Chapel
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