Obituary of Arthur Kenneth Gough

Ken Gough (age 83) of Eugene, Oregon passed away peacefully on March 14, 2023, from complications of pneumonia.  He was surrounded by loving family at River Bend Hospital.

Ken was born December 21, 1939, in Boise, Idaho, to Arthur and Margaret Gough.  He was the second of four children.  His early childhood was happily spent in a small Idaho logging town (New Meadows). Right after 5th grade, his family moved to Orofino, Idaho where he lived until he graduated from high school.  Life was simple; it was a beautiful small town in which to grow up.  He and his older brother Mick had many exciting adventures there as teens.   Ken attended Orofino Grade & High School.  He played for the Orofino football team (guard); was in track and was manager of the Orofino basketball team.  He was also Vice President of the Student Body Council.

Right after graduation in 1958, Ken and a few buddies went together to enlist in the Army.  In 1958, he went into basic training, then trained as a dental assistant and was transferred to Germany.  This actually was a pleasant assignment for him as he spent many weekends traveling around Europe.    He was honorably discharged in 1961.

He met and married Jill Lynch in 1963. They had no children; divorced after several years and remained good friends until her death. 

Ken graduated from Lewis and Clark Normal with a teaching degree.  He spent two years teaching fifth grade. He enjoyed teaching, but eventually decided to go to law school. Ken graduated from University of Oregon Law School and passed the Oregon State Bar in 1971.   

His first endeavor as an attorney was with the Oregon Department of Justice in Eugene.  His office happened to be right around the corner from the office of a cute, perky brunette from North Carolina (Gaye Cook Jordan).   They spent many coffee breaks and lunches in the Lane County Courthouse coffee shop having lively conversations, while getting to know each other.  They were married in the Chapel of Eugene First United Methodist Church by Judge Cottrell and Pastor Groves on January 3, 1976.    They had a Catholic wedding in Eugene in October1976.  Gaye was the big love of Ken's life and their 47-year marriage lasted until Ken's demise.

Later Ken formed a business partnership with attorney Don Thomsen.  After awhile, they were joined for a short time by Ken's younger brother, Terry.   Ken retired in 2002, after a fulfilling career in criminal law.  Upon retirement, Ken claimed the back booth at Full City Coffee Shop as his own and "held court" there every weekday from 2:00-3:00+ pm.  Since the courthouse was very near, Ken was in daily touch with the legal community as they passed him, (going in and out) to grab a coffee.   You always knew where to find Ken between 2:00 to 3:30 every weekday.

Ken was committed to walking a mile or two every weekday for many years. Even when it was too difficult for him to walk his route outside, he carefully plotted a mile route INSIDE his house and faithfully walked his daily mile as long as he was able.  Another interesting habit of Ken's was to continue to wear "dress" clothes and shoes, with his signature suspenders, Monday through Thursday.  On Fridays, he would wear jeans for "casual Fridays", just as he did for so many working years.  He enjoyed having lunch with friends and family.

He was a loyal Duck fan.  In fact, after faithfully watching them lose a lot of games in the 80s, it got to the point where he was unable to actually sit and watch the various games (due to his intense anxiety), even though he was loyal to the end.   

Ken loved his family; western music (especially George Jones and Taylor Swift); watching western movies (every day at 4:00 pm); chocolate; much beer in his earlier years; deviled eggs; reading, reading, reading.  Ken really enjoyed going to Billy Macs every day and appreciated the many courtesies of Billy and Cathy.  He also was an avid Yankees fan.

Ken had COPD and heart issues. After much deliberation, he underwent heart valve replacement surgery in late October 2022.  Unfortunately, there were issues post-surgery.  The family greatly appreciates and thanks Ken's dear friend Patricia Jaqua and his brother Mick for their devoted and loving care, especially the last few months.

Ken is survived by his wife Gaye; brother Joseph "Mick" Gough (Barbara); sister-in-law Kimberly Gough, Juniper and Max; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.  Ken was preceded in death by his  parents Arthur and Margaret Gough; brother Terry Gough; sister Connie Lewis (Larry); sister-in-law Debbie Gough; nephew Rick Gough.

Ken was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1062 Charnelton St., Eugene, Oregon 97401 for many years.  A Rosary will be held at 11:30 on April 4, 2023; followed by a Funeral Mass at 12:15.  Father Ron Nelson of St. Marys will officiate.   A graveside Committal service will follow at Lane Memorial Gardens (5300 West 11th Ave. Eugene, OR 97402), with Pastor Adam Briddell of Eugene First United Methodist Church officiating.

In lieu of flowers, Ken and family would appreciate donations to:  Green Hill Humane Society, Kidsports, Food For Lane County or a charity of your choice.  Thank you.

A private Celebration will be held at a later date in Eugene.  If you would like to attend, please send email to barbg@comcast.net for details.