Robert Arthur (Bob) Gough Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Brilliant, charming, erudite, funny, and irreverent; the world lost the most honorable and loving husband and father, Robert Gough, on November 19, 2020. Bob could speak with authority about politics, religion, or Greek philosophy. He could finish concrete, install drywall, or change the oil in a car. He was a wonderful dancer and loved the stock market. There was nothing he could not do well. Bob was born in Jennings, Missouri, February 16, 1931. His childhood was difficult and he was quite poor, although he said in those days everybody was poor. From late elementary school on Bob had to make his own way starting work shoveling snow, mowing lawns, and caddying. He also worked as a exterminator's assistant, soda jerk, and janitor at a candy company. Despite the hardship you would never hear Bob complain. He loved to work and he worked hard. High school saw Bob develop into an outstanding student excelling in debate. He enjoyed a wide-array of friends with whom he enjoyed discussions on all topics. Many of his classmates remain friends to this day; Bob and his family appreciate the love they showed over the years. After high school Bob attended Washington University of St. Louis with his friend, Bob Dill, with whom he started kindergarten. Studying and working full-time to make tuition were not possible so Bob changed directions and joined the Army. Private Gough was trained in demolitions and assigned to clear live ordnance left in the deserts during General Patton's training maneuvers. PFC Gough's first post was Vidal Junction. Arriving by train late at night and wearing his winter wool uniform, Gough and his Army buddy were greeted by the blackest and hottest of nights. Disoriented, sweating and swearing, Gough and his buddy grabbed their gear and headed for the only lights in the area, which turned out to be a tiny restaurant. The initial impression of the desert did not go well. Later, as PFC Gough worked throughout the deserts of Arizona, California, and New Mexico he found beauty in the starkness and isolation. He said there was nothing grander than being in the desert with no sounds or evidence of people. The joy of isolation went only so far as Bob and his Army buddies made frequent trips into Parker, AZ to dance and drink. His first evening in town Bob asked local Louis Burgoss who was the prettiest girl in town. Louis told him it was Patsy McShane to which Bob replied, “I'll have a date with her this weekend.” Bob and Patricia were engaged two months later at Christmas and married the following April, 1952. They were both 21. A year later the couple had their first daughter, Kathryn (Kitty), followed a year and a half later with their second daughter, Victoria (Vicki). After five more years they had their third daughter, Patricia (Tricia). Robert's professional career was nothing short of spectacular. Having been discharged from the Army and living back in Parker, Bob was unemployed for three days. He said it was the longest three days of his life as he was now married and father of two. He asked for jobs all over town eventually getting a lead on a position at Parker Dam, however, the man hiring was getting a haircut and no one could say when he might return. Bob lay in wait for the supervisor at the barber shop and landed a job as a utility clerk with the Metropolitan Water District. His position was the second lowest in the company. The next 30 years at “The District” saw Bob rise to become the Personnel Director then Chief Financial Officer, and finally to the second highest position in the company, that of Assistant General Manager. Along the way Bob earned bachelor and masters degrees in Economics, graduating with honors. When asked why he chose a difficult, dry, technical, and math-oriented degree, he said,”I don't know. I think it was because nobody liked it so the classes were always open.” Bob retired from The District in 1986 enjoying a party attended by over 300. He was loved and admired. Retirement saw Bob and Pat taking long driving vacations all over the United States, always avoiding plane trips which their children found odd, but which they loved. Over time Bob experienced health problems including profound loss of hearing in both ears. Many attributed this to having four women in the house, however, Bob, always the gentlemen, said he was sure it was the result of his years in the Army. Bob was a wonderful husband to Pat for 68 years. They were rarely apart and truly enjoyed each others company. The lived simply and happily always thrilled by their view of Lake Havasu. One of their greatest joys was their home in Chino Valley which they built themselves. This was Bob's happiest place to be. As a father there were no equals. He taught his girls to read, play basketball, and helped them with homework. He tried several times to interest them in poetry and philosophy which drew blank stares. This was one of Bob's few spectacular failures. All three girls attended and graduated college which he strongly encouraged (insisted). When Bob was ill and no longer able to travel he sent his girls on trips around the world to such far-flung destinations as Russia, Tahiti, and Africa. Our remarkable husband, father, Grandparent (Robert Matthew, Melinda, Victoria), Brother-in-Law (Theo), Uncle (Pamela, Cynthia), and Great Grandfather (Colten) is gone and we are heartbroken. Our only solace is knowing he is free of his broken body and his soul is enjoying eternity.

Robert Arthur (Bob) Gough

February 16, 1931 - November 19, 2020

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