Obituary of Ken Gould

It is with great sadness that the family of Kenneth R “Ken” Gould, husband of Patricia (Donihee), announce his passing which occurred on Tuesday, September 22, 2020, at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Ken was born on June 06, 1941, in Saint John, NB. He was the son of the late, Ralph Cyril (Pete) and Jessie Mae Gould (Boone).

Ken was a passionate educator serving for 30 years within two districts with 26 years as a principal in various schools and many education focused boards and committees. Ken had an extensive and long commitment to the city he loved. He served the citizens of Saint John on common council for 12 years, including various city committees and boards. Ken was also highly committed to Luxor Shriners serving in various capacities including President, Treasurer and Potentate and was passionate about their focus on supporting children and families at the Shriners Hospital for Children. Ken was also recognized as one of the top individual blood donors in the province, by Canadian Blood Services, having donated 909 times.

Ken was an exceptional and award-winning athlete, something that he devoted his entire life to, as an athlete, coach, referee, fan and promoter. Basketball, softball, rugby, baseball, racquetball, he was fast, fit, skilled, determined and gritty.

Ken rarely sat still and if he did it was only to watch sports on TV. He and Patricia travelled extensively, Ken loved to garden, loved crossword puzzles and sudoku. He played a critical role in family gatherings by keeping us all in line, telling stories, making sure supper was on time and that no one sat in his favorite chair.

Ken was diagnosed in 2008 with Frontotemporal Dementia. This was a difficult diagnosis and journey spent in his home (peaceful heaven). Despite the challenges of the disease for Ken, Patricia and his Family, his fighting spirit was present to the end.

Ken is survived by his wife Patricia (Donihee); two brothers, Paul and Jon Phillip (Dianne); sister, Gloria Dawn Anderson (Harold); children, Ryan (Susan), Jon Patrick (Debbie Murray), Stephanie (Mark Leahy) and their mother Catherine Gould of Halifax, Cheryl Hachey (Dennis), Michael Darling (Nancy) and Donald Darling (Patti); grandchildren, Alexander, Sarah, Isaac, Hudson, Daniel, Andrew, Erin, Kathryn, Nicholas, Meghan, Mariah and Liam; great-grandchildren, Lukas, Benjamin, Deacon, Ryder, Evelyn and Isabelle and several nephews and nieces - all of whom he loved dearly.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Corless and his staff for their exceptional and compassionate care, his caregivers Tamzan McIntyre and Kathy Willier, the doctors, volunteers and nurses of the SJRH 5CN for their kindness. We so appreciate the role of health care providers in caring for our loved ones.

Arrangements are under the care of Brenan's Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424). Visitation will take place Sunday, September 27, 2020, from 4 pm to 8 pm. Guests are asked to enter the funeral home using the courtyard entrance, where staff will greet and assist you with COVID-19 protocol. A funeral service celebrating Ken’s life will be held on Monday, September 28, 2020, at 2:00 PM from Brenan’s  Chapel, 111 Paradise Row. The service will also be live-streamed for those not able to attend by visiting Ken’s obituary. Please note masks will be required for the service. Donations may be made in memory of Kenneth R Gould to the Shriners Hospital for Children and we ask that 91 people donate blood to Canadian Blood Services, to help Ken achieve his goal of 1000 donations. Online condolences may be placed at: www.BrenansFH.com.