FOBF co-founder passes

The co-founder of the Friends of Bigfork Fire Department died Oct. 3.

Chuck Gough, 73, was involved in many Bigfork causes, including serving as treasurer for the Bigfork Tourist Promotion Assessment and an elected member of the Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee, but those who knew him best say FOBF was what he was most passionate about. In 2006, along with Joyce Mitchell, Gough helped found the organization, which raises funds and support for the Village’s emergency services.

“He felt very strongly that the community needs to support our services as much as possible,” said Jim Sticka, president of FOBF.

Gough and his wife, Kay, moved to Bigfork in retirement. During his working years, he served as a CPA and a partner at an international accounting firm with work that required him to travel abroad. He also started real estate and property ventures while living in Dallas, Texas.His experience as an accountant in particular would be considered an asset with the many organizations he worked with in Bigfork.

Gough served as treasurer of FOBF at the time of his death and was instrumental in the Bigfork Ambulance transition to the Bigfork Volunteer Fire Department this summer. FOBF served as the middle agent in the funds transfer between the two agencies.

“He really helped expedite the process and made the transition successful,” Sticka said.

Gough is remembered by his Bigfork friends for his infectious smile and ever-positive mindset.

“Chuck always had a smile and a positive attitude,” Sticka said. “It was so uplifting for our organization that he always saw something positive.”

Mitchell, fellow co-founder of FOBF, said it was Gough’s background that made the organization successful, especially in the set up of the 501(c)3 status.

“He was a man who loved his community and gave to his community in a very selfless manner,” Mitchell said. “He worked very hard on behalf of other people. I’m very proud of what he accomplished.”

Shelley Gonzales, who served with Gough on BLUAC and with the Bigfork Steering Committee, also recognized his commitment to the community.

“From the first time I met Chuck when working on the Bigfork Neighborhood Plan, I knew he was a special person with a lot of experience in financial issues and a lot of interest in the Bigfork community,” Gonzales said. “His humor, experience and dedication to supporting Bigfork will be sorely missed.”

Gough was on an anniversary trip with his wife to Italy and Croatia at the time of his death. He had five children and 11 grandchildren. Services were held in his honor Monday at the Community United Methodist Church in Bigfork.

His family encourages donations in his honor to the organization he loved, FOBF. Those can be made by mail to PO Box 2333, Bigfork, MT 59911.