Gary Gough

Gary Ray Gough

December 31, 1946 - February 28, 2023

Our loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother Gary Ray Gough, passed away on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 in American Fork, UT due to pancreatic cancer. Gary's faith in the Savior, his love of family, and his indomitable spirit were evident in the valiant way he endured to the end.

Gary was born on December 31, 1946 in Salt Lake City, UT to Ray Frank Gough and Marjorie Fay Young. They lived for a time in Murray and Copperton until his family moved to Holladay where he spent most of his growing up years. Gary loved basketball and played for Olympus High School and Colorado Mesa University. Following his mission to Southern Australia, from 1966 to 1968 he married his high school sweetheart, Janet Dunn, on March 27, 1969 in the Salt Lake City temple. In 1971 Gary received a degree from the University of Utah in medical biology and in 1975 he graduated with a PhD from the University of Pittsburgh in human cytogenetics.

Gary's early experiences working in construction served him throughout his life and he knew well the essentials of building. He has designed, crafted, and remodeled homes, businesses, playhouses, toys, workshops, and furniture. Gary often commented, "I like to take ideas and develop them." As a result, his varied entrepreneurial adventures have included commercial and residential construction, store ownership, cosmetology college management, real estate and insurance sales, commercial driving, chemical extraction, and mining.

At 6'6", Gary continued well into adulthood playing basketball with friends and ward members until he realized there were fewer jabs to the ribs if he was refereeing rather than playing. He continued to referee basketball games throughout the valley for all ages and organizations even into his 70's. Gary loved being active and exercised regularly, which counterbalanced his sweet tooth and his "take-one-of-every-dessert" habit.

Gary loved spending time fishing with his sons and grandsons, painting, walking the Parade of Homes, and working in the yard. Mowing the lawn was his favorite chore and his yard has always been neat and trim. He often worked on his "obedience garden" with great success and even canned his own salsa, peaches, and jam.

Gary always enjoyed creating an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement around Christmas and expressed his love in gift giving. From magic treasure chests, envelopes on the Christmas tree, and letters from Santa, Gary made Christmas a very special family time. For many years it was Gary's joy and delight to don the beautiful Santa Claus suit made by his sister Judy Monsen, and show up sometimes unexpectedly to family and friends' homes, ward parties, and to those who needed Christmas cheer.

A life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Gary has always been a willing and dedicated servant. He loved working with the scouts and young men and has served faithfully in many ward and stake callings. One of his favorite assignments was his service as a bishop of a BYU married student ward. Gary was an ordinance worker in the Mount Timpanogos temple until cancer made it difficult to continue his shift. Although not a formal calling, his acts of service and willingness to support Janet in her callings meant he hauled camping equipment to and from young women camps and spent many nights as a priesthood leader, went along on Pioneer Trek, and built and organized games for Activity Days. Gary's most tender emotions were made evident in the way he treated his wife and in his abiding testimony of the Savior, Jesus Christ.

Gary is survived by his wife of fifty-four years, Janet, his three children: Carolyn, Travis (Rebecca), Tyler (girlfriend Shadow), his 10 grandchildren, and his siblings: Judy (Paul) Monsen, Diane (David) Young, Roger (Debra) Gough, and Brian Gough. He is preceded in death by his parents.

The family would like to thank Utah Cancer Speacialists and IHC Hospice for their loving care of Gary for the last eight months.

A visitation will be held on Friday, March 10, 2023 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Anderson & Sons Mortuary Lone Peak Chapel, 6141 West 11000 North, Highland, UT 84003

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 11:00 AM with a visitation beforehand from 9:45 to 10:45 AM located at the American Fork 15th Ward Building, 455 East 300 North, American Fork, UT 84003.

Interment on March 11, 2023 following the funeral at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 S Highland Dr, Millcreek, UT 84106

Click on the link below to view Gary's service via live stream:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85171692831?pwd=Z0hSdDhNNFZDOGxwdnA0M2FqMzdSUT09