Robert E. McGovern

OBITUARY Robert E. McGovern of Gray went home to Jesus on November 4, 2020 at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House of natural causes.  Bob was born on May 29, 1938 at Maine General Hospital in Portland, Maine to Richard and Dorothy McGovern. He attended local schools, graduating from Deering High in 1958 and started working with his Father at an early age on the milk truck. During his school years he had boxers for pets, was involved in track and often would run from school at Deering High to the family home to keep his time up. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1962 and received an honorable discharge in 1964. He was a truck driver driving for Oakhurst, Pepsi, and Blue Rock. Bob also worked for the A&P, and Haverty Buick.  He and his former wife, Judy McGovern raised finches early in their marriage and, when they moved to Buxton, owned and operated Dog Patch Kennel and bred Bassett Hounds, Great Danes, English Bulldogs and Dobermans. They were also members of the English Bulldog Club and the Jaycees in Buxton. Bob and Judy also owed a Great Dane named Prancer, two St. Bernard dogs, a chimpanzee named Peter, an ocelot, and a goat named Mr. G who liked to eat cigarette butts and travel in the back seat of the car when they would go for rides. Later in life he worked for Plummer’s in Buxton, Rock 10, and in the Maintenance Department at USM Gorham. He continued to pitch in slow softball leagues until he retired. Bob enjoyed sports of all kinds including horseback riding, playing horseshoes, bowling, eating out, fast cars and antique cars, all animals especially dogs, game shows such as Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, Ninja Warriors and Country Western music. He enjoyed watching the Boson Red Sox, Boston Celtics, Boston Bruins and The New England Patriots.  Bob also attended Beech Ridge Speedway, local hockey games and wrestling matches with his friend Wayne Chase.

Bob is predeceased by his parents and several aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife, Natalie E. Blake of 16 Years; his brother Terry and wife Nancy; sisters Nancy Harris and Husband Richard and Jeannie Forgues with husband Ron; along with many nieces and nephews. cousin Henry Severence and wife Carol; Uncle Kenneth Gregory McGovern and Aunt Jean Laconte, his former wife Judy and her two children James and Janett.

A special thanks and recognition for their help, support and prayers go to Town of Gray Rescue Service, MMC CICU and Gosnell House. Words can’t express our heartfelt gratitude. A private family graveside service is planned at a future date. Arrangements are respectfully handled by Wilson Funeral Home in Gray. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Animal Refuge League in Westbrook.

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