Obituaries

Reginald “Reggie” Dean Gough went to play in the fields of heaven on, Sunday, June 1, 2025, two days shy of his 78th birthday. He was born in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan, on June 3, 1947, to John Reginald “Jack” Gough and Annie Margaret “Maggie” (Winberg) Gough.

Reggie grew up and attended school in Cedarville, Michigan, Pickford, Michigan, and Mackinac Island, Michigan, and spent his summers on Mackinac Island. He attended college at a school in Chicago, Illinois, until a tragic accident changed his life’s path. He worked for the family business for 61 years, working in many different positions; drayman, taxi driver, barn manager, and he did them all well. For decades he cared for the family business’ horses on the farm in Rudyard, Michigan.

He was the true meaning of a friend to everyone; Reggie never met a stranger. One of his fondest memories was watching the Detroit Tigers win the 1984 World Series at the French Outpost with family and friends.

He married the love of his life Laurel Lou “Ladoo” Gillespie on September 18, 1995, and they enjoyed 29 years of wedded bliss. Together they enjoyed traveling, dancing, playing card games, going to the casinos, but most of all, loved spending time with family and friends.

Reggie retired in 2020 due to Covid and enjoyed retirement to its fullest with Ladoo by his side, always keeping up with everyone about the happenings at the barns with visits and phone calls. As a special tribute to him, the horseback riders from the barns that are participating in the annual Lilac Festival Grand parade will be dedicating the ride to him.

Reggie is survived by his wife, Laurel Lou “Ladoo” Gough; daughters, Sheri (Ray) Card, Jodi (Greg) Misner; grandchildren, Josee and Tristin Misner, Ashley (Gio) Scott; brothers-in-law, James “Jim” (Cheryl) Gillespie, and Jack Dehring; sister-in-law, Florence Cardinal; and several nieces and nephews.

Reggie was preceded in death by his parents, John and Annie Gough; siblings, William (Cythina) Gough nee Francis, Beverly (Dick) Barney; brother-in-law, Deane Gillespie Jr.; sister-in-law, Dorothy Dehring; and in-laws, Deane Sr. and Dorothy “Dot” Gillespie.

Reggie was a loving son, father, brother, husband, grandfather, and friend. He was a good man and a great person; he loved with all his heart and made this world a better place. He will be forever loved and missed.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Family Life Funeral Homes 24549 S. M-129 Pickford, MI 49774, from 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM. The Memorial Service will follow immediately after at 9:30 AM.