Richard Leland GOUGEON

GOUGEON, Richard (Riki) Leland, 71, of Sudbury, Ontario passed away in a tragic plane accident on July 4, 2013. Riki was born in Sudbury on July 13, 1942. He graduated from Sudbury High School and married his high school sweetheart Carole (Bouchard) Gougeon in 1961. Riki always referred to Carole as his best friend. Together, they raised 4 children: Angela (Michael Comeau), Jill (Robert Irving), Michael (Brooke Rolston) and Judy (Richard Ross, deceased July 4, 2013.). There was no greater passion for Riki than his family. He instilled in them confidence and enthusiasm for life. That passion was multiplied many times over with the birth of 11 grandchildren: Megan Irving (24), Meredith Irving (22), Olivia Irving (19), R.J. Irving (18), Matthew Gougeon (17), Jake Gougeon (16), Sara Gougeon (15), Bay Ross (15), Quinn Ross (14), Charlie Comeau (11), Martine Comeau (10). Always 'Riki', never 'Grandpa', he passed on his 'larger than life' spirit which will live forever in all of them. He will also be missed by his two brothers Robert (Bob) Gougeon (Dorothy) and Jim Gougeon. Riki was a talented athlete. He held provincial track and field running records and in skiing, was the Canadian Junior 4 Way (Downhill, Slalom, Cross Country, and Jumping) Ski Champion in 1958. Riki never retired from sport. He continued as a volunteer on boards (Chairman, Alpine Canada), coaching, fundraising and officiating at competitive ski events. Riki's sport and competitive successes shaped his personality and those traits enabled him to have success in his business career. In his early 20s, Riki took over his father's company, Gougeon Insurance Brokers, and built a successful business servicing clients nationally. The business continues to operate under the leadership of his daughter, Judy Gougeon. Riki spent each moment of his life in the pursuit of happiness with his love, Carole. Through travel, they visited every continent, enjoyed the game of golf and escaped the cold winters of Sudbury in the community of Atlantis, Florida. Ultimately they always came home to camp on Lake Penage for the summer where there was always a line up for his fresh sticky buns. In all of his adventures he was surrounded by people that he loved. Everyone who knew Riki agrees that above all he was a mentor. It thrilled and energized him to mentor and guide people and help them achieve their goals and dreams. He led many and failed none. Visitation will be held Wednesday July 10th, between 1 - 3pm and 4 - 8pm, at Jackson & Barnard Funeral Home, 233 Larch St, Sudbury. Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, July 11th , 5 - 8pm, outdoors at Science North. Dress for the weather in your summer brights.