- Date Of Birth: September 25, 1967
- Date Of Death: September 18, 2017
- State: Colorado
Michael Robert Gough was born in Seattle, Washington, on September 25, 1967, to proud parents Robert and Livia Gough. He was the 2nd of the Gough’s 7 children. Michael was a fun loving child who enjoyed playing outside and seeking adventure. At the age of 15, Michael’s family moved to Aurora. When Michael turned 16 he started working at Gart Brothers, and before long he was promoted to Ski Tech. After leaving Gart Brothers, he went to work for JC Penney. He started there as a shoe salesman and by the time he left, he was the head of the department. He would attend Hinkley High School and go on to graduate 3 years later in 1985. Michael was an avid skier and spent much of his free time enjoying many of Colorado’s ski slopes. After high school, Mike went on to attend the University of Washington for a quarter, and then transferred to the University of Colorado at Denver. A little while later he decided that college wasn’t for him and then began his professional career. Michael married Dana Trader on August 15, 1992. If you asked Mike he would tell you that the happiest day of his life was the day that their son Zakkary was born. Mike was proud of many things that he did during his life, but nothing brought him more pride, or happiness than Zakk. He loved being a dad more than anything in this world. In his late 30s Mike was diagnosed with a neurological disease that would slowly start to affect his mobility, but that wouldn’t let it dictate his life. He continued to travel and do many of the things that he loved, which included attending his son Zakk’s hockey games and his hometown favorite Colorado Avalanche games. Michael and Dana were divorced in 2010 but continued to co-parent Zakk. Michael would move to Arizona and build a house, and later take a job that moved him to Ohio. He traveled back to Colorado often to see Zakk, and Zakk would fly to both Ohio and Arizona to see his dad. Michael passed away unexpectedly at his home in Ohio on Monday, September 18, 2017. He will be remembered for his fierce spirit, and his never say die attitude. He always said, “It is what it is.” And this was how he lived his life. He was a true inspiration to everyone who knew him. Michael is survived by his son Zakkary (16), his mother Livia, his father Bob, 3 brothers, 3 sisters, and 11 nieces and nephews. He will be dearly missed.
