Gary Michael Gaughen
August 13, 1944 - February 14, 2022
Mr. Gary Michael (Sam) Gaughen, age 77, of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, died on February 14th, 2022 in his residence. He was born 13 August 1944 in San Diego, California and was a retired Renaissance Man. He lived a life of celebration from San Diego, to San Francisco, to Seattle, and for most of his life, the idyllic communities of Volcano, Puna, and Kona on the island of Hawaii. His physical presence was only surpassed by the enormity of his love of family and life. A wise man with a talent for capturing the moment in writing, he could be counted on for great stories, and with a glass of Irish whiskey in hand, could be encouraged to regale all with tales of his great adventures. He was a self-taught man, who thrived on learning and mastering new skills. His passion for sailing, carpentry, and cooking were most notable. No formal memorial service will be held, but for those that knew and loved him, he would be honored by a toast to a life well lived. His remains and spirit will be taken to the blessed shores of County Mayo, Ireland for his final repose. He was the oldest child of the late William J. Gaughen and Catherine Elizabeth (deSousa) Gaughen. He is preceded by the love of his life, Joan Bowden, and he is survived by his son, Joshua (Cindy) Gaughen of Bowling Green, VA; brothers, William Gaughen of Costa Rica, Timothy (Kathy) Gaughen of Ft Bragg, CA, Brian (Vickie) Gaughen of Youngstown, OH; sister, Kathleen Yoder, of Burr Oak, MI; grandchildren, Anna Gaughen of Bowling Green, VA, James (Lauren) Traylor of Chapin, SC, Ashley (Jeremy) Parks of Ruther Glen, VA; nephews, Kele
(Danielle) Gaughen of Blaine, WA, Matthew Gaughen of Kailua Kona, HI, Jack Klopenstine of
Burr Oak, MI, Dylan Gaughen of Ventura, CA; nieces, Sarah (Ryan) Magee of Mendocino, CA, Danielle (Terry) Black of New Castle, PA ; and cousins.
In lieu of flowers or donations, please hug your family, and remember life is short.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Gary Michael Gaughen, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.