Patrick McGough came into the world on March 17th, 1906 and we know that he was born in Black Hill, Durham Co, England. He immigrated to Canada about 1928 and for a time McGough worked for W. J. Haley & Co. in Vanguard, SK. His daughter is convinced that her Dad came to Canada to help out with the 'wheat boom' in Western Canada. At some point, McGough decided to remain in Canada rather than return home to England. In 1931, McGough applied for and was enlisted into the RCMP.
Shortly after joining the Force, McGough set his first record. His daughter, Ms Mary McGough Chiasson, believes her Dad was one of the first six Mounties who took over policing of Nova Scotia from the Nova Scotia Provincial Police Force. It might be said that this little joint in RCMP & Nova Scotia history easily sets Patrick McGough apart from most other RCMP.
It was while McGough was serving in Nova Scotia in 1932 that he was posted to Guysborough County where he met his future wife Ms. Ellen Bridget O'Connor. Like many other members, Patrick McGough loved the Force and his pals, but he had to make a tough decision in order to raise his growing family -- he decided to quit the RCMP. McGough was out for a short period of four years from September 18, 1935 to September 23, 1939. He then re-engaged into the RCMP. At one point he was transferred to 'D' Div. (Manitoba) but he returned to serve in 'H' Div. (Nova Scotia). Corporal McGough's heart was in Nova Scotia and he served many, many years in 'H' Div. Finally, he decided to retire and his last day was November 16, 1961.
After retirement, Corporal McGough took every opportunity to encourage his children to remain in school as long as they could. Speaking fondly of her Dad, Mary McGough said, 'Our Dad instilled the value of a solid education in all of us, and regretted the fact that he had not been in a position to continue his own education. However, his indominable spirit overcame this regret and we never expected that he would set another record in the way that he did.'
Mary McGough continued with her recollections. She said: 'When Dad died in October of 1986, he donated his body to research at Dalhousie University Medical School, Halifax, NS. Yes, education was very important to Dad and we (his family of 4 children) said that: Dad finally made it to university - his way!'
We tip our Stetson to Corporal McGough and along with is family we fondly recall him especially in October, 2010!
Written by Reg.#23685, Buffalo J. J. (Joe) Healy with lots of help from Mary McGough Chiasson.
Corporal Patrick McGough is buried in Halifax, NS.
Corporal Patrick McGough is buried in Halifax, NS.
'Maintain Our Memories'
Thank-you so much for this little tribute!
ReplyDeleteGrand son,
Kevin Chiasson