Harold J. McGovern's Obituary
Harold James McGovern
Harold was born January 30, 1923 in McHenry, North Dakota, the first child of John and Johanna McGovern, and grew up in Aberdeen, South Dakota. After attending college at the University of Minnesota for one year, he moved with his family to Tacoma, Washington in 1941. Like his father, he was an accomplished mechanic and could fix or fabricate just about anything. His passion was for Hudson automobiles, which he owned and drove most of his life. In 1953 he married the love of his life, Donna Marie Nesbit, and they remained married for 52 years. Harold worked in a variety of positions, including woodworking, fabrication, and warehousing, and earned his Boiler's License at the age of 60. He continued to work until age 80, and thereafter served as a full-time caregiver to his wife until her death in 2005. Over the years, he and Donna enjoyed participating in both bowling and shuffleboard leagues. Harold was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Virginia McGovern. He is survived by his sister Frances Houghton, and his five children, Lynn Murphy (Ron) Gregory, James P. Murphy, Michael J. (Brenda) McGovern, Terri McGovern (Bill) Stewart, and John H. (Heather) McGovern, as well as ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. All family and friends are welcome to attend a celebration of Harold's life to be held on August 4, 2011 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at his favorite shuffleboard establishment, the Ale House, located at 2122 Mildred Street, Tacoma, WA. Donations will be gratefully accepted in Harold's honor by Smile Train, P.O. Box 926231, Washington, D.C. 20090, or by phone at 1-800-932-9541. Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home.
What’s your fondest memory of Harold?
What’s a lesson you learned from Harold?
Share a story where Harold's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Harold you’ll never forget.
How did Harold make you smile?