April 10, 1946 - May 22, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that the McGovern family announces the passing of Sam McGovern, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to many. Sam passed away May 22nd at SPH palliative care from a complication of Parkinson's surrounded by loved ones.
Sam was born in Paisley Scotland to Rose and Owen(Pop)McGovern. Sam followed his brother Owen to Hamilton Ontario in 1966. Sam enjoyed life in Ontario and soon found work within a butchers shop, and then went to the Radio College of Canada in Toronto where he studied electronics and worked with Decca Radar. In 1969 he married his soulmate Mary Doey from County Tyrone Northern Ireland. Shortly after marriage Sam and Mary moved to St Catherines Ontario where he worked on the radio equipment and radars of the bulk ships transiting the Welland Canal other areas of the Great lakes. Sam and Mary welcomed their first son Sean in 1971 in St Catherines. In 1973, Sam was presented with a 1yearwork assignment in Prince Rupert BC. Sam and Mary trekked across the country with a 2 year old and that year assignment became 28 years. Sam and Mary then welcomed their daughter Carla in 1974. Sam opened his own shop, Samtronics, in 1977 and became a mainstay in the fishing industry until retirement in 2004.
Sam's greatest joy was his grandchildren, Alicia, Sara and Hanna, and great grandchildren Owen and Jaxson- they made their Poppy's heart full of joy. Sam also enjoyed his vegetables garden
in Deep Cove, North Saanich. Sam and Mary were avid cruisers and touched all continents, with their last adventure with Sean and Danielle to Hawaii.
Sam is survived by his wife of 56yrs Mary, son Sean (Danielle), daughter Carla (Steve Synnuck), grandchildren Alicia (Kyle, Owen, Jaxson), Sara (Tamim), Hanna (Travis). Many nieces and nephews scattered from Hamilton Ontario, Scotland and N. Ireland.
In 2020, Sam was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and with his hip fracture in March 2025, we saw a steep decline in his health. Thank you to Sara Coburn for your daily hospital visits, and to Naomi Casiro of Parkinson Neuro Fit- you made a profound difference in Sam's life and his biggest champion.
Funeral took place May 26th at 11am at St Elizabeth's in Sidney BC, refreshments to follow after the service. For those who wish, can make a donation to the Parkinson's Wellness Center of
Victoria in memory of Sam McGovern.