David W. “Skip” Gough, 82, of Loves Park passed away Thursday, February 1, 2018, in his home. Born March 8, 1935, in Rockford, the son of Joseph W. and Margaret B. (Lynch) Gough.  U.S. Marine veteran.  Married Jacquelyn “Jackie” Fair.  Owned and operated Gough Heating with his sons for many years.  Dave “Skip” began racing go-karts in 1960 at Windsor Raceway in Loves Park.  He raced himself until 1976 when he decided to focus his attention to sons Jay and David’s racing endeavors.  Skip was Jay’s crew chief from the early 70's until his passing in 2002.  He was also David’s crew chief for many years in go-karts and followed his son into open wheel racing.  In 20 years of open wheel racing he almost never missed a race.  During this time, he was also a fixture at the short tracks throughout the Midwest.  He helped many racers through the years including Boyce Sparkman, Joe Shear, Dave Watson, Jon Reynolds Jr. and most recently Michael Bilderback.  Dave made time for everyone at any racetrack he was at throughout the country.  Always willing to listen and share a story.  Survivors include his wife, Jackie; daughters, Debi (Dave) Sanchez, Krista (Jeff) McCauley and Jana (Ed) Guske; son, David (Ammie) Gough; daughter-in-law, Katrina Gough; grandchildren, Dustin (Tracy) Colombi, Devin Sanchez, Ryan McCauley, Brandon (Andrea) McCauley, Brittany (Jake) Schmidt, Jacob Cary, Derrick (Megan) Gough, Jade Gough, Nathan Guske and Emily Guske; great-grandchildren, Rylie Colombi, Chase Colombi, Carson Sanchez, Ryder McCauley, Harrison McCauley, Charlotte McCauley, Emory Schmidt and Jace Cary; sisters, Peggy Doyle, Suzanne (Garry) Barney and Claire (Gary) Aase; many nieces and nephews.  Predeceased by his parents; son, Jay Gough; and brother, John Gough.

Service at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 6, in Riverside Community Church, 6816 North 2nd Street, Machesney Park.  Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens.  Visitation from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, February 5, in Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established.

The Best Grandpa Ever

This wonderful, loving, amazing grandpa kept a garden, a garden of the heart.  He planted all good things that gave our lives their start.  He turned us to the sunshine and encouraged us to dream, fostering and nurturing the seeds of self-esteem.  When the winds and rain came, he protected us enough, but not too much because he knew we would stand up strong and tough.  His constant good example always taught us right from wrong, markers for our pathway that would last a lifetime long.  We are grandpa's garden.  We are his legacy.  Thank you Grandpa.  We love you always.

Love,
Your grandchildren and great-grandchildren