“Van” Gould, 73, passed away on Friday, August 5th. He was the son of Dr. Aubrey Van Wyck Gould, Jr., and Marjorie Wessels Gould.  He graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy and, upon graduating, attended Stockbridge School of Agriculture, earning a degree in Laboratory Animal Science.  He continued his education at the University of Massachusetts to earn his degree from the Department of Veterinary and Animal Science. 

Van began his career in Animal Medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester, MA, then later worked for the University of New Hampshire as Program Coordinator in the Animal Science Department.   He returned to the University of Massachusetts Medical Center as the Training Coordinator for the Department of Animal Medicine until his retirement in 2019. Van also enjoyed teaching, which he did at both Holliston Junior College and at New Hampshire Technical College.

Van grew up in Baldwinsville, MA and moved to Gardner, MA following his marriage.  In 1980 he moved to Hancock, NH with his family.  He was always actively involved in the community, including serving as a board member for the restoration of the Hancock Depot.  He later moved to Peterborough, resided in Amherst, and came back home to Peterborough in 2000.

Van was an equestrian at heart, playing on the Valley Forge polo team and participating in horse shows. Van also coached Pop Warner Football in Peterborough and was involved in the start of Contoocook Valley Regional High School’s (ConVal) football team and even coached his own children and grandchildren. His greatest joy was the time spent with his loving grandson, Eli.

Van is survived by his wife Patty, with whom he celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past June; daughter Jacqueline “Lin” Varnum of Newton, MA; son Aubrey “Van” Gould IV of San Diego, CA; and grandson Eli Varnum of Newton, MA. He is also survived by a sister, Marjorie and brother, John, and their families. He was predeceased by his brother Anthony Gould of Florida.

As per his request, a private family burial will take place in the family plot in the Hillside Cemetery in Hancock, NH.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations in Van’s name to the Peterborough Food Pantry, https://www.pfoodpantry.org/pages/donation-faqs