With profound sadness, the family of James Michael Goguen, Michael to his friends and family, announce his quiet passing at home surrounded by his loving family, after a brief battle with cancer, on Thursday, January 8th, 2026.  His loss will be deeply felt by his beloved wife Myrna Goguen, by his daughter, Kimberly (Peter) Dobrotic, his granddaughter Dakota, his son Korey McCumber, his step-granddaughter Emily, his siblings Patrick (Carolyn), Derek (Debra), Brett, Brian (Jane), Michele (Jim) Melvin, Nicole (Andre) Dumas and Jennifer (Bill) Pierce, as well as many other nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, extended family members and friends.  Michael was predeceased by his parents Rita and Orice Goguen, his brother Jack Goguen and sister Margaret Anne MacDonald.

Michael worked in Finance at the General Hospital and later retired from the Saint John Regional Hospital in 2006 after 33 years. He was a loving and devoted husband to Myrna for 36 years, whom he pampered and supported every moment he could. They met while working at the General Hospital in 1973. She bombarded him with questions, and their romance blossomed from there years later. They shared many interests, such as bowling, golf and kismet (which Myrna threw dice at him once, accusing him of cheating), cards (from which we all owe him money), spending wonderful nights with family and friends at Marg and John’s and fondly having him and Myrna being referred to as “The Bickersons”.  

Michael was a role model of what a husband/father/grandfather could and should be to his son, daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter. He was the calm voice of reason when things got too hectic and always stood up for what was fair. His kindness and generosity towards his sibling, his children, Kimberly and Korey, his granddaughter Dakota, and his many nieces and nephews, spoke volumes to his wonderful character. He was a loving and supporting Brother, Dad, Grandfather and Uncle to them all. Michael’s close relationship to his 5 brothers and 4 sisters fostered a loving and inclusive environment to anyone lucky enough to gravitate towards the Goguen Clan.

Michael always had a quick wit and a good sense of humour. Who else would use a protractor to cut an apple pie when he and Korey argued over who got the largest piece, but don’t expect to find his tool box! He was forever ‘not so silently’ correcting your grammar and used a staple gun to put up Christmas lights on aluminum soffit (only to have them all short out in a dazzling spectacle of sparks), then just chuckle “Well, your mom won’t ask us to do THAT again.”

Michael co-owned racehorses (Pearbro Suzette and Ti Ho Mac) and enjoyed Harness Racing, where he, his family & friends spent many hours socializing, betting and laughing for hours on end. He was fond of telling stories about how wonderful it was growing up in Rockwood Court and enjoyed sentimental drives through the neighbourhood to reminisce. Oh, and did you hear about the famous goal of March 6, 1967?? And that one time he flew in a glider in New Hampshire.

Michael was a proud member of the Hampton Golf Club and Chairman of the Hampton Senior Men’s Group. Just remember, gentlemen, “There is no such thing as a gimmie! You must put the ball in the hole.” He was honoured by having the Senior Ryder Cup competition trophy at the Hampton Golf Club named the ‘Goguen Cup’. He had always said he was so lucky to get up and be able to go out and play with his friends everyday and referred to it as ‘going to work.’ He knew and was known by many people whom he had proudly declared as “all my friends”.

Michael was an enthusiastic supporter of the Montreal Canadiens, GO HABS GO! He also enjoyed gloating how his NY Giants beat the Patriots not once, but twice in the Super Bowl, and had been a lifelong NY Yankees fan. He enjoyed relaying fond memories of listening to the ball games on the radio with his father when he was younger.  

Sincere Thanks goes out to the many involved in Michael’s care including Dr. G. Griffin, Dr. H. Campbell, the staff in the Radiation Oncology Department at the Saint John Regional Hospital, the wonderful nurses with the Saint John Extra Mural Program and the Home care team at Bayshore with special mention going out to Jade, Craig and Chris.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road, Saint John, NB (506-646-2424).  In keeping with Michael's wishes, cremation has taken place, and a private family burial is planned for the spring of 2026 at Oceanview Memorial Gardens.  For those that wish, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Heart & Stroke Foundation or to a charity that is close to your own heart.