Paul A. Goguen, 88

Paul A. Goguen, 88, of Whitefish passed away Oct. 22, 2017 in Kalispell surrounded with the love of his family. Paul was born Oct. 8, 1929 in Arlington, Mass. to Blanche & Arthur Goguen.

As a token of his ambition and enterprising, Paul, who recognized the importance of a college education, used to trap lobsters on Winthrop Beach to pay for his books at Boston University. He attended night courses while working two jobs and raising a family. Born to a military family, Paul lived primarily in New England but spent his junior year of high school in California. He raised his family in Bedford, Mass., retired in Ogunquit, Maine and Naples, Fla and spent his last year with his two sons’ families in Whitefish.

Paul graduated from the Bentley College of Accounting and Finance in Waltham, Mass. He later went on to pass the CPA exam. He also served in the National Guard. Paul had a long and successful career at Sexton Can Co., in Everett, Mass., where he worked his way to President of the company. In addition, during every tax season he used his CPA to do taxes for individuals and corporations.

Paul met the love of his life, Barbara, when she was 15 and he was 17. They married two years later. A devoted husband, Paul remained married and faithful to Barbara for the next 68 years, until his passing. He put all six of his children through college and took great pride in the fact that they all went on to have successful professional careers and fulfilling lives.

Paul and Barbara loved to travel together across the country and abroad. He was an avid hunter/hiker and frequented the deep woods of Rangeley, Maine, usually accompanied by one or more of his three sons. Paul loved to swim in the ocean with his children. He especially loved Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester, Mass., Ogunquit Beach, Maine, and Naples Beach, Fla. In retirement Paul treasured time with his 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He was a voracious reader of James Patterson and Louis L’Amour books.

Paul is survived by his wife, Barbara K. Goguen, of Whitefish. His children Linda Peters of Salt Lake City, Eileen Marcuvitz of Newport, R.I., Michele Hughes of Cambridge, Mass.; Paul Goguen Jr. and Michael Goguen of Whitefish and Brian Goguen of Naples, Fla. His brother Donald Goguen of Westwood, Mass., 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

At 19 years old, in an early college essay, he noted, “…given the choice of the following epitaphs, ‘He made a million dollars.’ or ‘He led a happy life.’ I would choose the latter.” And he did just that. To all who knew and loved him, he was loyal, trustworthy, authentic, kind, and respected by all. We miss him dearly.

Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish is caring for Paul. To send a note of condolences to the family please visit Paul’s tribute page at www.austinfh.com