Obituary of Eugene Allen Gogal

A memorial folder from the funeral service may be printed under the "Memories" tab, then choose "Memorial Program". GOGAL - Allen Eugene Gogal, beloved husband of Doreen (nee Rapitta), passed away suddenly on Friday, September 25, at his home in Yorkton, at the age of 77 years. He was born on the family farm in the Stenen area on Dec 6, 1937, the second youngest of seven children born to Paul and Anne Gogal (nee Surcan). Like many farm children of the time, his early education was gained at a one-room country school, and completed at the nearby Stenen High School. His growing up on the farm, where hard work was the order of the day, no doubt contributed to a strong work ethic, which continued throughout his life. After graduating from High School in Stenen, Eugene found employment with Canadian National Railways, working as a Station Agent. This became his lifetime career, a job which took him to many small towns throughout Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and even into the United States. During his last few years, he worked as a Dispatcher, based out of Melville. He enjoyed his work, particularly the daily contact with the local farm folk, with which he shared a common background. It was while at his posting in Kipling, Saskatchewan, in 1959, that he met his future wife, and they were married on August 15, 1959. They enjoyed 56 years of marriage, and were blessed with two children, a daughter, Corrinne, and a son, Sheldon, both of whom have grown up to lead successful lives. They also have two grandchildren, Nicolle and Evan Gogal. Eugene`s outside interests were many and varied. He particularly enjoyed watching sports, whether it be hockey, football, baseball, curling, and especially, golf. Both he and Doreen belonged to the local golf club in Yorkton. He was always up to date on all team standings and various players, and always enjoyed a good discussion on the merits of the participants. For a number of years, he was an avid coin collector, eventually having a complete set of coins dating back to the 1800`s. Fishing with old buddies was also a favorite pastime, and he even made a couple of fly-in trips to northern lakes to try his luck. He also kept up to date on the affairs of the world, and was not shy about expressing his opinion on how world problems could and should be solved. In addition, for a number of years he collected and refurbished antiques, starting with old buggies, and progressing to furniture, lamps, clocks, glassware, and phonograph machines. He continued wheeling and dealing in this field right up to his final days. Eugene was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Anne; two brothers, Norman and Tom; sister, Evelyn; brothers-in-law, Harry Bazansky, Bill, Ted, and Len Rapitta; sister-in-law, Betty Lamont, and nephew, Brian Bazansky. He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife, Doreen; daughter, Corrine; son, Sheldon; grandchildren, Nicole and Evan (Aaliah); brother, Harold (Annette); sisters, Florence Bazansky and Geraldine (Ted) Bellows; in-laws Philip Rapitta (Barb); Marie Rapitta; Bernice Rapitta; Valentine (Eileen) Rapitta; Roger (Shirley) Thevenot; Larry (Dianne) Wood; Randy (Carmen) Rapitta; Ken (Georgina) Moreau; Ray (Linda) Rapitta; Fran Rapitta; and Erling (Bonnie) Madsen; as well as many nephews, nieces, co-workers, and friends. A Visitation was held on Monday, September 28, 2015 at the Chapel of Bailey's Funeral Home in Yorkton. The Celebration of Life Service was held on Tuesday, September 29, 2015 in the Garden of Memories at Yorkton Memorial Gardens. Randy Rapitta led the prayers and spiritual message. Reflections of Eugene's life was shared by Larry Wood. The urn was carried to his resting place by his children, Corrine and Sheldon Gogal. Memorials honouring Eugene's life may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com Visitation Details Monday, September 28th, 2015 7:00pm, Bailey's Funeral Home, Yorkton Service Information Tuesday, September 29th, 2015 2:00pm, Yorkton Memorial Gardens Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens