It is with heavy hearts that the McGovern family announces the passing of Sam McGovern, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to many. Sam passed away May 22nd at Saanich Peninsula Hospital, Palliative Care, from a complication of Parkinson’s, surrounded by loved ones.
Sam was born in Paisley, Scotland to Rose and Owen (Pop) McGovern. Sam followed his brother Owen to Hamilton, Ontario in 1966. Sam enjoyed life in Ontario and soon found work within a butcher shop and then went to the Radio College of Canada in Toronto where he studied electronics and worked with Decca Radar. In 1969 he married his soulmate Mary Doey from County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. Shortly after marriage Sam and Mary moved to St. Catherines, Ontario where he worked on the radio equipment and radars of the bulk ships transiting the Welland Canal and other areas of the Great Lakes. Sam and Mary welcomed their first son Sean in 1971 in St. Catherines. In 1973, Sam was presented with a one year work assignment in Prince Rupert, BC. Sam and Mary trekked across the country with a 2-year-old and that year assignment became 28 years. Sam and Mary then welcomed their daughter Carla in 1974. Sam opened his own shop, Samtronics, in 1977 and became a mainstay in the fishing industry until retirement in 2004.
Sam’s greatest joy was his grandchildren, Alicia, Sara and Hanna, and greatgrandchildren Owen and Jaxson- they made their Poppy’s heart full of joy. Sam also enjoyed his vegetable garden in Deep Cove, North Saanich. Sam and Mary were avid cruisers and touched all continents, with their last adventure with Sean and Danielle to Hawaii.
Sam is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary, son Sean (Danielle), daughter Carla (Steve Synnuck), grandchildren Alicia (Kyle, Owen, Jaxson), Sara (Tamim), Hanna (Travis). Many nieces and nephews scattered from Hamilton, Ontario, Scotland and N. Ireland.
In 2020, Sam was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and with his hip fracture in March 2025, we saw a steep decline in his health. Thank you to Sara Coburn for your daily hospital visits, and to Naomi Casiro of Parkinson Neuro Fit- you made a profound difference in Sam’s life and his biggest champion.
A Funeral Mass will take place at St. Elizabeth’s Parish, 10030 Third Street, Sidney, BC on Monday, May 26th, 2025, at 11am. Refreshments to follow the service. For those who wish, a donation to the Parkinson’s Wellness Center of Victoria in memory of of Sam McGovern.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Neil & June Lensen
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Bruce Thompson My sincerest condolences to the family.
Rest in Peace Sam
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Mara & Ken Cote Our sincere condolences to you Mary, Sean, Carla and families. We pray that the wonderful memories you have of Sam will help you through the difficult times. Rest in Peace Sam.
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Dan Ogle I’m sorry Mary.
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David and Cathy Quane Sam was a a kind, caring and loving gentle man. He was loved by many and was always there for you. The old saying A friend in need, is friend indeed (that was Sam) Sam will be missed and he will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary,Sean and Carly and extended family. Love David,Cathy, Connor( Alexa), Liam (Kaiya). Prince Rupert.
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Mary Brookes Mary – it’s an awful sadness I’m sure without Sam. Myself, Brad, Ronan and Bridget hope you can find some light in these dark times. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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David Scruton Hello Mary, I was sorry to hear from Sara of Sam’s death. Our son Colin is living in north Saanich and coincidentally has a son Jaxson so I hope on one of our infrequent visits there we could meet with you. David Scruton
Offering sincere condolences to Mary and family, now is the time those fabulous memories will provide some comfort.