Family News

Family News

What’s In A Name Courtesy of Reaha Goyetche of York, ME, who is visiting the Basque region of Spain, a street sign with one of the varients of the name Goyetche in the original Basque. In addition to Goiexte (Goyetche), other variations of our surname include Goyenetche, Goienetche, Goienetxe and Gojeneche. Stephen and Krista celebrate wedding Stephen Fialli, son of Mark & Pamela (Goyetche) Fialli of North Reading, MA and Krista Lohr celebrated their wedding with family and friends September 21, 2019 at St. Agnes Church in Dalton, MA. Evan and Hannah wed Evan Ross Goyetche and Hannah Riley McIntire of Toledo, OH were married July 31, 2018 on Hilton Head Island, SC. Evan’s parents are Scott Goyetche of Westlake, OH and Dawn Louise Coleman. Suzanne Goyetche honoured with tourism award Suzanne Goyetche of Cochrane, AB has been honoured with the 2017 AMMY Award for Travel Counselling Excellance at the Alberta Visitor Information Providers Conference. The awards, named in honour of Alberta’s official gemstone — Ammolite, recognize achievements of Alberta visitor service providers. The award presented to Suzanne recognizes individual travel counsellors who have shown dedication and passion in delivering exceptional customer experiences in providing convenient, relevant and innovative visitor services. She was honoured “for going above and beyond with visitors to make sure their experience is a memorable one. Whether it’s helping tired bikers or assisting stranded travellers, Suzanne provides outstanding support.” Schiller named to Hall of Fame Two of the fastest men on turf entered the Rochester Knighthawks Hall of Fame on April 30, 2016. Chris Schiller, whose wife is Jennifer (Goyetche) Schiller (daughter of Gerald & Lynda Goyetche), and teammate Pat McCready became only the seventh and eighth defensemen to receive the honor. During their days in Rochester, the duo combined to play 18 seasons and contributed to the franchise’s first three championships. Chris and Jennifer now make their home in Fort Mill, South Carolina with daughters Bryn, Aubrie and Brooklyn. Chris Goyetche & partner cited for bravery The following story appeared in the Calgary and Toronto Sun newspapers on January 23, 2012. Noting the bravery of two Calgary cops who risked their lives to save four others, a city judge on Monday sentenced a man to four years for arson. “But for the bravery of these two police officers and their instant actions, it is highly likely there would’ve been a catastrophic loss of life in this case,” provincial court Judge Harry Van Harten said. “The phrase ‘they barely made it out alive,’ aptly describes the tenants, their pets and the police officers, because the house was fully engulfed when the fire department arrived.” Const. Mark Reast and Const. Chris Goyetche raced into a three-unit condo complex last Sept. 14, when they became aware the building was on fire. Reast was able to break into the top floor unit where he was able to rescue the female occupants who had taken refuge in the bathroom, while Goyetche helped a woman and her elderly mother flee the basement suite. Four family members complete Ironman Four Goyetche family members completed the 2007 Ironman Canada Triathlon in Penticton, BC on August 26th. They included Chris Goyetche of Calgary, AB who finished in 14 hours 10 minutes 48 seconds; Marieka Goyetche, also of Calgary, AB who completed the course in 14 hours 45 minutes 27 seconds; and husband and wife Brett & Dana Phillips. Dana's time was 12 hours 33 minutes 47 seconds and Brett finished in 12 hours 6 minutes 55 seconds. Dana is the daughter of Bev (Goyetche) Tanner of Halifax, NS. Competitors in the Ironman Canada are required to swim a 2.4 mile course, followed by a 112 mile bike ride and then run a 26.2 mile marathon. Soldiers' life-saving actions commended Two soldiers received the Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff Commendation this fall for actions they took to save the lives of two Eritrean civilians suffering from gunshot wounds. Corporal Daphne Goyetche, a platoon medic, and Master Corporal (then Cpl) Michael Hawthorn, served with the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group during Task Force East Africa (TFEA). On February 13, 2001, a group of Eritrean civilians approached the remote platoon camp at Tsorena, an abandoned village in the midst of the Temporary Security Zone. Two of the group, a young boy of about fourteen and his father, had suffered severe gunshot wounds. Both had lost substantial blood and the wounds were infected.The boy was in danger of losing his life. Cpl Goyetche recognized the urgency of the situation and began immediate treatment, calling for a medical evacuation using Canadian and Dutch assets. Cpl Hawthorn, using his previous training as a paramedic, assisted in the initial treatment and stabilization of the wounded. Both soldiers remained with the injured as Cpl Goyetche directed the evacuation until the ambulance cross-over point where she assisted the Company Medical Officer, Captain Rob Hiemstra in the resuscitation of the boy. Capt Hiemstra said the soldiers' actions were instrumental in saving the boy's life and preventing further injury to the man. From the November 20, 2002 issue of "The Maple Leaf", a Canadian Forces newsletter.

Fondly Remembered

Diana Leann Goyetche (Purcell)

Diana Leann Goyetche, who entered the world with a mischievous twinkle in her eye on July 21, 1970, in the scenic city of Halifax, NS, decided to take her final curtain call on March 8, 2025, in the same hometown. With a life as colorful and vibrant as her crafts, Diana’s story is one to be told with a smile as bright as her personality, and perhaps a chuckle or two, because that's how she would've wanted it. Diana, a natural force of joy much like the nature she adored, lived her life with the kind of enthusiasm that could put the Energizer Bunny to shame. She had a knack for collecting not just trinkets and seashells, but also hearts and laughs. Her art was beautiful and sometimes dark as was her sense of humor, each piece a testament to her belief that life is what you glue together from the odds and ends. Her love story with her husband, Chris Purcell, was the kind of romance comedians poke fun at because it set the bar too high. They were partners in both love and laughter, navigating the wild journey of life and fishing boats that made even the toughest days feel like a sitcom scene they'd eventually laugh about. The legacy of her laughter lives on in her kids, Angela Shanks and Eric Shanks, who inherited her wit and rebellious nature and Corwin Salsman, who definitely got her kindness and love for animals. And let's not forget the grandkids, Chase Carpenter and Dahlia Hudson, who were her favorite audience, always eager for grandma's encore performances. Her departure was a peaceful adieu to a life well-lived and well-loved. Diana's absence will be felt deeply, but her spirit, much like her infamous hidden object games and riddles, will continue to be found in the most unexpected places, bringing joy and a burst of laughter when least expected. So here's to Diana Leann Goyetche, a remarkable woman who taught us that life doesn't have to be taken so seriously, and that even in the end, it's okay to leave them laughing.

Shirley Anne George

It is with deep sadness that we, the grandchildren of Shirley Anne George, announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Mémé on October 2, 2022, at the Strait Richmond Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on May 28, 1937, to the late Anita and Godfrey Fougere. Mémé was the epitome of strength. She faced all of life’s challenges with determination and she never complained. Wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend - mémé truly excelled in all those roles. She lived a life always in service to others and her devotion to her family was unequaled. This was especially true when it came to her grandchildren. There is nothing she wouldn’t do for us. She had a magic freezer that was always stocked with our favourites no matter when you stopped by for a visit. Mémé was guided by a deep faith and in turn, her candles and prayers shepherded us through hard times. Being around mémé made everything better. Her memory will live on through those left behind - husband Eldon, daughters Marlene (Garfield) Greene, Karen (Greg) Power, Lorna (Rex) Barnes, and sons Robert (Theresa) and David (Trinia); 10 grandchildren - Tim (Jeremy), Tanya (Steve), Ashley (Mike), Steven (Meghan), Stephanie (Ian), Natasha (Shane), Matthew, Mallory (Tristin), Danielle (Bryden) and Renée (Dustin); 14 great-grandchildren, sister Leona, brother Robbie (Anne), and sisters- in-law Lucille, Jeannette, Elaine, and Margaret. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her son Leslie, brothers Alex and Bishop Vernon Fougere, brothers- in-law Amos, Albert, Kenny, Hermie, and George; sister-in-law Kay. Our mémé was deeply admired by all that had the pleasure of knowing her. She was a devoted member of the CWL and we loved to accompany her “to the hall” where she expertly prepared meals for others. In 1955, she married her steadfast partner of almost 67 years, and together they built a beautiful family that we all considered ourselves so lucky to be a part of. Because of her, we believe family is everything and comes above all else.

David Thomas Goyetche

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of David Thomas Goyetche, age 81 of Arichat, that occurred at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital in Antigonish on August 8, 2022 Born in 1941 in Arichat, Nova Scotia, he moved to Newfoundland in 1958. While in Newfoundland he went to trade school for welding. He became a nuclear welder which gave him the opportunity to travel. David is survived by his daughters, Tracey L. Kirkpatrick of Cayce, South Carolina and Susan Goyetche of Hamilton, Ontario; grandson, Caleb A. Kirkpatrick of Charleston, South Carolina; nephews Michael Goyetche and Jamie Goyetche; great niece Charlotte and great nephew Matthew. Besides his parents, he was predeceased his son Dustin; brother Raymond and sister-in-law Francis.

Mary Loretta (Goyetche) Marchand

Mary Loretta Marchand, 97, of Louisdale, Nova Scotia, died at home in the loving care of her daughter Evelyn and son-in-law Leon on August 3, 2022. Born in Louisdale on May 25, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Leda (Marchand) Goyetche. A life-long resident of Louisdale, she was the eldest resident in the village at the time of her death. The last surviving member of her immediate family, she is survived by three children, Evelyn (Leon) Landry, Derek (Betty Ann) Marchand, and Lester (Sheldon) Marchand; along with four grandchildren, Barry (Sonya) Landry, Danielle (Bruce) Tarrant, Gilles (Christa) Marchand, and Craig (Jessica) Marchand; and four great-grandchildren Kailey (Brandon) Landry, Tyler (Jenna) Landry, Quinn, and Mya Marchand. Over her many years, and with people from near and far, she was part of creating many unique moments and fond memories. She was well-loved.a Lynch; and her precious great- grandchildren, Sullivan, Megan and Tyler Clattenburg, Jake, Carson and Cohen Dodge, Grace Corbett and Violet Smith. She is also survived by her former son-in- law, Murray Edmunds and sisters-in-law, Joyce Martell and Olive Martell. Margaret was predeceased by her devoted husband, Raymond Alexander who waited a long 22 years to dance and play cards again with his beloved Margaret.

Evan and Hannah welcome new addition Evan and Hannah Goyetche of Toledo, OH welcome a new addition to the family. Their daughter, Jane Madyson, was born May 19, 2021.