GAUG, Nicholas
"Nick Gaug''
After a long and hard fought struggle with many ailments and failing senses, through which he never complained, our beloved husband and father, Nick Gaug, joined his parents, Sebastian and Magdalena, and elder brother John (Barbara), on the other side, where all questions are answered.
He is survived by his beloved wife Ann (nee Primusz), the children who drove him up the wall, Mike, Ron (Jane), and Carol (Steve), and his grandson Mitch with whom he spent many an hour in the basement workshop, together crafting all manner of nefarious machines.
Nick was an artist who loved colour, music, carving and learning. He loved his talking books, and until the very end they led him to ask us questions about geography, history, science, the meanings of words, and most especially, who wrote one of the thousands of pieces of music playing in his head - all of which he could sing or whistle faultlessly.
He was also fearless. In 1932, at the age of 4, he took passage from Romania, by himself, on train and ship, to join his parents in Canada. Of this daunting voyage he simply said that it was the best time of his life. He added, "I've lived a very full life. I've seen and done things most people can't even imagine. What more could I possibly ask for?" Throughout his life, his actions taught us that there was nothing to fear, nothing we could not do, and no limit to how much and how long we could endure.
He could, and did, talk to anyone and everyone. Wherever he was, his open and curious nature drew him to ask questions, which frequently led to being included in the adventures of people he had just met. They trusted him because it was clear that behind the questions was an honest interest in, and appreciation of, the lives and activities of all those he encountered. Now he has embarked on the greatest adventure of all.
We would like to express our profound gratitude to Joanie Carignan and her fellow nurses at the CLSC Longueuil-Ouest for their care and devotion to our father, far above and beyond anything we could have possibly imagined. Nurses are all that keep our health care system from disintegrating, and they deserve our utmost gratitude, respect and support.
We would also like to thank the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) for all of their assistance programs, and most especially for their Talking Books, which kept Nick endlessly entertained, and always listening for the mailman.
As Nick didn't want any fuss or ceremonies we simply ask that you remember him, and in lieu of flowers please send donations to the CNIB or CELA (Centre for Equitable Library Access)."
