Henry Joseph Googoo
Passed on: April 29th, 2018
Henry Joseph Googoo, age 64 of Waycobah First Nation, passed away at his home in Waycobah surrounded by family and friends on Sunday, April 29, 2018. Born in Wagmatcook, Henry was a son of the late Peter Googoo and Caroline (Isadore) Bernard of (Wagmatcook/Afton) and foster son of the late Michael and Ellen (Sylliboy) Googoo of (Waycobah).
Left to mourn are his loving wife, Eglantine; sister-in-law and caregiver, Gaby MacDonald and the Burton family of Margaree. He is also survived by his children, Olivia (Junior), Shannon (Michael), Lesley, Leanne, Kathleen, all of Waycobah, Dawn (Steve), Cow Bay, Jessica, Dartmouth, Buffy (Dakota), Potlotek; sisters, Barbara, New Hampshire, USA, Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Googoo, Lollie Poulette, Eunice Bernard, Nancy Bernard (John Basque), all of Paqtnkek, Sharon (John) Lafford, Eskasoni, Sheila Ann Bernard (Jerome Watson), Antigonish, Anna K. (Francis) Pierro, Wagmatcook, Geraldine Paul, Waycobah, Bridget, Potlotek, Matilda (Frank) Fanny MacDonald, Elmsdale; brothers, Bernie (Phyllis) Googoo, Waycobah, Freeman Francis, Wagmatcook; grandchildren, Shawn, Luke, Carly, Mise’l, Becky, Alexa, Von, Pierce, Joy, Chance, Sully, Ian, Deanna, Lacey, John, Tobey, Joseph, Shelly, Kyra, Ava; special little friend, Payson, Wagmatcook; best friends, Francis ‘Babes’ Pierro, Wayne Davis, David Lamb, Mathew Ingraham, Ernest Johnson, Douglas Denny; godchildren, Adrian ‘Son’ Googoo, Elliot Gould, Trina Khatter, Andromada Julian, Sabrina Denny, Leanne Francis, Donnie Googoo, Donald Googoo Jr., Liam Bernard.
He was predeceased by brothers, Donald, Alex R., Ryan J., Wayne, Gabriel, Stanley, all of Waycobah, William, of Millbrook; sisters, Mary Bernard, Waycobah, Germaine Martin, Millbrook; grandson, Jacob, Waycobah; son-in-law, Dean Clark.
In Maine, Henry was a well-respected lease holder of blueberry fields where he employed many workers from Cape Breton Mi’kmaw Communities. His love of the blueberry harvest was a very memorable part of his life. As a tradesman, Henry turned a hand to any job. He proudly held licenses in trucking, heavy machinery and mechanics. He was a driver of Waycobah Fisheries plant workers. He loved his Mi’kmaw Culture, language and community. He took great pride in being a part of the annual Moose Harvest with his family and later with the Wagmatcook Youth Moose Camp. He served 18 years as councillor with Waycobah Band Council, where he helped his community members. Among Henry’s strengths was the ability to mentor young people in carpentry, mechanics, hunting and fishing. While living in Margaree, he made many friends and introduced them to his Mi’kmaw Culture. He had a gift of making friends and treating everyone equally. His gift of storytelling was enjoyed by all. When Henry met Eglantine, he considered Margaree Valley his home and in 2018 they were married in Baddeck. Henry lived a simple humble life with strong faith in God. He was a good man, father, grandfather, godfather, uncle, brother and husband. He loved his children and grandchildren dearly. Henry’s story cannot be told without mentioning his dog, Oliver who was his constant loyal companion to the very end. Family and friends described Henry as the type of person you met once and he touched your heart forever.
Special thanks to Dr. Ritter, Dr. Chow, Dr. Genge, Dr. Codat and the nursing staff of the Victoria County Memorial Hospital, Baddeck and the nurses at the Waycobah Health Center (Debbie and Shannon).
Visitation will begin after 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Multi-Purpose Building, 160 Reservation Rd., Waycobah. Henry will then be transferred to Wagmatcook Elder’s Center, 57B Fishery Rd., Wagmatcook with visitation beginning after 6 p.m. on Thursday. Funeral Mass will be 2 p.m. Saturday from Queen of the World Parish, Wagmatcook with Father Angus MacDougall officiating. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Dennis Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Whycocomagh.
Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com.
