Obituary of Clevester Gooch Jr.

Clevester Gooch Jr. (affectionately known as Cleve, Jr., or Junebug), was born on December 15th, 1960 in Detroit, Michigan and passed away on Tuesday, January 17th, 2023. Clevester impacted so many people in different ways. Whether it was support for his fellow union members at Ford motor company from which he had just recently retired after 30 years of diligent service, putzing around in the garage from morning until night with his son, multiple trips to Macon, Georgia to spend quality time with family, sharing a peaceful afternoon boating down the Detroit river with his family, camping many times a year with family and friends (including lugging everything he could from home to the camping sites) or his never-ending pursuit of a new home or car project - he was always moving, and always giving of himself to those around him. If he was here right now he would tell anyone and everyone to ‘seize the day!’. Cleve and Kathy had a special bond and love for one another that brought so much joy and sunshine. Not everyone gets to experience a love like theirs in a lifetime. They lived life with purpose and passion, making memories and seizing each day together. His cousin shared some beautiful words surrounding his role as a father. “As painful and difficult as this is to process, find rest in knowing that even as he is transitioning today on this MLK Day, and just as MLK had a dream, so did your father - His dream was you three. You’ve always been his biggest dream.” His grandchildren were the center of his heart, forever thinking of ways to put them to work, make them smile, spend quality time teaching life lessons and giving them “money from Papa’s stash” of singles (which quickly grew to twenties as they grew). He was either on the floor playing with his grandchildren, in the yard doing work or bouncing around the babies on his knee. His role as Papa to all four of his grands was his greatest joy. He was affectionately known as “The Mayor” of Curry Avenue, always lending a spare hand to his neighbors, whether it was working on their vehicles, shoveling driveways, cutting lawns or friendly/neighborly Christmas decorating competitions during the holidays. He is survived by his soulmate and bestfriend; Kathy Fogolin, his beloved mother Rosebud Gooch, children; Jennifer Day (Reginald), Tiffany Gooch (Kyle), and Joshua Gooch. Dedicated and devoted stepfather to Vanessa and Robert Fogolin. Grandchildren; Nevaeh, Nathanael, Lawrence, and Laila. Sisters; Mary Louis Gooch and Barbara Ann Gooch, and his brother Ondre Gooch (Olivia). Sisters-in-law; Karen Shantz (Warren), Connie Cairns, and Carol Attenborough (Brian). Adorned by a multitude of friends, family and neighbors from near and far, including Georgia, Michigan, Singapore and Ontario. Preceded in death by his father Clevester Gooch Sr., sisters Mary Alice Gooch and Barbara Jean Gooch, grandmother Savannah Lockhart. Father and mother-in-law Jack and Pat Hill. An immense amount of gratitude goes out to Windsor EMS, Crown transportation, the entire staff and volunteers of the Hospice of Windsor and Essex County, Dr. Bagga, and Simply Choice Cremation Centre for their timely and empathetic care, concern and support. The family honored Clevester in the way he wanted - intimate, with family by his side in lieu of a memorial. As per his wishes, cremation has taken place. His homegoing was beautiful and oh so peaceful, filled with worship unto the Father. It is our hope, in whatever way he may have touched you, you’ll take his loving and hardworking way of life with you. As he would say, “Just keep living”. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Hospice of Windsor and Essex County would be greatly appreciated by the family.