The family and friends of Joseph Gaughan are mourning his loss this week, but despite the passing of a man many years before his time, friends and co-workers are decidedly upbeat in their remembrances.
A friend, and 101.9 ROCK afternoon drive host, Bryan Floyd took to social media after learning of the passing of Gaughan. "It’s with a very heavy heart that I say goodbye to a great friend today," wrote Floyd, adding, "Joseph was one of the first people I met when I moved to North Bay four years ago. I remember thinking to myself, 'I hope everyone here is as great as this guy.' Needless to say, Joe and I hit it off immediately."
Floyd organized a GoFundMe page benefitting Gaughan when the diagnosis of late stage lung cancer was made by doctors in North Bay after Gaughan had presented with what he thought was a case of appendicitis. Gaughan also developed a blood clot in his leg, making both breathing and mobility challenges. He was forced to quit both of his jobs as he faced the fight of his life. To compound matters, Gaughan was still grieving the recent loss of his father.
The cancer was too far advanced, and Gaughan ultimately succumbed only months later. Floyd has said that the money raised will be used to help defer funeral costs with the remainder to be donated to charity in Gaughan's honour.
Praise of Gaughan's kind nature and insatiable desire to learn resonated from his peers. The native of Windsor, Ont., had moved north to pursue his passion for radio.
Veteran radio man Bob Coles posted in Gaughan's memory: "Joe was our operator for most of our road (Battalion) games last season as well having an on-air role. The three years before he got us on the air and kept us on the air. It's really a team approach to do 68 games plus playoffs every season and Joe played a big role. And has been said he was a heck of a nice guy. We will all miss you. My condolences to Joe's family and friends."
A former co-worker and friend, Matthew Sookram had fond memories of Gaughan, as well. "It was hilarious to watch him manning the station in his own way, but he was a wizard at it. I know his passion was to be on air and to see him go from being the guy behind the scenes to hearing him on the air gave you that sense of 'that's a guy who worked hard and deserved that spot.' He was the ultimate perfectionist. He was at his best when that pressure was on and he thrived at everything he did."
Floyd summed up his feelings about his fallen friend with, " Anyone who works THAT hard, putting as much passion and pride into their work as Joe, has to be an excellent role model. I’m proud to say that Joe was much more to me than a friend and co-worker, he taught me to be better, to keep pushing and always improving. I've always looked up to Joe and I always will!"
