Gerald Craig McGovern

Gerald Craig McGovern, 65, of Canoga Park, Los Angeles County, CA, a retired financial executive, died November 7 at UCLA West Valley Hospital and Medical Center in West Hills, California after fifty years of fighting the ravages of epilepsy.

Born in Encino, California, he was the seventh son of Charles L. McGovern and Doris E. Bowen McGovern. Raised in Southern California, he spent forty some years settled in the Sonoma County area, which he loved dearly.

Gerald is a direct descendant of one of the founders of Rhode Island-Roger Williams of Providence, Rhode Island (1604-1676) as well as William Brewster of the Mayflower (1563-1644). Over twenty of Gerald’s grandfathers/GG Grandfathers, etc. served or fought in the Revolutionary War.

Gerald leaves behind nine siblings, Michael C. McGovern of Mission Viejo, CA; Robert B. McGovern of Sequim, Washington, the late Honorable Brian Paul McGovern; Carolyn G.

McGovern-Bowen, PhD, of El Dorado Hills, CA; Diane E. Lilienthal, of El Dorado Hills, CA; Stephen T. McGovern of Warren, OH; Jonathan C. McGovern of Emmett ID; Christopher G. McGovern of Camarillo, CA; Sheila E. McGovern of Whittier, CA; Daniel R: McGovern of Quartz Hill, CA, and countless nieces and nephews.

Gerald, a kind, compassionate, and sociable soul was much loved by his extended family and esteemed by his colleagues. His quick-witted humor, bordering on wry or even sly was part of his charm. Be it hiking through the redwood forests, strolling coastal Mendocino, whipping up a gourmet meal, absorbing the arts, cultivating his garden, or simply settled in a chair with a good book, Gerald lived life with gusto!

Gerald, like his mother before him, has New England saltwater flowing through his veins courtesy of his ancestors, who were whalers, sailors, and merchantmen as well as sea captains. Services will be private as Gerald joins his ancestors off the coast of California.

Contributions to the Epilepsy Foundation are welcomed at:

https://www.epilepsy.com