Hubert "Hubie" Goggins passed peacefully to heaven on Monday, March 22, 2009.
He was surrounded by family and friends. He died in the same house he was born in 90 years ago. He was born Oct. 19, 1918, in the family home in Havre where he resided all his life. He was proud of his Irish and Norwegian heritage. He was the son of William Goggins and Anna Hustad Goggins. Hubie attended St. Jude grade school and graduated from Havre High School in 1936. He was a lifelong member of St. Jude parish where he married Virginia Erickson of Saco, Mont., on June 5, 1943. They shared 58 happy years together, and he was looking forward to seeing her again. He was a World War II veteran, serving with the U.S. Army in Europe from 1943 to 1946. He spent his entire career as a "rail," starting with the Great Northern Railroad in 1938 and worked up to engineer, running steam locomotives and eventually diesels. He retired as an Amtrak engineer in 1983. He enjoyed his job, "the best job in the world," and was well respected by coworkers. His favorite place was the Bears Paw Mountains, and he spent many weekends camping there, fishing and sharing good times with family and friends. He appreciated birds and enjoyed watching them and feeding the many that made his yard their home. He was a 50-year member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks and until recently an active member of the mall walking group. He was an avid reader and kept abreast of current events. He had a great memory, and true to his Irish nature could tell great stories of early railroad days or share his latest joke with you. His life was enriched by many friends of all ages. He will be sorely missed by all those who knew and loved him. Survivors include his son, Tim Goggins of Havre; daughter, Susan Goggins Pemberton (Cliff) of Portland, Ore.; grandson, Mark Coxen of Phoenix Ariz.; granddaughter, Christa Read (Rick) of Portland, Ore.; great-grandchildren, Bryson and Julia Read of Portland and Haley and Tyler of Phoenix; sisters-in-law, Maxine Anderson of Billings, Mont., and Doris Erickson of Sidney, Mont. He is also survived by many, many cherished nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Virginia; brothers, William, James, Philip; and sisters, Loretta Hayes, Virginia Williams and Margaret Corinne Goggins. The vigil service will be held at Holland & Bonine Funeral Home, Thursday, March 26, at 7 p. m. The funeral Mass will be held at St. Jude Catholic Church, Friday, March 27, at 11 a. m. Burial with veteran honors will be held at the Calvary Section of Highland Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Thaddeus School. Services and arrangements have been entrusted to Holland & Bonine Funeral Home.
