Roderick Francis Googoo

1951 - 2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Roderick Googoo, which occurred Friday, February 6, 2026. Roderick has moved on to the spirit world to reunite with loved ones that passed before him.

Born on October 26, 1951, Roderick was a lifetime member of Eskasoni Lunekati. A proud member at that!

Roderick served his community with pride. A volunteer fireman for many years, he carried that role with dignity and honour.

A very humble man who lived his life to provide for others, he carried a sense of love for community, our People, his wife and children, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends.

He had so much pride in his yard, that he worked to a point of obsession to ensure that it was constantly neat and tidy; a place for his many grandchildren to play and make memories of their grandfather, aka Dad. Roderick loved all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; in fact, the love he gave them will be something that they will cherish for all of Eternity. This love has no bounds.

Speaking of family, Roderick built a work family at the Eskasoni Market, where he worked as a security guard, then later as a delivery driver and greeter. A big thank you to all of you who enriched our dad’s day, made his work fun, and became his family away from home. We thank all his friends at Tim Horton’s who became a part of our Dad’s life and brightened his days. Roderick also served the community as a Hospital Taxi driver for the community for many years.

As a proud greeter to all those who entered the Eskasoni Market, he did so with a beautiful smile; a smile that went right to his kind eyes. Eyes that were full of humour, pride and love.

Speaking of love, Roderick was married to Christene Googoo for 41 years, and it is safe to say that the love they carry for each other will reach the heavens. Roderick was a devout Catholic and a member of the Eskasoni Holy Family Parish.

After a diagnosis with dementia, Roderick did not forget his community, that’s for sure! As he made it a mandate to go for walk daily and becoming a master at evading our watch. The community of Eskasoni all pulled together to make sure our Dad was safe on his adventures. It’s safe to say there were different cars daily pulling in to bring him home safe, we thank you Eskasoni from the bottom of our hearts.

Roderick’s favourite past time was cruising the streets of Eskasoni. He would point at many places along the way, remembering friends and family. That was his favourite thing to do. “Turn it up”; the music could probably be heard throughout Eskasoni, so when you hear this song, think of my Husband, our Dad, our Granddad, our Brother, Cousin, Uncle, Godfather and Friend:

“Freedom’s just another word for, nothin’ left to lose

Nothing, don’t mean nothing, honey if it ain’t free,

Yeah, feeling good was easy, Lord, when he sang the blues

You known feeling good was good enough for me

Good enough for me and My Bobby McGee”

- Bobby McGee (his favourite song)

Roderick is survived by his wife, Christene; children, Nanora, Tillie (Chris), David (Brenda), Debbie, Amanda (Gary), Milos (Chad), Molly (Donnie), Roderick Jr, Barbara (Alfred); sisters, Barbara (Steve), Doreen, Florence, Linda; 55 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; godchildren, Ekkian Dennis, Vincent Googoo, Catherine Gould; chosen children, Kenneth John, Cameron, Michael Jr., Clifford, Rylie, Bobby, Katelyn and Chad.

He was predeceased by his parents, Roddie and Matilda (Dennis) Googoo; sons, Francis, Chico, Clifford; brothers, Robert, Raymond, Ryan, Kenny; sisters, Susie Jane, Mary Isabel, Annie Bridget, Clara, Sheila, Rose Ann, Laura, Anita; and grandchildren Caitlin, Jontay, Sophia, Chrisander and Micah.

Visitation will take place starting on Saturday, February 14th at 11 a.m. at the Gabriel Centre in Eskasoni. A second visitation will take place on Sunday, February 15th starting after 4 p.m. at We’koq’maq Community Centre, 15 Reservation Rd., We’koq’maq. Funeral Mass will take place at 10 a.m. on Monday, February 16th at Blessed St. Kateri Holy Trinity Church, We’koq’maq with Fr. Joby Augustin officiating. A salite will follow.

Funeral 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