Nicholas McGovern

Nicholas Robert McGovern, 50 Nicholas Robert McGovern, 50, of Ashland, passed away Wednesday, June 22 at his home. He was born on December 13, 1965 in Ashland to Barbara McGovern and the late Robert McGovern. Nick graduated from Hillsdale High School in 1983. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Ashland University and a Master’s Degree in Education from Ohio State University, after which he taught sixth grade for four years at Lakota Schools. However Nick was always first and foremost a musician. He left teaching to pursue that passion. He played in several bands, solo, and as a studio musician. Nick also had a lifelong passion for running, from his early days at Hillsdale, through his more recent years when he was training with aspirations to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Until his untimely death Wednesday, Nick loved to share his passions for knowledge, music, and running with those around him. He brought happiness and joy to those he met through music and song. To those who knew him and could call him friend or family, the joy of his song pales next to the joy brought by the content of his character and the gentleness of his soul. In addition to his mother Barbara, Nick is survived by his sister Brigid McGovern of Columbus; his brother James McGovern of Orlando, Florida; and his sister and brother-in-law, Tara and Carl Talsma of Copley. He also has nine nieces and nephews on whom he doted relentlessly: Natasha, Dominic, Trinity, and Daniel Mattox; Nissa, Samantha, and Grace McGovern; and Cassidy and Jeremiah Talsma; as well as his dear friend, Dawn Bender; father of the Mattox nieces and nephews, Paul Mattox; and mother of the McGovern nieces, Susan McGovern. Friends may call, Tuesday, June 28, 2016 in the Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home, 313 Center Street, Ashland Ohio from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A memorial celebration of Nick’s life will be held on Friday, July 15, 2016, from 3:00-7:00 p.m. at the Ashland County Wildlife Conservation Farm at 1930 Co. Rd. 1035. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ashland Symphony Orchestra, Music Education Fund, 401 College Avenue, Ashland, OH 44805. For those who may not be able to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com. Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.