Robert “Bob” Gove (79) passed away suddenly on December 2, 2023, after struggling for many years with Alzheimer’s disease.
Bob spent his youth involved in boy scouts, canoeing, family camping trips to Voyageurs National Park and the Quetico Provincial Park, go cart racing, falconry and adopting every wild critter he could capture. The family also spent many vacations with the Bradley family in Le Mars, Iowa where Bob was born. Bob’s early years were spent in Herman, MN and later grew up in Wayzata, MN. He pursued a passion for biking and cross-country skiing which he competed in competitively. He also served in the army reserves.
Bob’s love of the outdoors led to him becoming an avid hunter of upland game birds and subsequently fell in love with his first Irish Setter. In 1996 he made the mistake of going to a horseback field trial. He ran while everyone else rode. His third-place ribbon got him hooked on his biggest passion – horse back field trials. He devoted constant hours to the sport, training, campaigning, and breeding Red Setters. He won nearly 20 National Red Setter Championships and several Regional Championships as well as numerous dog of the year of the awards and had two of his dogs inducted into the Field Trial Hall of Fame. He worked tirelessly to promote the sport, serving simultaneously as president of the National Red Setter Club and the Northwest Field Association. He filled every role with these organizations as needed for 50 years.
Bob’s degree was in Biology, and he began his career at Hennepin County Park Reserve District (Three Rivers Park Districts) where he served for 28 years. He started as the Public Information Officer, which was perfect for utilizing his skills in photography. He moved up in the organization to Naturalist, Director and ultimately Director of Public Safety. He instigated the mounted patrol program and was instrumental in getting field trials on the park grounds.
In 1982 he met his beloved wife Katherine when she was hired as a Park Ranger on the mounted patrol. Together they formed an inseparable team, enjoying the same passion for the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, field trialing, farming, and travelling filled their days. Their favorite trip included an African safari, but other highlights included Alaska, Australia, the Amazon rain forest, the Caribbean, and the National Parks. Both shared a love for historical sites and made many trips to the Mayan ruins in Mexico and Central America.
Bob’s love of the outdoors and nature was always the driving force in his life, from his career to his hobbies. He is preceded in death by his mother Constance (Bradley) Gove, Father Robert Gove, brothers Michael, David, and Willard, and many of his beloved dog family including Fling, Lefty, Buns, Shorty, Bella, and Binny, Survived by wife Katherine Gove, nee Hartnett and many loving extended family members.
Family and friends are welcome to attend a celebration of life, which will be held, on December 12, 2023, at French Regional Park, Oakwood Room, 12605 Rockford Road, Plymouth, MN 55441. Visitation at 11:00, remembrance ceremony at 11:30 followed by lunch.
In lieu of flowers or gifts please consider a Donation to the Alzheimer’s Association
