Tribute

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Travis Wayne McDonough on February 13, 2022. Travis was born May 24, 1942, in Boise, Idaho, and grew up in Twin Falls, Idaho, where early on he took an interest in music, which would become his lifelong passion and career. Upon graduating from Twin Falls High School, he enrolled in the US Navy reserves and despite an offer from Annapolis Naval Academy, he decided to stay closer to home and attend the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho. Travis enjoyed his years at university, earning a teaching degree, playing in the university band, taking workshops with and meeting jazz greats like Duke Ellington and Doc Severinson. Once Travis had finished university, he enrolled in the US Navy as an officer; he was stationed in San Francisco, becoming a lieutenant on the destroyer USS Cowell patrolling the west coast of North America. It was in San Francisco and a chance meeting at a house party with a Canadian girl in town for the weekend named Patricia Coyle that altered his life forever. Months after meeting, Travis and Patricia were married. Patricia promptly moved to San Francisco and the love story began. After Travis finished his service in the navy, he refocused on music, taking a job in the Dalles, Oregon, where he taught band at the high school and Patricia worked at a local bank. In 1971, looking for a change, Travis and Patricia moved to Powell River and Travis would teach music at Brooks Secondary School. Patricia and Travis quickly immersed themselves in the community, began to raise a family and Travis became a Canadian citizen. Travis was a builder of the music program in Powell River, teaching at every school in the district. Throughout his 37-year career, he taught many students, with some going on to professional music careers. In his later years Travis continued playing trumpet in many bands and most recently in the Powell River Community Band and the jazz group Retro. He was also a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus for many years, involved in the Catholic church, and volunteered with local sports including coaching soccer. Travis is survived by his sister Ruth Martin, brother William McDonough (Carol McDonough), sons Chris McDonough (Kerensa Haynes) and Michael McDonough, grandson Mason McDonough and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Thanks to all the doctors and nurses in Powell River General Hospital and Richmond General Hospital who took care of Travis in his final days.