Click the button above to use our online form to submit a memory of Andy Gove or scroll down to read memories submitted by others. Click here to learn more about Gove’s memoir, The Life of a Maine Lobsterman—82 Years on the Water or click here to learn more about the Eight Ways to Fish DVD that features Andy Gove.

By Gary Guptill

I met Andy when I worked for Connor’s Bros. I was running herring from the Stonington area to the plant in Blacks Harbour. We became friends and, as we were both lobster and herring fishermen, had many common interests. He invited me down to the lobster boat races so one year my wife Carole and I went. We were hooked by Rose and Andy’s hospitality and genuine love of friends. We have visited many times since and they visited us once in Grand Manan. I very much appreciated Andy’s invitation to race with him on several occasions and have great memories of those races. He appreciated the sardines we brought and immediately assigned them to a spot in the basement. We spoke often on the phone and Andy always had a joke for me. We miss those visits.

By Julie Eaton

Andy Gove was certainly an iconic Maine character!!! I knew Andy best from the Maine lobster boat races. A good man with a heart of gold, Andy was always ready with a joke (not always clean but ALWAYS funny) and he would gladly give you the shirt off his back it you needed it! After winning World's Fastest Boat Afloat in Stonington one year, he won a motorized ice chest. (We are very creative in Maine!) I remember watching him take off sitting on it and ride it all the way home! I believe wheelies might have been involved as well. I also remember waving him over early one morning when my boat wouldn't start as he was headed out to haul. Without hesitation, Andy stopped by and offered any help he could. Although I didn't know it at the time, he watched from his house for days making sure that I got home safely after that. I am grateful to have known Andy: the racer, the jokester and the kind hearted man. He touched my life and taught me lessons I will never forget.

By Sheila Dassett

Andrew and Rose were good friends of my folks, Corliss and Lillian Holland. This story goes back quite a few years. They all decided to go to Eagle Island to camp out and stay over. When the beer ran out, Dad and a friend went back to Deer Isle for more. Then the fog set in, so they stayed in Deer Isle until morning, leaving Andrew with all of the ladies at the Island. In the morning, when they rowed into the beach, they looked for everyone and couldn’t find them. When they went back to the skiff, the oars were missing and they saw my mother running at them with a clam hoe!

Dad jumped into the skiff and tried paddling with his hands! We asked Andrew to tell this story at Mum and Dad’s 50th wedding anniversary and he did, eloquently! Andrew was such a good sport and told the story well! Everyone loved it.

By Sue Buxton

Where to begin.... Andrew and Rose are two of the most genuine and loving couples we know. We’ve had the pleasure of spending a great deal of time with them, much of which on the ocean that we all covet. With Pete having finished “Uncle’s UFO” we did all the race boat circuits with them for many years. During one overnight stay at Cap’n Fishes in Boothbay Harbor, I had come across a fake dog bun (as Rose refers to it when telling the story) in one of the gift shops. Everyone knows Andrew and Rose love a good joke, comical cards, and pranks.... So I purchased, and hid the bun alongside of their bed in the hotel room. What a riot! Rose first found it, declaring she knew she’d been smelling something, and made Andrew go clean it up. With paper towel in hand, Uncle gagged terribly through picking it up and wandering around the room looking for what to do with it. Till he read “made in China” stamped on the bottom. Needless to say there was lots of laughing, and the bun made its rounds that entire weekend. Melvin and Janet Hutchinson had come with their van and we all had a wonderful time riding here and there together....simply priceless memories with treasured friends. I have “laughed out loud” hysterically while writing this - and ended with crying. Much love sent to all.

By Peter Buxton

Where to begin.

I’ve known of Andrew since grade school when my best friend Stuart Hutchinson would talk of Uncle’s fishing and flying exploits. I really got to know him well though when he asked me to finish off his 36 Northern Bay which became “Uncle’s UFO.” I liked what someone else said about how Andrew would make everyone he knew feel like they were his most “special“ friend. He really made you feel that way and not because it wasn’t true.

I spent 4 years going to every lobster boat race in the state and also fishing with him as a fill in every now and then. We had great times.

Once when we were steaming home from a race a fast little speed boat came up behind us . Andrew didn’t see them yet and I quietly made a motion to them to come onto their throttle. They went by us at a good clip and Uncle says, “Oh, you want to race, do ya!” Their boat was fast but we left them in the dust (or spray) as it were.

Gonna miss Uncle’s jokes and stories...he was what old Maine used to be.

By Mike Strang

My wife Nancy and I became acquainted with the Goves a few years back. During our first visit to their home Andy and I discovered that we both had connections with the Maine sardine industry (he as a spotter pilot for herring purse seiners, and my past employment with the Maine Sardine Council, and Stinson Seafood). When I told Andy that I loved to eat sardines, he immediately rushed to his pantry and brought to the table an assortment of canned sardines and some Saltine crackers. After about the fifth can I couldn't eat another bite and finally cried Uncle (no pun intended). Andy was just excited to find someone who loved sardines as much as he did. So honored to get to know Rose and Andy and hear their stories.

By Bonnie Hill

When I was in school, Uncle Andrew would come over to my grandparents to visit (Archie and Eva Hutchinson). He always brought his dog Lady. He would tell her to give me kisses and laugh so hard while she licked my face. My dad Raymond would get such a kick out of it, too.

By Marie Giovanelli

I met Andy when I visited my sister Jean. They were neighbors and good friends. One day Andy came over with a pail of stone crabs and he proceeded to show us the art of picking crabs. I thought this would be a piece of cake since I was a pro at picking Chesapeake Bay crabs. Of course, this was not true. He was so patient in showing us the process. When we finally ate the bounty of our efforts, his crab meat was perfect and mine was full of shells. I am so glad we didn't mix the two!

By Ralph Brown, addressed to Myrna Clifford

The day I met your dad I learned right away what a wonderful, compassionate human being he was, always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone. I may have only known Andy for a few years, but I’ll never forget what a real friend he was to me. So proud to have known Andy Gove.

By Errol Rafuse

Had the pleasure of meeting Andy at the Stonington Lobster Boat Races years ago. I was with Vin and Vin Young racing against Andy. And also seen him many times at different boat races when I would be with Billy Hallinan (Apparation ll), Boothbay Harbor. Heard lots of stories about Andy. He was a hard worker for sure.

By Judy Laidlaw

My fondest memories of being with Andy Gove go back to over 60 years ago when I was just a kid. Andrew and my dad were great friends and visits to Stonington often meant a ride for my dad and me on the bay in his lobster boat. Andrew kept a pot on board that he would fill with ocean water and place on the engine to bring the water to a boil. He then would pull a trap and soon we were devouring the freshest, most delicious lobster meat you can ever imagine, discarding the shells overboard as we ate. I remember the gift of those special days as if they just happened, and realize now just what a treasured gift those memories are.

By Tom Shaw

R.I.P. to Andy Gove, a real-life legend and the guy who immediately comes to mind when I hear the phrase “they don't make men like they used to.”I was incredibly lucky to meet him in 2017 and work on his boat a couple times before his passing. I say “work,” but really he was doing me the favor of allowing me to pull his traps and learn firsthand what it's like to harvest lobster...how he lived his life for the over 80 years. I'll always cherish the time I was able to spend with him, and I will never complain about the market price of lobster ever again. :) Rest in peace, Uncle!

By Sherri Sansing

I met Rose and Andy over 15 years ago when we rented the “yellow house.” We were there for six weeks, and I would visit Rose while Andy was out fishing. One afternoon, he knocked on the door and said he was going to bring us three lobsters for our dinner. I thanked him and told him that we only needed two. He responded by saying there are three of you. I let him know that I didn’t eat lobster. He turned around and said he was bringing three. After that, I became a challenge for him. He was determined to get me to eat lobster. I tried it a lot of ways, but I kept saying, thanks but no thanks. One day, while visiting Rose, Andy came in from fishing. He told me to stay for dinner because Rose had made a lobster chowder. I asked what was in it. The minute he said potatoes (my favorite food), I said ok. Well, I really liked it. I discovered a way to eat lobster, and Andy was satisfied at last.

By Charlotte Price

“The Nashville Kitty Kats” met Andy Gove and his wife Rose in Brewer, Maine, where we were playing at The Downunder Lounge! They did not dance but just sit and listened to the music. We always table-hopped when we took a break, of course we found their table—that was a beginning of friends forever! I remember one time they came in, Andy brought us some uncooked fresh scallops—they tasted very sweet, but no, not for us!! But I can tell you what was for us, on our day off, we would drive down to Stonington for a nice all-day ride on the lobster boat! One time Rose went also, docked on an island, built a fire and cooked lobsters, along with her potato salad! He also took us out to see them seine fish, it was awesome! Almost lost our bass player on that trip, we had to transfer from a smaller boat to the larger one, scary! Finally still called them years after we retired, drove up in 1995, went down to see them, of course had to eat lunch before we left. In closing, Andy was one of the nicest people we had ever met, and love to Rose as she has lost her soulmate!

By Rustin Ames

I met Andrew and Rose when I first started working as a young, green—as they come green—Marine Patrol Officer. Stonington wasn’t an easy place to start a career but it sure made it easier when you had a friend like Andrew and Rose. They treated me like a son from day one and I learned so much from them. Andrew knew that area like the back of his hand and loved to share and help with local knowledge. He was one of the kindest and most honest fishermen in the land. I sure do miss him and I am very thankful to have been able to meet him and his wonderful family. RIP UNCLE until we meet again, Rusty.

By Russ Treadwell

I met in Andy in the summer of 1977. He had bought a new Cessna 150 to use spotting herring around the islands near Stonington. At the time he was taking flying lessons from an instructor in Stonington and asked if I would complete his training. I agreed to help him and that started a relationship that lasted for the remainder of his life. That relationship included all of his family and many of his friends.

Andy was a good student, a good pilot and a friend you could count on whenever you needed help. His years on the waters had prepared him well for the dangers of flying on that same environment. 

Andy had a great sense of humor and we shared many stories about events that could have ended badly, but looking back we could find a reason to see comedy in the way we got there and how we managed to find a way out of the situation. 

These were teaching moments. I always told my students that they should have an alternate plan in case something prevented them from completing the original plan. Andy had already learned that habit from his life of fishing offshore in the Gulf of Maine.

By Rhonda Mitchell

Andrew was friends with my husband's grandparents long before I came to know him and Rose on a personal level. My husband took a job lobstering with "Captain Andy" years ago. That job also involved seining for fish. Ever since I was a young girl, I had a fascination with airplanes. I was never so excited to learn that Andy flew an airplane, and I was even MORE delighted to hear that he would be willing to take me flying while he searched for schools of fish for the boats below. I'll never forget that first airplane ride. I think he was quite sure he could hear me scream in fear when he asked, "Well, now that we're up to elevation, do you want to do a loop?” The look on his face when I called him out and said, "YES!!!!!! PLEASE!?!?! Let's do a LOOP!" I don't think that was quite the reaction he was looking for (or wanting). Being the safe pilot that he was, he refused to do a loop (despite my begging) and said I was the ONLY woman he'd had on the airplane that thought it was a great idea. Apparently he had a few passengers before who were a little nervous about flying

Beyond that experience, we will always remember Andy and Rose coming to my son's birthday parties (even though I could never convince Andy to wear one of the party hats!). He was a great employer for my husband for years and was a big part of our family. A kind, family-oriented man and a friend to all. Both of my sons always looked forward to our visits with them (for Andy's stories and for Rose's home-baked goodies

And most of all, Andy will forever hold a special place in my heart for his extreme love of dogs. There wasn't a dog that didn't love him (perhaps his bribery with lobster was helpful, but I think they just knew he was such a devout dog lover).

By Robert Burgess

I received this book for Christmas from my grandson and have hardly put it down. It brings back so many memories. Andy and Rose were good friends with our family. My dad Carl Burgess went fishing with him for many years when I was young. I had the pleasure of going to Duck Harbor with them to stay in their camp there with their family while my dad and Andy went lobstering summers. They were always very loving and caring towards me and I really enjoyed the times I was invited to go on those trips. Andy and my dad rigged up an old rowboat that was on the island, put a sail on it and let me sail around in the harbor. What a thrill that was for a young boy. They even took me out lobstering on some good days. I will always remember what kindness they had, not only for me, but for every life they touched. The later years we would reminisce about those good ole days and I always loved hearing Andy’s stories. He will surely be missed by all who knew him.

By Janet Nevells, sister

As my oldest brother; Andrew took me in when I was 16 years old. I lived with him and Rose for two years before I got married. He treated me like his own daughters. You couldn't have asked for a better brother. I will miss his calls that he made to me often just checking in to see how things were going and that I was okay. He took me to Eagle Island several times because he knew I loved going over there. It brought back old memories when I stayed with my grandmother and grandfather. I sure am going to miss him and our many talks we had.

By Andy Clifford, grandson

I don’t even know where to begin. So many memories. Life isn’t the same without my grandfather. This Christmas will be hard not seeing him at his spot at the table, telling jokes and talking about old times. I’ll never forget lobstering with him. The work ethic he displayed. His vast knowledge of the ocean. Being able to spend a few summers on his boat working alongside him was really special, and even more special now. I still to this day utilize the work ethic and integrity he has passed down to me. I hope someday I can be even half the man he was. He was the most selfless human I’ve ever met. My heart still aches for our entire family. Miss and love you, Pa.

By Ashley Perry, Andy’s great-granddaughter

For Pa: Stonington has always been my favorite place in the world. Not only because of its beauty, but because of you and Nanny. Going there has always been able to cure me of whatever pain I may be feeling. Of course the ocean breeze, island vibes, and copious amounts of lobster were healing, but so was being with you. Watching you and Nanny together could warm anyone’s heart. Your love was so pure and everlasting. From seeing you hold each other’s fragile hands while lounging in your rocking chairs, making jokes about each other and telling old stories, to catching you steal a kiss from her, it was evident that your love was the real thing. Your welcoming and lighthearted spirit radiated through that home and always will.

Whenever I am there I feel grounded and the simple joys in life become more apparent than ever, and that is because I was able to watch you and Nanny appreciate all the little things. Some examples are watching you feeding your “pet” ducks, watching out for Lucille the seal, playing with singing stuffed animals, and cracking (at times slightly inappropriate) jokes. I will always admire your endless dedication to your trade and your work ethic. At almost 90 years old you would have lobsters and clams all ready for us every time we came because you were out at 4 in the morning on Uncle’s UFO working tirelessly as you always have. You never wanted to slow down.

My family is filled with hard workers and from my perspective that legacy started with you. This feels like the end of an era, but I know Nanny is still going to be able to hold the wharf down like the strong woman she is. Rest In Peace, Pa, you will forever be missed by SO many people. I don’t even think you ever realized how many lives you touched. 

By Steve Hutchinson, Rose’s nephew

A funny story that comes to mind: Uncle Andy, my father and I went to Hamilton Marine in the 1990s. On the way home we stopped in Barb’s restaurant for lunch. Uncle said he wanted us to order whatever we wanted, his treat. When the waitress came along to take our order, my father ordered the haddock dinner and I ordered a scallop dinner. Then the waitress turned to Uncle Andy and asked, “What can I get you?” He replied a hotdog. Our faces dropped! The waitress I think thought he was kidding and paused, waiting for a reaction, then changed her thought process and said, “And what would you like on that hotdog?”

I can’t remember what he had; it’s been so long ago. But when she left, my dad said we would have gotten cheeseburgers if we had known that’s what Andy was going to eat. He laughed and said, “I know, Junnie, that’s why I let you fellas order first. I wanted you to get what you really wanted.” Uncle then said he thought about a steak, but said the steak and the hotdog were going to end up in the same place/septic tank—and declared the hotdog would fill the spot.

I learned a lesson that day and have practiced it many times over the years.

By Timothy and Denise van Epps

My wife and I came to Stonington, Maine, 22 years ago, fell in love with the town and its people. Within two years we met Rose and Andy and felt a connection to the Goves that everyone around understands. We adopted the Goves as our Stonington parents. As we are from away, there was only a short time in the summer to spend with them. During the rest of the year we tried to call once a week. Andy always had a few jokes to read.  He was a great storyteller.

As the Goves had two daughters, I had a special connection to Andy, feeling like the son he never had. I was able to fish with him, race and enjoy quiet time with Rose and him. 

His work ethic always impressed me. When there was work to be done, it was done. There was a personal satisfaction for me in helping him since he was always such a giving person with boat rides, picked crabmeat, and lobster.

Andy’s many friends loved his lobster. I enjoyed the times when he had less lobsters in his crate than he needed. Andy and I would head to the boat and, as he said, go get a few. We could get what he needed from the first string, but knowing my love for the water, like his, we would pull another five or six strings, just to keep some in the crate.

Andy loved his strawberries. For many years my wife, our visiting friends and I helped in his assembly line, preparing them for the freezer.

We could easily fill a chapter with all the wonderful times and memories we had with our Stonington parents.

Learn more about Andy Gove by reading his memoir, The Life of a Maine Lobsterman, or by watching the Eight Ways to Fish DVD which has a segment featuring Andy.