Garfield Earl Goulais

Garfield Earl Goulais, 84, of Port Austin, formerly of Whitmore Lake, passed away, Monday, September 14, 2026 at home under hospice care, surrounded by love.

Gar was born September 10, 1942 in Detroit to the late Edwin and Ruth (Seeley) Goulais. He served in the US Army for three years. He married his soulmate Judith Peraino on February 7, 1986 in St. Clair Shores.

Gar was a successful businessman owning several businesses he founded. He owned Garfield’s Bar in Downtown Detroit, a commercial janitorial service, Maintenance Services in Clawson and later Clean Care 24/7 in Oak Park, retiring in 1998. In 2023 they moved from Whitmore Lake to Port Austin, residing with Alyse and her family. He enjoyed a good cigar while boating on the chain of lakes, traveling and dancing around the world with Judith. They were recognized as ambassadors for Aruba after vacationing there for 30 years.

Gar is survived by his wife Judith; children Tom, Tracey (Tim) Barney, Terry, Tony, and Heidi; grandchildren Krystal, James, Angela, Jessica, Vitina, Rachael, Shelby, Shannon, Ethan, Jasmine, and Joe; 21 great-grandchildren; Gar’s sense of family was broad and defined by love, which includes Alyse (Chad) Matczak, Mark (Robin) Matczak, and grandsons Connor, Mason (Lauren), Logan, Kaedyn, Sawyer and Landon. He was preceded in death by his son John, sisters Gertrude Crittendon and Marlene Murphy, and brother Edwin.

A funeral mass will be 11:00am Saturday, September 19th at St. Michael Catholic Church in Port Austin. Visitation will be 2-8pm Friday at the Ransford Funeral Home – Pigeon and one hour prior to mass on Saturday in church.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. The family would like to thank Paul Penfold and staff at Caseville Family Medicine, Season’s Change staff, and his caregivers Leah, Kelly, Jennifer and Deanndra.