Eldon C. Godfrey, OC, FCA

Eldon was born in Lethbridge, AB on September 5, 1935. His parents, Ada Maud and Herbert Leslie Godfrey took him to England in 1936 to visit family. They remained in England through The War, returning to Calgary in 1948. Eldon attended Balmoral School and Crescent Heights High School, then attended the University of Alberta where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce (1957). At the U of A, he met Carlie-Jean, the love of his life. They moved to Calgary and were married on June 21, 1958. Eldon earned professional certification as a Chartered Accountant (1960) and a Master of Arts (Economics) in 1975 from the University of Calgary. He was honoured to be named a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in 2001. Throughout his career, Eldon worked with big firms and in private practice, he also served as the Section Head of Business Administration at SAIT. When not occupied with family or work, Eldon was an active volunteer, serving in a variety of capacities with Boy Scouts of Canada, the British North America Philatelic Society, the Alberta Football Coaches’ Association, Silver Springs Golf and Country Club, and several other organizations. Most notable is his commitment to diving, serving as the president of the Canadian Amateur Diving Association and as Canada’s representative to the Fédération Internationale de Natation Amateur (now World Aquatics). Eldon was named Calgary Booster Club Sportsman of the Year in 2000. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2019 because he “served and promoted Canadian sporting interests and values on the world stage with dedication and integrity… as an exceptional role model and generous volunteer.” He has been inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame (2007), the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame (2003), and the International Swimming Hall of Fame (2012). Throughout his life, Eldon was a dedicated philatelist; he was named a member of the BNAPS Order of the Beaver (2017). Eldon was blessed with a fulfilling life. His legacy is one of service, ensuring everyone had a place at the table, leading and mentoring in every endeavour.

Eldon was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Carlie-Jean, and their daughter Deborah Schijns. He is survived by his children Allison (Bill) Bobenic, Sandra (Clive) Smith, and Matthew (Susan); together with grandchildren Alex (Erika), Josh (Nicki), Zach (Betty), Caroline, Bryna, Laurel (Alex), Lexa, Maclean, Harrison, Josephine, Wesley, and Grayson; great-grandchildren Orlando, Blair, Bea, Parker, Callum, Ella, and Brielle; sisters-in-law Barb and Shaune; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Eldon passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family and the angels – a bright new star now shines in the heavens. Your best wishes and prayers are sincerely appreciated. Our deepest gratitude to all the medical and personal care providers, especially those at the Manor Village at Varsity, who helped Eldon navigate these last years.

A Celebration of Eldon’s Life will be held at Summit View United Church, 3303 Capitol Hill Crescent NW, Calgary, AB, on Sunday, November 1, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. The service will be livestreamed at https://youtube.com/live/XappUTDfy2k?feature=share

Eldon always said, “Anything I have ever done that has been deemed worthy of recognition was as much Carlie-Jean’s work as mine.” They were a team in all life’s ups and downs. The last five years without her have been difficult. There is comfort knowing they are reunited. The enduring mark he left on each of us will live in our hearts forever.

In Eldon’s memory, donations may be made to Parkinson Canada at https://www.parkinson.ca/

This obituary has been authorized by the family for posting on Foster’s Garden Chapel Funeral Home’s website. As such, it is protected against any form of reproduction or redistribution without prior consent from the family.