George Goddard

George Goddard passed away peacefully on March 17th, 2013 at the age of 93. George was predeceased by Evelyn, his wife of 58 years. George will be lovingly remembered by his children Garth (Adele), Tom (Victoria), and Nels (Mary); grandchildren Jeff, Janna, Lisa, Keilen, Cam, and Max; and his great-grandchildren Dali, Lindy, and Eli. His sister Thelma, his sisters in law Flora and Mary, his nieces and nephews, and the many friends he made throughout his life will dearly miss him.

George was born to Henry and Margretha Goddard on November 6, 1919 and raised in Burnaby, British Columbia. In his youth George and his cousin Alan Bath developed a life long friendship which despite great distances was active until Alan’s passing. During Georges’ teen years he developed an interest in ranching and horses, in particular his beloved Roanie. George went to sea as a member of the Canadian Merchant Navy, where he trained as a marine engineer. During the war years he travelled the world sailing the North Atlantic and the South Seas. After the war he travelled the west coast from Mexico to Alaska with the Union Steamship Company. Following his marine years he served a long career at the Shell Oil refinery in Burnaby.

George met Evelyn, a St. Paul’s Hospital nurse in 1948, when he was hospitalized due to a bout with pleurisy. He always said that she caught him at a weak moment however, their love and marriage endured for 58 years until Evelyn’s passing.

George’s three boys were active in sports in North Vancouver. The family’s life revolved around hockey and North Shore Winter Club where George helped with Coaching and later served as President of the Hockey Association.

In retirement George remained active with the Kiwanis organization and Meals on Wheels as well as building the family log cabin at Big Bar Lake.

George was always up for a visit and always looked forward to connecting with friends and family wherever he travelled.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Institute for the Blind would be appreciated.