Clifford Dennis GODDARD

C. Dennis GoddardDennis was born in Vancouver, the only son of Clifford and Peggy Goddard.  He was brought up in various Canadian cities and graduated from high school in Beaconsfield, Quebec.  Dennis worked in iron mines, as a mechanic’s assistant, bartender, roughneck and on coastal freighters and tankers up and down the Quebec/Labrador/Newfoundland and BC coasts - whatever was required to finance his higher education.  Always a top student, he graduated with a BA in 1967 and after two years of travel obtained a Law Degree from U.B.C. in 1972. He then began to practise law in Vancouver.Soon, Dennis met the love of his life, Milly, whom he married in 1976.  Always avid hikers and mountaineers, Milly and Dennis honeymooned at Mt. Robson in the Rockies and spent much of their vacation time in the mountains and backcountry of B.C. and the Western States.  Dennis had a lifelong passion for motorcycles, and rarely owned a car he could not modify to fearsome performance.  He was also an avid photographer and produced fine artistic work.  He had a love for animals - both pets and wildlife.  He read voraciously and retained so much of what he read.  He was thoroughly fascinated with history, particularly the life of Winston Churchill.Dennis became a senior partner in one of Vancouver’s most prestigious law firms and was respected as a solicitor representing clients in complex commercial and property transactions for 22 years.  In 1994 he and Milly made a major lifestyle change, moving to Valemount, B.C. where he became the Village Administrator.  Close to their beloved wilderness, they enjoyed 12 great years by the Rocky Mountains and the backcountry.  They retired to Qualicum Beach in 2006 where they enjoyed hiking, cycling and golfing.Last year, Dennis was stricken with cancer and he died at too young an age on October 1st, this year.  He is survived by his loving wife, Milly, Aunt Arta, cousins and numerous friends who will miss his warmth and humour.Deckhand, driver, lawyer, administrator, community leader and faithful husband, Dennis was truly a man for all seasons.There will be a Celebration of Life at Yates Funeral Services, 1000 Allsbrook Rd., Parksville, BC, on Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation, designating the Palliative Care Unit, or the Oceanside Hospice Society, 210 Crescent Road West, Qualicum Beach V9K 1J9.