1928 - 2018
OAKLAND – Robert L. Godin, 90, passed away at Bedside Manor in Oakland with family by his side. He was born on May 31,1928, in Madison, Maine, the son of Lucille George and Leo Godin. Bob was a renowned three sport athlete, and graduated from Madison High School in 1945 at the age of 17.
He proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1946-1948 as a Yeoman 3rd Class. He was recalled for duty during the Korean conflict and served an additional year from 1951-52. Newly married, Bob and Muriel lived in Wilmington, Delaware. At this time, Bob began a career with the US Postal Service that he would return to in later years.
Bob enjoyed a career as the Manager for Northeast Airlines located at the Robert Lafleur Airport in Waterville, Maine until it ceased operations in 1961. In its final years, he managed the “one-man” operation; handling ticket sales, customer service, ground to air traffic control, and baggage handling. Rather than relocate their family to Portland to continue working for Northeast, Bob and Muriel decided to stay in Oakland to continue raising their growing family in a rural setting on the Town Farm Road. He made career changes that eventually led him back to the US Postal Service where he served in Oakland for many years.
He ended his civil service employment after many dedicated years as Postmaster at the Madison, ME Post Office, retiring in 1993. Highlights of his life were his wife, Muriel, of 62 years, his six children, and his grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time at home on McGrath Pond where he built the family camp. He enjoyed hunting and vacationing with close friends. He loved working outdoors cutting wood and puttering around his property.
Bob also volunteered for 20 years as a board member for Seton Village, and after he retired, as a benefits counselor for NARFE, the National Association for Retired Federal Employees who honored him for many years of service in 2013.
Bob was predeceased by his wife, Muriel, his daughter Mary Godin DeWalt and his sister Dorothy Watts of Millinocket.
Bob is survived by five children, daughter Patricia Godin of Lubec, son David Godin and his wife Karen Godin, PA-C, of Levant, daughter Dr. Celine Godin and her wife Jacelyn Ouellette of South Portland; Richard Godin and his wife Jodi of Embden, Son-in- law Dr. John DeWalt of Logan, Ohio, daughter Heidi Potter and her husband Donald of Mount Vernon, a half-sister Phyliss George Ogar, of Anacortes WA, eleven grandchildren; three great- grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Special thanks and recognition to the many wonderful neighbors on the Town Farm Road, including Peter and Sheila Rancourt, Glenn and Alison Lehto, Jim Burrill, Doria Gradie, and John and Debbie Male. They were a part of allowing Bob to live at home for as long as possible. They embody the true meaning of “it takes a village” and may their kindness return to them tenfold.
A graveside service will be held at St. Francis Cemetery in Waterville on October 26, 2018 at 10:00 a.m., with a reception to follow.
The family sends a special "thank you" to friends and the staff at Bedside Manor for all the loving care and support over the past year.
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