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23
February

Ken Godwin

Rhody Family Funeral Home

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.
Do everything in love.”
1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Ken lived his life as a disciple of Christ. From his early days with his family managing a Christian Camp, Camp Hermosa, to Bible College on his own as a young adult, to marriage, to fatherhood in his forties, in all these stages of life, Ken lived his life as a messenger of Jesus’s love. His faith, and his journey through the Bible, built Ken into the kind, honest and loving man who is cherished by his family and friends.

Kenneth Rae Godwin was born June 5, 1936 in Galt, Ontario to Joseph and Elizabeth (Ramsay) Godwin, immigrants from England and Scotland. Ken was the middle child of three boys; James “Neil” and Keith were Ken’s older and younger brothers. Ken stayed close to home for all of his education, completing primary and secondary school in Preston, and college in Kitchener and Waterloo at Conestoga and Laurier, respectively.

Ken worked at many jobs over his lifetime. One memorable job was working at the Savage Shoe factory, where his father, Joe, was a manager. Ken learned what it took to make a, ‘good pair of shoes.’ In his twenties, Ken explored several different jobs including working for Hostess Potato Chips and apprenticing as a carpenter. It wasn’t until Ken met, his first wife, Roberta that he began work with Bell Canada as Crossbar Technician.

Ken met Roberta in Goderich and they were married in 1970. Three children were born to them; Becky in 1974, Heather in 1975 and Robert in 1978. Together they resided on a piece of property outside of Glammis, were Ken built their family home. Ken’s home became a labour of love from 1974 until 2000 and was the place where he honed his handyman skills.

Ken and Linda got together in 2004 because of “the quilt.” It didn’t hurt their relationship that their kids had gone to Paisley school together and continue to be close friends. Ken and Linda were married on June 4, 2005. Since that day, they have resided together in Port Elgin.

Ken is described as an ingenious man, who could repair anything and left nothing undone! Refurbishing old tables and laying beautiful hardwood flooring were two of Ken’s most admired pastimes. Ken also enjoyed downhill skiing, baseball, hunting and woodworking. Reading and music were other pastimes. Ken relished reading adventure stories as well as Church and Christian authors. In particular though, Ken enjoyed the book, “Tender Roots: a Century of Growth 1895-1995: the Baptists of Preston, King Street Baptist Church,” authored by his close friend Walter William Gowing. In terms of music, Ken spent many hours listening to music. His love of music was apparent in his appreciation of classical music.

Ken always had a family pet and he most enjoyed his Fox & Manchester terriers. Funnily enough, they were all named ‘Pal.’ Ken’s most recent ‘pet’ was not a dog, but a Chipmunk! Ken liked to feed ‘Chippy’ almonds and peanuts from the back deck of his Port Elgin home. Humour was another priority for Ken. If you want to experience some of Ken’s humour, just ask his family about one of his “knee slapper” jokes!

Of course, Ken loved to travel; he loved to get away from the snow! Ken was always eager to jump in the car with Linda and GO! Ken’s car trips took him all over Canada and the USA, but his favourite place was much closer to home – the cottage, located near Goderich. Since Ken was keen to travel, he kept his car trunk packed and ready. Ken stored a little bit of everything that you could ever need in his trunk; a swimsuit, coat, change of clothes, shovel, tie-wraps and tools to name just a few! If trouble ever arose, you always headed for the car trunk!

Ken always encouraged his children. Whether it was practicing piano, improving their driving skills, or helping with a tough decision, Ken made his kids a priority. Many of Ken’s fondest memories are times spent with his kids, step-kids and Grandkids. Ken will live on in the memories of his family and his friends.

“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want…..
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
my whole life long!”
Psalm 23

Kenneth Rae Godwin passed away surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, February 23, 2016 in his 80th year.

Beloved husband of Linda. Cherished father of Becky Godwin of Sutton, Heather Godwin (Phil Quickfall) of Waterloo and Robert (Alison) Godwin of Sudbury. He will live on in spirit with his grandchildren, Chesley, Effie, Roslyn, Max and Emma. Ken will be fondly remembered by Linda’s children, Leslie (Sherry) Emke, Leander (Melanie) Emke, Lisa (Ian) VanDerlip and their children, Miranda, Larissa, Tristan, Lily, Emma, Kelsey and Mitchell. He will be sadly missed by his brother, Neil (Marie) Godwin of Goderich. Ken was predeceased by his brother Keith and his parents, Joseph and Elizabeth (Ramsay) Godwin.

A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at Immanuel Evangelical Missionary Church (307 Balaclava St.) Paisley on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 11 a.m. Spring inurnment in Purdy Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Immanuel Missionary Church or Wingham District Hospital Foundation (Oncology Dept.) would be appreciated.

 

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