Mr. Frederick William “Bill” Godfrey, age 81 years, passed away in the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre on Sunday, April 14, 2013 with his family at his side.
Bill was born in Fort William on Jan. 10, 1932 to Fred and Edna Godfrey. A lifetime resident of Thunder Bay he worked as a Firefighter, Fire Inspector and then Chief Fire Prevention Officer, retiring in 1991 after 34 your years in Fire Services.
A veteran, Bill served with the Royal Canadian Navy during the Korean War and later with the Naval Reserve, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer 1st Class, Coxswain of the HMCS Griffon.
Bill enjoyed spending time at the camp at Floral Beach and his daily swims at Volunteer Pool. He and Shirley Olson were married in Port Arthur on Dec. 8, 1955 and together raised two children Scott and Carolyn.
A loving and devoted husband he spent every day of the last few years making daily visits to Shirley at her residence at Bethammi Nursing Home.
Bill is survived by his wife Shirley, son Scott, daughter Carolyn (Bob) Garrity, grandchildren Sean, and Shirley, brother Robert, sister-in-law June Oliver (John) Trenton, Ontario, brother-in-law Ron Olson, Trenton, Ontario, and nieces, nephews and his cousins.
He was predeceased by his parents. A private interment service will be held at a later date in Riverside Cemetery.
As expressions of sympathy memorials to the St. Joseph’s Foundation-Bethammi Nursing home would be appreciated. Arrangements are in care of the Sargent & Son Funeral Directors, 21 N. Court Street.
The family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses, support staff, with special thanks to the nurses at the Dialysis Unit for the outstanding care provided to Bill during his illness.
A special thanks to the HMCS Griffon and Naval Reserve Formation Padre, LCdr Ed Swayze, for his support to the family. Also, thank you to the staff of Sargent & Son Funeral home for your guidance during this difficult time.
