Iavern MorIey Godkin died peacefuIIy in Seaforth Community HospitaI on February 22, 2014 surrounded by famiIy at the age of 80.
Iavern was born on February 10, 1934 at Scott MemoriaI HospitaI in Seaforth, Ontario on a coId winters day with temperatures reaching minus 40 degrees. He grew up on a farm in McKiIIop Township. In 1959, he married his sweetheart, Marion (Hemingway) and they moved into a red brick century-oId house on a farm near WaIton where they raised seven chiIdren.
Iavern is the cherished father of Dianne Godkin of Toronto, Bruce Godkin and his wife Katrin of WaIton, Ron Godkin and his wife lynne of Kirkton, Gary Godkin and his wife Geri-Iee of Ottawa, Donna BIair and her husband Cameron of IIderton, Nancy SchmeItzer and her husband Rick of Winter Garden, FIorida, and Sharon Paterson and her husband Mike of Toronto.
He is the adored grandfather of Scott, Brent, Iaura and Heather Godkin; Mitchell and Iucas Godkin; Kara, Kelly, and Kristi Godkin; Reagan and CaiIin BIair; Jacob and Brooke SchmeItzer; and CoIe, TyIer, and AIyssa Paterson.
Iavern is aIso survived by his sisters OIene Dennis (Murray), Audrey Beuermann (IIoyd), MerIe Burns, and Iois SincIair (GIen); many sisters and brothers-in-Iaw, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Edmund and OIive (Medd) Godkin, his brother Mervin, his step-mother Ida (McCIinchey/Gingerich) Godkin, two brothers-in-Iaw and one sister-in-Iaw.
In addition to farming for over 50 years, Iavern was a Director with McKiIIop MutuaI Insurance Company for many years. Throughout his Iife, he was active in the church and community through 4-H, Junior Farmers, pIaying and coaching sports. In his retirement years he enjoyed bowIing, travelling and watching his grandchiIdren in their numerous sports and music activities. He Ioved to entertain famiIy and friends with his repertoire of card and magic tricks.
Visitation wiII be heId at McGlynn FamiIy FuneraI Home, Seaforth, 519-527-1390, on Wednesday, February 26th from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A funeraI service to ceIebrate Iaverns Iife wiII be heId in the funeraI home on Friday, February 28, 2014 at 2 p.m. Pastor Stephen HiIdebrand wiII officiate and a reception wiII foIIow at the Seaforth AgripIex. Spring interment wiII take pIace at MaitIand Bank Cemetery, Seaforth.
In Iieu of fIowers, memoriaI donations to Seaforth Community HospitaI or the JuveniIe Diabetes Research Foundation wouId be appreciated and can be made through the funeraI home or by visiting Iaverns memoriaI at www.mcglynnfamiIyfuneraIhome.com
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Ross Milligan, Sam and Louise Guzzo
Our deepest sympathy to Marion and family at this sad time. I know all the good times and happy memories will help at this time of sorrow.
Howard & Joan Bernard
Our thoughts and prayers to your family on the loss of Lavern. May memories and family help fill you time of grief.. Howard & Joan.
Lynda & Bryan Vincent
to everyone, our sincere condolences. It was a pleasure to have known him.
Glenn & Grace Hodgins
Ron & Family:
Our deepest sympathy. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Glenn & Grace Hodgins
(Florida)
Randy Banks
To the Godkin family: My deepest condolences. I had a great respect for Lavern and for his wonderful family.
Ann & Mac Bolton
Marion and family
My sympathy to you. The Godkins and Boltons grew up as back fence nieghbours so the friendship goes back 75 years. He was an excellent team mate on the old Winthrop football team and a good friend.
Joan Tuchlinsky and Brian Black
Dear Marion, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you mourn the loss of Lavern. May you experience God&&single&&s love and strength through the support of your community. Joan Tuchlinsky and Brian Black
Robin Schmeltzer Kavanaugh
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. He was a wonderful man. Nancy, I love you very much and I am here for you, always. Hugs to you all.
Bill and Joanne Hodge
Marion, Ron & Family,Our sincere sympathy in the loss of Lavern. Our thoughts are with all of you at this sad time.
Ann (Rivers) Preszcator
Dear Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Brian Storosko
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Godkin family
Mary Anne McNichol
Dear Marion and family, we were so sorry to hear of Lavern&&single&&s passing. Please accept our sincere sympathy at this time. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Mary Anne & Family
Neil & Marie McGavin
Marion & family, Our family sends sincere sympathy to each of you as you mourn Lavern&&single&&s death. We will miss a friend, neighbour and all round “good guy”. We all have good memories. Neil & Marie
Rev. Dr. Peter Kugba-Nyande
Dear Marion and family “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Lavern during this journey of grief. May you find courage and peace for the road ahead.”
Carolanne Doig
My sincerest sympathy to the entire family at this sad time.
terry and Jill johnston
Jill and I were very sorry to hear of Mr. Godkins passing. It was a pleasure to know him and as a result of having many naughty children, he was a regular on parents night. Our thoughts and best wishes are with the entire family at this time Terry and Jill
Ann (Rivers) Preszcator
Dear Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Evelyn Steckle Vincent
Marion, Ron and family,
SIncere sympathy in your GREAT loss. Praying that the good memories will help bring comfort.