May 3, 1929 - August 22, 2022
Al Godfrey passed away peacefully on August 22, 2022, surrounded by the love of his family. He was happily married to Esther for 69 years. Al is fondly remembered as a loving father to Ruth (Tom) Stubens, Katie Vick and John (Karen) Godfrey; grandfather to Jennifer (Dave) Owen, Bryan (Alexandra) and Dean (Emma) Godfrey, Carl (Lylah) and Paul Stubens; and great grandfather to Brock Godfrey and William Owen.
Al considered fatherhood a privilege and took great interest and pride in the lives, partners and careers of his children and grandchildren.
Al was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to John and Esther Godfrey and moved to Winnipeg as a young teen. It was at Kelvin High School in Winnipeg that Al met Esther Townsend, beginning a love story that continued for 75 years. In 1954, Al graduated as an Electronics Technologist from Ryerson Institute of Technology. He had a long career with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) in Toronto, Richmond (BC) and Taiwan where he was responsible for CSA operations in East Asia. In Taiwan, Esther worked alongside Al as Office Manager.
Al was ahead of his time in building a hybrid-electric car in the late 1970s. During retirement, he converted two Porsches to plug-in electric in his backyard workshop. He drove the cars daily and exhibited them at annual shows of the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association (VEVA) where he was known as "Electric Al". He also built an electric go-cart and "Robo-Mower", a remote-controlled electric lawn tractor. Al was an all-round handyman and "Mr. Fixit" for family and friends.
Al will be remembered as a true gentleman and warm host by the many friends he made over the years and in his extensive travels with Esther.
The family would like to thank Dr. Scott Garrison and Dr. Laura Jane Henderson for their decades of care and support. We also extend our sincere gratitude to all the staff at Augustine House in Ladner for their kindness and compassionate care during the past 18 months.
Al was cremated and a family gathering to honour him will be held at a later date. If desired, donations in Al's memory to the Augustine House Society would be greatly appreciated. 3820 Arthur Drive,Delta, BC V4K 5E6. www.augustinehouse.ca.