Obituary of Leslie Charles Godden

With sadness, the family of Les Godden announces his passing at his home at Parkwood Retirement Suites on Friday, August 4th, 2017 at the age of 93.  Loving husband of the late Joyce Wilmot Godden (nee) Vanderheiden. Dear father of Anne Webster (William) of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Beverley Adamson (Martin) of Cobourg, Ontario. Proud grandfather of Mark, Gregory (Heather) and Lucas Adamson and Heather and David Webster. Predeceased by his parents Charles and Margaret Godden and his sister Kathleen Davis.

Born in Toronto, the son of Salvation Army Officers, Les lived in many different cities in his youth. He joined the RCAF in World War II and was posted overseas with the Mobile Radar Unit of the RAF. After the war he returned to London, Ontario where he married Joyce in 1947 and graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 1950 with a degree in Math and Physics. Les's career at Bell Canada for 32 years included 11 years as Assistant Vice-President, Labour Relations. He retired from his position as Assistant Vice-President, Personnel -Ontario Region in 1983, moving to the Bay of Quinte to enjoy life on the waterfront, and spending sunny winters in Florida.

In 1998, Les and Joyce joined many friends in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, where they were active members of Trinity United Church. They enjoyed living at Waterpark Place, where Les served on the condominium board.

Music was always an important part of Les's life. He was blessed with a natural gift for both vocal and instrumental music. Les joined the Kitchener-Waterloo New Horizons band, playing the euphonium, an instrument he played as a youth in Salvation Army bands.

Les and Joyce loved to travel, and treated their family to trips around the world, enriching the lives of their children and grandchildren.

Les and his family appreciated the caring support of Lindsay and Mary Ann, the staff at Parkwood Retirement Suites, and the many others who contributed to his care in his final years.

Friends are invited to share their memories of Les with his family during memorial visitation at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, on Thursday August 10, 2017 from 6-8 p.m..  Visitation will continue on Friday August 11, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. until the Memorial service at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Reception to follow. Interment will take place at Parkview Cemetery.

Condolences for the family and donations to the charity of your choice may be arranged through the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.