Roger Endicott GODBEER

GODBEER, Roger Endicott
November 13, 1934 - December 22, 2011
Roger passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, at his home on Lake Manitouwaubing in Ontario. Beloved husband of Doreen. Loving father of Greg, Gail and son-in-law Gregor. Adoring grandfather of Alex and Kate. Dear brother of Jeremy and the late Christine (Darlene). Treasured son of the late Leslie and Mary. Favourite Uncle Roger to many nieces and nephews. Cherished friend to many in Canada, England, the United States and Europe.
  Born in Budleigh Salterton, Devon, England, Roger suffered a couple of serious childhood illnesses and this, combined with his experiences as a child during WWII, instilled in him the importance of family, friends and community and his belief that what mattered the most was to lead a quality life.
  Roger was the former Vice President of Global Media for Colgate- Palmolive Company, retiring from Colgate in 1998 after 25 years of dedicated service.
  Roger started his career in advertising in the early 1950's in Toronto after emigrating from England. Prior to joining Colgate, he was a Vice President at F. H. Hayhurst Co. In 1973, he joined Colgate-Palmolive Canada and served as Director of Marketing Services. In 1985, he and Doreen moved to Connecticut where he assumed the position of Global Media Director. With this mandate, he directed and coordinated Colgate's media efforts worldwide, improving the effectiveness of media strategy and the overall efficiency of the media buying process. During this time, Roger travelled widely, completing major media reviews in over thirty countries annually. In 1996, Roger was promoted to Vice President of Global Media.
  Roger also served in many advertising industry leadership positions, including Chairman of the Association of Canadian Advertisers, Chairman of BBM Bureau of Broadcast Measurement, Board Director of the U.S. Association of National Advertisers (ANA), Chairman of ANA's International Advertising Management Committee, and member of the Executive Committee of the World Federation of Advertisers. One of his last roles was Vice Chairman of the Advertising Research Foundation's committee on the global harmonization of television research.
  An active industry speaker, he presented challenging papers to the Incorporated Society of British Advertisers Policy Conference, the International Print Research Symposium, the European Society for Opinion and Market Research, and the World Congress of Outdoor Advertising. He also spoke regularly at national advertiser conferences around the world and was a guest lecturer at a number of colleges and universities.
  Known for his boundless energy, Roger kept very active in retirement and enjoyed gardening, travelling and entertaining. He and Doreen spent their summers at their cottage on the lake in McKellar, Ontario and the rest of the year at their home in Dartmoor, Devon, England. He was a former Vice President of the Manitouwaubing Lake Community Association and co-founder of the Longhorn Conservation Association.
  Roger will be greatly missed. He will be remembered by his work colleagues for his belief in the value of hard work and continuous improvement, and for his constant striving for excellence in media. He was a mentor to many in the field, and his pioneering work in defining best media practices and in training media planners continue to be referred to today.
  His family and friends will remember this Budleigh Boy for his integrity, infectious laughter and gentle soul.
  A memorial service took place December 28th in Parry Sound, Ontario. The graveside service will take place at Hurdville Cemetery on Sunday, May 27th, 2012 at 11:30 A.M. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.logansfuneralhome.com.