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Godwin Forde Obituary
Godwin Forde earned his share of admirers during his 10 years as a private security guard, even before he was promoted in 1999 to work at Merrill Lynch at 2 World Trade Center. Because he had worked at "Late Show with David Letterman" and later at the FX Network, he was frequently seen in the background on television programs. He even made a few cameos on an FX morning program, "Breakfast Time." His former boss and employees at the buildings where he worked said Mr. Forde was a quiet, friendly fixture, a bit of comfort for harried workers.
But most of those employees did not know that Mr. Forde, 39, saw their faces more than his children's. In 1991, Mr. Forde left his home in London, where he had been an electrician, and moved in with a sister in Brooklyn, while his daughter, Charlene Forde, then age 8, and three younger sons stayed in London.
"He said to me he just wanted a change," Ms. Forde recalled. "He came up here and he was happy here."
Charlene spent 10 more years in London, living for most of the year at boarding school. Last Sept. 2, she arrived in New York to live with her father in his apartment in Flatbush, Brooklyn. When he picked her up at John F. Kennedy International Airport, they had some catching up to do.
"He wanted to know what was on my mind, and what I'd been up to in London," Ms. Forde recalled.
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Helen T
September 11, 2024
Godwin is remembered by the FX tv team for always being kind, classy and professional while watching over us at 26th and 5th studio. He had a great sense of humor putting up with our antics too. Condolences to all who love him HT
Cindy Roe
September 13, 2021
Remembering Godwin on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
Alex
November 11, 2019
I am sorry you're gone because of an awful tragedy on September 11th, brother. Your passing was not in vain.
RIP
Edythe Richman
September 11, 2017
I read about him as his name was announced. So sorry for your loss.
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Dominique Skinner
July 17, 2017
I still always remember you!
rodcliffe kerr
May 26, 2014
Godwin was a special friend I went to school with him aylestone he took me on my first real rave club norick and used to play his selection to me in his room kempe road feeling u Godwin we shared some good times they say the good die young love that picture off u mate rip one love
Dominique Skinner
February 26, 2014
Godwin or Jr lol was my best and still is my friend i miss you and thanks for everything
Dominique Raynor Skinner
Edward Ford
September 26, 2011
I worked with Godwin at the F/X network for the all the years we were there. I always told him that we were related since my name is also Ford and my family comes from Barbados. To his sister Elaine if you read this please get a hold of me. I'm working for ABCs Good Morning America down in Times Square. I miss him terribly; he was a good friend and a man of integrity.
Doug Abraham
August 2, 2009
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
KEITH GREENWOOD
November 14, 2008
I KNEW GODWIN AND HIS SISTERS AND HIS BROTHER, WE LIVED IN THE SAME NEIGHBOUR HOOD IN LONDON, ENGLAND HIS BROTHER AND I WENT TO SCHOOL TOGETHER KENSAL RISE PRIMARY SCHOOL....GOD BLESS THE FORDE FAMILY KEEP THE FAITH ITS IN GOD WE TRUST....
Danielle
February 1, 2007
This is my tribute to a fellow Godwin ...
Kristine
October 25, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
P Tabbernor
October 7, 2006
In memory....
Inner City Sports Little League
September 11, 2006
To the Forde family, we offer our deepest sympathy.
We will never forget!
Jacquie Chambers
May 6, 2003
I also went to High school with Godwin and would like to express my sincere condolences to him and his family. I could not believe the news when I heard and still cannot believe what has happened. I have just returned from NY and I went down to Ground Zero (my uncle worked at WTC also), however reading the tributes has now made the whole scenerio complete. Godwin you will be dearly missed - GOD BLESS YOU and all the others that were lost on that awful day.
X
Peter Townsend
May 1, 2003
I went to school with Godwin - some 24 years ago, at Aylestone High,
in London, UK .
Being one of the shortest guys in our year, I remember Godwin as a "Friendly Giant" , good humoured, polite and not afraid to do his own thing. I only found out last month, it's really sad to hear, difficult to express in words.
I see he trained as an electrician, and I'm sure he bought a spark to many lives, and may that light keep burning in our memories. Special condolences to his family and friends.
Peace and Love.
Pete Townsend
Laila
March 6, 2003
Rest In Peace......Godwin Forde.
God bless your family and friends.
GODWIN FORDE,JR
March 6, 2003
I think about Godwin all the time I miss so much you know I'm so lucky 2 have GODWIN as my DAD hwo hade him in there lifes know how much I love him.I'M GOIN 2 MISS YOU SO MUCH!
Mark McKenzie
December 19, 2002
Hello
I attended the same school as Godwin (Aylestone High) and have only recently heard, that he was one of the victims on that terrible day.
My condolences go out to his family, he will be sadly missed.
Mark McKenzie
Penny Lueckenhoff
September 26, 2002
Hello,
At the September 11, 2002 Santa Barbara memorial service honoring the victims of the terrorist attacks, I received a heart-shaped pin with Godwin's name on it. So, although I don't know you Godwin, it has been an honor to wear your name and to hear about your interesting life. God bless you and your family - especially Charlene who came back into your life only 1 week before this horrible attack.
Jennifer Etienne
September 13, 2002
I knew Godwin in England. He and I attended the same High School - Aylestone High in Kensal Rise. London. I remember Godwin as always being different...very quiet, courteous and pleasant. He had a twin sister Donna, they both were very respectable individuals. I only found out in July that Godwin was victim, I was deeply saddened. Godwin's family truly has lost a great son, brother, father, husband,cousin and friend. My condolences to the Forde family. God bless you all - stay strong for each other.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Etienne and the Etienne Family
Denise Robinson
September 11, 2002
I met Godwin on the D-train @ 5:30am in Brooklyn many years ago. Ever since that day, we met every morning @ 5:30am. (I saved him a seat next to me) We had so much to talk about since we are both from England. He even got his children to bring me chocolate digestives (English cookies) whenever they came to visit from England. The day before the Towers collaped, we were talking on-line and I told him to bring his kids down to Florida, since I just relocated. He told me that he needed a vacation and he would try to make it down here. The next day when I heard about the Towers, I called him over and over again hoping that he made it out ok. I got a call later that night, not from Godwin to say that he was ok, but instead from his daughter Charleen. She told me that her dad did not come home. We hoped that maybe he was trying to find away home and would soon be there. Unfortunaly my friend Godwin was one of those brave heros who risked his life to save others. Godwin I will never forget you. You are always in my prayers.
Denise, Denysha and Henley.
Yvettra Lee
September 10, 2002
YOU ALWAYS HELPED ME WITH THE XMAS TOYS FOR THE FOSTER KIDS. HOLDING THE DOOR, HELPING ME LOAD THE CAR GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU AND I KNOW I'LL SEE YOU AGAIN IN OUR FATHER GOD'S HOUSE
YVETTRA LEE
Richard Afflick
September 10, 2002
Godwin was a security guard on my floor, the 63rd. He worked the evening shift and when things were slow I invariably found myself at the reception desk conversing with him.
I loved his clipped British accent for I too had relatives in London who I could barely understand but I loved hearing them talk. *lol* We spoke about everything: politics, sports, the job...whatever.
I know that he and Titus Davidson stayed behind to help people who were trapped and/or lost in the building. They are the true heroes. For they all had time to get out of that building but they stayed behind to help their fellow co-workers.
Although you are memorialized by the Firm and a plaque with your name is now situated at the Firm's headquarters, I'd rather you and the others had survived.
God be with you and your family.
N.B. Godwin worked for Morgan Stanley and not Merrill Lynch.
Angie Campbell
April 25, 2002
May God bless you and watch over the loved ones that you left behind on 9/11/01. Rest in peace..........
Ada Hernandez
March 11, 2002
I met godwin at FNC before he went to the WTC to work. He was the nicest person you want to know,friendly. he is gone but not forgotton. My prayers goes out to your family.rest in peace my friend.
January 19, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS
BEAUTIFUL QUIET HERO GODWIN FORDE
AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH
GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS
FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..AMEN.
Teresa Jahn
January 1, 2002
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Musser Hall @Ursinus College
December 5, 2001
We just wanted to give our sympathies and let you know that you are not alone during this time of tragedy. May God be with you, and we wish you a Merry Christmas! You will never be forgotten!!
Julie Forgione
November 24, 2001
Godwin was the supervisor of security at fX where we both worked over six years ago. He always chatted with everyone, not just the other guards. It is not a cliche to say he was one of the nicest and kindest people I've ever worked with or known. He had dignity.
I am certain that Godwin made sure people made it out of the building because that was the kind of person
he was. He did his job and he cared about people in a quiet way.
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