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BORN
1942
DIED
2021
FUNERAL HOME
Thomas Godden Obituary
BA Psychology & M. Ed
Mr. Thomas Kelly Godden passed away Friday, April 16, 2021 in his home with his family by his side after a courageous battle with cancer.
Tom was born on February 7, 1942 at St. Joseph's Hospital. Tom met his future wife, Eileen Shonoski in 1964 and fell in love over coffee, fries and gravy at Fero's Restaurant. They got married in 1966. Together they had three beautiful children, Michael, Susan and Paul.
Tom attended Teachers College and taught his first year in Sault Ste. Marie returning home in 1966 for a position with the Catholic School Board. While teaching, he attended Lakehead University and obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Masters of Education.
He went on to teach grade school and then proceeded to run the Instructional Materials department with the Catholic School Board. Later on in Tom's career he became a Teacher-Librarian at St. Patrick's High School. This was the most satisfying part of his career.
Tom retired at the age of 55 and started to work at the Power Centre in the Shipping and Receiving department. He worked at the Power Centre for 10 years after his retirement and then became one of the Power Centre's first ever retirees. In his spare time, Tom along with his entire family, spent all of their summers out at their camp at Lac Des Mille Lac.
The best years of his life were the times that he spent with his family, grandchildren and his great grandson. Every member of Tom's family had a special place in his heart and treasured the moments with their papa.
Tom will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Eileen Godden, son Michael Godden (Jennifer), daughter Susan Di Franco (Sam), son Paul Godden (Brittany), grandchildren Rhyan and Marlo Godden, Spencer and Kierra Kielczewski, Cory Di Franco (Jolene), Derian and Matthew Di Franco, Liam and Nigel Godden and their mother Jenny and great grandson Jaxen Di Franco.
Tom was predeceased by his parents Thomas and Mamie Godden, sister Jane and Aunt Cecelia who had a special place in his heart.
Due to COVID-19, Funeral services will be held at a later date with Cremation and interment at St. Andrews Cemetery to follow.
If friends so desire, donations may be made in Tom's memory to The Cancer Research Society of Canada or The Northern Cancer Fund.
Condolences may be offered at www.harbourview funeral.ca
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Godden
Sponsored by Harbourview Funeral Centre.
7 Entries
Diane Nason
April 22, 2021
Eileen and family,
Our deepest condolences. So sorry to hear about Tom's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Diane (Lovis)and Darren Nason
Cousin Jim
April 21, 2021
I remember back over 6o years ago when cousin Tom would come from Port Arthur to visit his cousins in Fort William. It was always a special event for us and was treated as a party. The visits were often to our Grandmother’s house on Finlayson street and Nanny would bake a cake. In summer the visits were often at Aunt Helen Hockenhull’s house with Dease Street Pool across the street being the focal point. I can visualize those visits as if they were a year or two ago.
Michael Tourigny
April 21, 2021
Tom was always "Tommy" to me as were close boyhood chums dating back to our days at Corpus Christi Catholic school. We were alter boys, fishing buddies, hockey players and later snuck into pool rooms as well as chasing and dating many local young ladies. We worked together one summer at the Public Utilities. I was honored to attend his wedding. I last saw Tommy when he did me the courtesy of attending both my grandfather and later my mother's funerals even though l had moved from T.B. in 1970. I still have our grade eight graduation class photo showing us side by side in the front row. Would be delighted to share it if possible. So truly sad. M. Tourigny. Thornhill.
Mike
April 21, 2021
Mr Godden was my librarian in elementary school then again in high school. He was a kind caring man that always had time for his students he was always one of my favourite people to talk to each day. Rest In Peace my friend
Jim Pazianos
April 20, 2021
I met Tom while working at St. Patrick High. He would go out of his way to help you with a warm smile and a kind word. I never really knew Tom well, however what I did know, I really liked. I was saddened by his passing. My deepest sympathies to Tom's family and friends.
Jim Pazianos
Kelly Greer
April 20, 2021
Tom and I were colleagues at St. Patrick High School. I remember Tom as a very helpful Teacher-Librarian. Tom had sage advice and even shared fascinating audio/visual techniques. From the way Tom conducted himself at school, I'm sure he must have been a great family man. Tom's friendly greeting was, " Good day sir." In turn, Tom helped us all have better days. My heartfelt condolences to Tom's family and friends. Sincerely, Kelly Greer
Debbie Youmans
April 20, 2021
Our sincerest condolences. He was a kind man who always remembered us and would stop to say hello when we ran into him. The Youmans family.
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Memorial Events
for Thomas Godden
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Harbourview Funeral Centre499 N. Cumberland St., Thunder Bay, ON P7A 4R9