Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
John Godel Obituary
After a long, distinguished career as a researcher, doctor, teacher and mentor, John Godel passed from this life surrounded by his loving family in Campbell River, BC. John was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in 1930. He grew up in Athabasca where his curiosity and inventiveness often got him in trouble with his parents. He attended the University of Alberta where he met his companion for life, Marjorie Harper. After graduating from Medical school he moved to Vanderhoof, BC as a general practitioner. He gained his FRCPC after training in both Edmonton and Cleveland, Ohio. After returning to Vanderhoof to practice his wanderlust took over. He took his wife and 6 kids to Lagos, Nigeria with CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency). Nigeria was only a beginning; children in Tunisia, Ukraine, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Uganda and Northern Canada all benefited from his passion for helping, for learning and for research. After retiring as Professor Emiratus at U of A, John continued to volunteer in Africa. The last 15 years of his life were dedicated to children in Uganda, including Healthy Child Uganda. http://healthychilduganda.org/healthy-child-uganda
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, teacher and mentor. http://www.cps.ca/sections/Godel.pdf
Survived by his wife, Marjorie, children, Linda, Marie, Paul, Rob, Mark and Michael, 19 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. www.facebook.com/johncharles.godelmemorial
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
15 Entries
August 2, 2014
Dear Marge I just heard of Johns death.I am so sorry . He was a good friend and a great guy.I have so many memories of our Vandehoof days. Our prayers are with you Jean Hartnell
irama Max
May 12, 2014
12/05/2014: I have just learned with sadness the death of great friend Mentor,father and teacher. John encouraged me to go for father studies and paid for my studies at Makerere University for sure we shall miss such a great personality in our life may the good lord reward him for the good services he offered. And to the family I pray that the God gives you strength as you go through this trying moment especially mama majorie, May the lord once more rest his soul in peace.Irama Max Mbarara Uganda.
May 10, 2014
Marie and Paul and all the Godel Family, I just learned of your Dad's passing.. know that I send my good thoughts and prayers to you all... I remember your Dad helped me to understand an important lesson in my life.. I will never forget him for that.. and the good memories I have of you both. With love and respect. MARIE HOPFNER BURNS
Patricia Tushemereirwe
April 3, 2014
We will all truly miss John. I send you thoughts of courage and peace during your difficult time.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Patricia Tushemereirwe
April 3, 2014
We will all truly miss John. I send you thoughts of courage and peace during your difficult time.
Jenn Brenner
April 2, 2014
Marge and Family: John was such a special mentor, colleague and friend. He impacted so many lives, especially those of the children for whom he cared and the many health workers he encouraged. Through his dedicated teaching, advocacy and clinical work in Canada and abroad, he exemplified the very finest qualities of a pediatrician. He will especially be missed by the HCU team. May his legacy live on through the continued efforts of those whom he inspired.
Jenn Brenner
April 2, 2014
Marge and Family: John was such a special mentor, colleague and friend to me. Through his dedicated teaching, advocacy and clinical work in Canada and abroad, he impacted so many lives and exemplified the very finest qualities of a pediatrician. He will be especially missed by our Healthy Child Uganda team. May his legacy live on through the works of those he inspired.
Frank Wiedeman
April 2, 2014
To Marjorie and family,
May your sadden hearts be comforted with the many precious memories you will share of your father, grandpa and great-grand dad. He was a very special person to many.
John and I met at Air Cadet Camp in Victoria in 1946 when we were both 15, sang and toured with the U of A Mixed Chorus and we visited in Vanderhoof, Edmonton, Hawaii, at his niece's wedding in Vancouver, and a few times on Quadra Island. Thanks mainly to Marjorie's annual Christmas letters, we kept in touch. Please know that we are thinking of you all and that our prayers are with you. Friends forever, Frank & Eileen
Gloria Eslinger
April 2, 2014
To the Godel Family: Please accept my deepest heartfelt sympathy. Dr. Godel was a kind, respectful and generous man. I was sad to hear of his passing from Jenn Brenner. May God grant you strength during this time.
Mama Toto introduction
Heather MacIntosh
April 2, 2014
In SW Uganda, John Godel was an inspiration. The Munyoni Godel Health Centre bears his name - a fitting tribute to a wonderful man, caring physician, and dedicated teacher.
Noni MacDonald
April 2, 2014
John made so many wonderful contributions to global health. His mentorship, leadership and commitment to making a difference in the lives of the vulnerable stand as a role model to all of us who come after.
April 1, 2014
Marge, so sorry to hear about John. Love and sympathy,
Marilyn(Bertrand) Rhodes
Don & Shirley Johnson
March 29, 2014
We are so sorry for your loss. Dr Godel was a wonderful, caring Dr. and human and will be greatly missed. Dr Godel took our son's case on back in early 1991 at the Camsel. If it were not for him, we probably would not have our son today! We also saw him cuddling children who had no visitors which was so awesome to see. We will never forget him!
Madeleine/Noel Chartrand
March 29, 2014
Chers Marjorie et la famille,
Nous sommes désolés d'apprendre le décès de notre ami, John. Nous pensions justement à vous la semaine dernière et nous nous demandions si vous étiez allés au Uganda dernièrement... et de voir son obsèque ce matin... Une vie bien vécue! Soyez rassurés de nos prières et de notre sympathie. Amicalement,
Robert Godel
March 29, 2014
Please view John Godel's memorial Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/johncharles.godelmemorial
Please note error should read professor emeritus
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results
Make a Donation
in John Godel's name
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John Godel's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
