My family moved to Willow Park in the mid-1980s, landing on Willard Road where my parents still live. As a kid, Mr. Godfrey was the friendly giant just a few houses down, always present with his deep hearty laugh and always willing to lend a smile to your day whether you were walking home from school or riding your bike or skateboard up the street. I remember sitting in a big canoe in his backyard in the summers, listening to stories as he rocked my brother, sister, childhood neighbors, and I back-and-forth in time with the adventure he was unfolding. As my siblings and I grew up and moved away to start our own families I often only saw Mr. Godfrey at my parent's annual Canada Day party where it was always a highlight to spend time catching up with him, but he would always remember the stories he told us in that canoe like it had happened earlier that day. He carried a feeling of security and peace with him no matter how many years had passed, and when you were in his company you felt you were the center of the world. And no matter how many people were in attendance every July 1st, it was hard to miss Mr. Godfrey's laugh that at some point would draw you close to his gentle nature.
Mr. Godfrey was kind, caring, personable, and made you feel safe and important. As a kid he was the type of grown up you were convinced could perform miracles, and I feel privileged to have known him. He brought good to that small street in Willow Park--much as I imagine he did the same to everyone he encountered outside the little neighborhood we had when we were younger--and I remember him fondly and always will. Friendly giants are the best kind of giants, and I'm so grateful Willard Road had Mr. Godfrey as its own.
Graydon
