Tribute

The son of a WWII Canadian Soldier and an English War Bride, Michael William GOODEY  passed away on July 24, 2021.  He was born in an air raid shelter in Hants, England on November 4, 1941.  He was predeceased by his Mom Gwendoline Mary (Stratton) and Dad CWO Charles Wilfred (Butch) Goodey and brother Lewellyn (Bud) Goodey.  He is survived by his wife, Donna, two daughters Candice (Dean) Mikkelsen  and Tara Sudermann as well as grandson Nicholas Sudermann and step-grandson Hayden White.  He is also survived by brother Gordon Goodey and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends with whom he kept in touch.

Michael arrived in Canada on the Iles de France Troop Ship in Halifax, NS Pier 21 in October 1944 with his Mom and brother and then proceeded to Cultus Lake, BC by train where they began their life in Canada.  At the age of 16 he went to school part time and  joined the Canadian Armed Forces Sapper Apprentice Program in  May 1958 (the Green Monsters) graduating in 1959.  CHIMO!!  Michael served in CFB Petawawa, CFB Ft Victoria (Germany), CFB Lahr (Germany),  where he received the Canadian Forces Europe Commendation, and CFB Chilliwack totaling 32 years and retired as Sgt in 1989.

After retiring Michael worked for Cottonwood Mall as ‘Santa’ for 20 years.  He also enjoyed volunteering at the Chilliwack General Hospital for a number of years on the Information Desk.

In 1970 Michael was working at the Armories in Trail where he met Donna that summer.  After four months of courtship, to the day, they were married on December 19, 1970 and celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary in December 2020.

Michael excelled in sports.  While in Germany he played Basketball for the Armed Forces. At an early age all three Goodey boys learned the art of angling from their dad and ruled the river.  FISH ON!  Michael could be found on the Vedder and Fraser Rivers every chance he could get.  He also enjoyed golfing and got two Holes in One at Kinkora.  He was also a very good dancer and enjoyed rock and roll. Michael enjoyed camping for many years with family and friends and vacations in Hawaii and Las Vegas.

In 2011 the Goodey family was honoured to receive a Volunteer Inspirational Award from the Province of BC and a National Award in Toronto where they were cited for their commitment to diabetes education and volunteering.

Arrangements for a service will be made at a later date. If you so desire, contributions to the Canadian Diabetes Association, PO Box 26331, STN BRM B, Toronto, Ontario M7Y 4R1; the Kidney Foundation, PO Box 1261 Stn K, Toronto, Ontario M4P 9Z9; or  the Fraser Valley Healthcare Foundation (Chilliwack Hospital) at 45600 Menholm Road, Chilliwack, BC V2P 1P7 would be appreciated.  Thank you.