Rudolph ‘Rudy’ William Godwin
June 13, 2018
The baseball community of London and area lost an avid supporter of the game on June 13th, 2018 at LHSC. He carried his love for the game and respect for the sport on his sleeve and in his heart. Rudolph William Godwin passed away, with his devoted family surrounding him, after a heroic seven year struggle with cancer. It goes without saying that anyone who knew him, knew that he was a warrior and a brave soldier who battled the disease with everything he had. Rudy is survived by his devoted wife and best friend Brenda; his loving children: Brent and wife Chandel, Megan and husband Tim Parsons, Brooke and husband Tom Ross, youngest son Mark; stepdaughters: Laura and Karen Carter; and three adorable grandchildren: Rosie and Audrey Parsons, and Bo Ross. He will also be missed by his brothers: Joseph and wife Lisa, and David, as well as by the extended Godwin and Carter families. Rudy was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Elizabeth Godwin and by his youngest brother, Kane Godwin. Rudy was born and raised on 8 Mile Road outside of Ilderton. He did not shy away from his community and went to Western University to become an educator. He taught in Middlesex County and eventually found his school family at Plover Mills P.S. Over the years, Rudy belonged to several baseball teams and coached for countless years as he guided his children and others from the community to win many championships. Giving back to the community that he loved was always an important aspect of his life and the time he gave was well-recognized. Rudy’s passion went beyond baseball: he coached basketball, hockey, volleyball, track and field and his drives in golf made him a legend in his own mind! Every player was impacted by his guidance and will remember the years they played on one of his teams. Loved by all who met him. Those who knew his spirit and love were by his side as he fought the good fight and battled in the biggest game of his life with an incredible spirit that humbled us all. Thank you to Dr. Lam and the incredible healthcare team at LHSC including the Oncology Day Unit and Chemo clinic. A Celebration of Life will be conducted at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Sunday, June 17th, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Following the service, the family will receive guests at the ILDERTON COMMUNITY CENTRE, 13168 Ilderton Road, Ilderton from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Rudy are asked to consider Myeloma Canada.
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My memories of Rudy go back to Medway HS and baseball at Ilderton. Rudy seemed to always be smiling or having a chuckle about something.He will be missed by all , even those that knew him long ago.
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The passing of Rudy has left a hole in our lives and our family but we are honoured to have known him and had him in our lives. We love you and will miss you always.
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Our thoughts are with the Godwin family at this sad time. We are sending our sincere condolences to you all.
Brent, Megan, Brooke, Mark and Brenda, we are heartbroken for you and the many, many others who got to experience the joy of baseball under the guidance and leadership of Rudy. He was family to Brendan and introduced him along with Sean and Emily to the joys of ball at a very early age at the summer camps in Ilderton. His laughter, passion and service will be forever remembered and missed. Paul and JoAnne
My sincere condolences to the Godwin family. I knew Rudy to be a terrific athlete, teacher and person. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Our condolences to the Godwin family. We cut quite a swath back in the day playing ball. Rudy will always be remenbered.
Our condolences to the Godwin family. We cut quite a swath back in the day playing ball. Rudy will always be remembered.
We have lot's of great memories hanging with Brenda and Rudy aka BRUDY! We will always remember these great times, the fun, the golf and yes the 'martini's'. Cheers forever Rudy....M&M !!!
Gave us championships, gave us ins and outs of the game, leadership skills, assertiveness and most of all identity to belong. Felt like I was apart of something. A sports world family. Even being different, weird, emotional he didn't show you that you were not apart of. He brought the best out of you in the game, made you play hard and that brought us success on the field. I'd like to think I have some sort of skills from all of that today. Thinking of you all, my heart goes out and will never forget the impact Rudy has left on my life. All the best.
Brenda, Brent, Megan Brooke and Mark I am fortunate enough to have found a team out here in Calgary that matches my old hardball uniform, but today, I wear it with a lot more significance. Today, we lost a teacher, a mentor, a coach, the occasional teammate, and most importantly, a great man. You taught me everything I know and helped me realize potential I may otherwise have never known I had. From our OBA championships at a young age, all the way to our senior team making it to nationals, I cannot count the number of memories you created for me. The mound visits where all you did was fix my hat and walk back to the dugout, that is my favourite memory, that, I will never forget. You knew when a teaching moment was required versus a lesson to be learned. When to push for perfection versus knowing when everything is under control. You will be missed by many, but forgotten by none.
Dear Brenda and family, We will always remember Rudy as a sweet and gentle man. Thoughts and prayers with you all.
A SuperStar, a super friend, super memories. will miss you Rudy. Sincerest Condolences to Rudy's family
So sorry to read of Rudy's passing. A beautiful tribute to a fine man. The impact that he has had on all of us, his players and their parents will not go forgotten. Our thoughts are with all of you.
Mike and I send our love to you Brenda, to the extended Godwin and Carter families, and to all who knew and loved Rudy. He was a kind and gentle man. When I close my eyes, I see that wonderful smile and hear his laugh. He was an absolute pleasure to work with, and an honour to know. Rudy was the kind of man who always saw the best in others and always put others first. I know he will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and love pass on with you Rudy, and with everyone who had the good fortune to know you.
Dear Rudy (Hey Dawg, Hey Roy, Hey Silo, My Friend.....) A father, a husband, a brother, a dad Becoming a grandpa made you so glad. You glowed as a grandpa...as proud as could be... Your laugh was a chuckle...kind and carefree You spoke of your children - how they filled your heart... You loved them so dearly...right from the start You put others before you day in and day out You judged with your heart.. you never did shout You just GAVE every day.......it was just what you did It just didn't matter...adult or kid You talked of baseball for days and for days You spoke of the game and the great plays You loved the people and the chance to just play You had a great gift....what else can I say You brought out the best in each one of us You guided and taught without any fuss A teacher, a colleague....you were the best You added great humour...even some zest You made work fun, and you helped me each day, You are the best...what else can I say? So go rest in heaven....our hearts are with you Your memories are with us whatever we do. Remember.... Once a Plover...Always a Plover
Dear Rudy (Hey Dawg, Hey Roy, Hey Silo, My Friend.....) A father, a husband, a brother, a dad... Becoming a grandpa made you so glad... You glowed as a grandpa...as proud as could be... Your laugh was a chuckle...kind and carefree... You spoke of your children - how they filled your heart... You loved them so dearly...right from the start... You put others before you day in and day out... You judged with your heart.. you never did shout... You just GAVE every day.......it was just what you did... It just didn't matter...adult or kid... You talked of baseball for days and for days... You spoke of the game and the great plays... You loved the people and the chance to just play... You had a great gift....what else can I say... You brought out the best in each one of us... You guided and taught without any fuss... A teacher, a colleague....you were the best... You added great humour...even some zest... You made work fun, and you helped me each day... You are the best...what else can I say?.. So go rest in heaven....our hearts are with you... Your memories are with us whatever we do... Remember.... Once a Plover...Always a Plover
Dear Brenda & Family We were so saddened to hear of Rudy's passing. His warmth, humour and compassion touched us all. Our deepest condolences.
To Brenda, Brent, Megan, Brooke and Mark So very sad to hear of Rudy's passing. Please accept our most sincere condolences. You will have many wonderful memories to give you comfort. He will be missed. Sincerely, Jamie & Beckie
Brenda and Godwin family our sincere condolences on Rudy's passing. The battery for Heavens baseball team is now complete with Rudy on the mound Kane behind the plate and Fred calling plays. We will always treasure the great times we had together
Dear Brenda & Family, It was a pleasure to know Rudy and be around his forever virabrant spirit and cheerful smile. Rudy was a lovely man and I offer my deepest condolences to his family and to you Brenda. My heart goes out to all of you. Jean Thompson
To the Godwin and Carter Families; Sincere Condolences on Rudy's passing. Rudy was a baseball guru, he knew more than most MLB managers. So many memories.... the boys will never forget him! Thank You Rudy.
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