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Francis Michael (Bud) Godderis

December 15, 2016

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Bud passed away unexpectedly and peacefully, surrounded by family and friends in the family room at KBRH.

He was a gentle man, full of fun and laughter whose life was marked by profound compassion and love for others, a commitment to peace with justice, for reconciliation with first nations and for the healing of the earth. He never stopped reaching out and learning.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Ann, daughters Jean Holden (Mo El Azhari), and Karen Miller (Mark), grandchildren Sam and Grace Miller, sister Joanne (Sandy) Irvine, brother Gene (Kari Trefiler) sisters in law, Jan Morton and Lynn Green (Colin) and many cousins, nieces, nephews and their families. He is predeceased by his father and mother Henry (Hank) and Edna (Maclean). Bud was very proud of his Dad, the last CPR station master in Rossland and Castlegar, and his mother, a caring nurse.

Over the years he was, among many things, a camp counsellor, youth leader, educator and school principal, mountain climber and skier, catholic priest, hospital social worker, spiritual mentor, fisher of fish, poet, walking stick maker, 5th step listener, hospice volunteer, advocate for ending all violence and poverty, human rights activist, proud trade unionist, jokester, dog walker, path maker, city councilor, sports jock, accompanier of Central Americans, singer, loving husband, brother, uncle and poppa and, most recently, a member of the Doukhobor community. He engaged people “where they were at”, supporting, encouraging and welcoming them into his life.

The family wishes to thank the skilled paramedics and nurses who helped Bud. Special thanks to Dr. Phillips whose compassionate thoughtfulness gave us one more day to say our goodbyes. We also thank Dr. Hii for his years of care.

All are welcome to a celebration of Bud’s life on Tuesday afternoon, January 3 at 1pm in the Brilliant Cultural Centre, followed by a Doukhobor prayer service on Wednesday morning, January 4 at 10 am. Vaya con Dios, Pancho.



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