JOHNOAKLEY GODDEN

JOHN OAKLEY GODDEN Peacefully and in the company of his family, John (“Jack”) Oakley Godden died on November 18, 2016, the birthday of his recently departed, lifelong sweetheart, Jean. Jack was in his 96th year. Physician, proud Veteran, teacher, passionate wordsmith and editor, lifelong learner, our father and grandfather was born in Halifax, NS on September 22, 1921. He was predeceased by his brother Barry (Bea) of Glace Bay, NS. Jack is survived by his brother James (Lee) of Perth, Australia. He is also survived by his children, Ida Kespe (Bernie), Barry, Barbara (Tim Secord), John B. (Wendy Shami), Tim (Pam Hubley) and Heather (John Puffer). Jack was the proud grandfather of Nicholas, Grace and Eric, Josh and Mayah, and Will and Tory. Throughout a more than 40-year, multi-faceted career, Jack touched the lives of hundreds of patients and influenced the field of medicine in profound ways. In the early 1950s, he was among the courageous, pioneering anti- smoking advocates. Later in his career, when he established a thriving general practice in the downtown Toronto financial district, Jack combined his love of writing with his instincts for healing to co-found “Humane Heathcare,” a journal dedicated to patient-centred care, long before it was fashionable. Jack’s dedication for helping people optimize their health – in mind, body and spirit – was only slightly exceeded by his passion for the game of golf. Our family finds comfort in the knowledge that we will continue our annual trips to Heart’s Ease, the Nova Scotia cottage that Jack’s father built. This tradition will keep Dad, Uncles Barry and Jim and their father, Bert, in our hearts always. We extend sincere thanks to the staff of Sunnybrook Hospital, including the Veterans Wing, as well as the Briton House and Living Assistance staff teams, who provided exceptional care to Jack in his twilight years. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lawrence Park Community Church or the Sunnybrook Foundation. A visitation will be held at Lawrence Park Community Church (2180 Bayview Ave.) from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23, 2016 and a memorial service will be held at the same location on Thursday, November 24, 2016, at 11 a.m. A reception with light refreshments will follow.