GOUDEY, STEPHEN EARL
God implemented another part of his master plan this week and Steve passed this life into the spirit world to continue his adventure on Monday, February 15, 2016 at home, peacefully with his family close by.
Historically Steve was born in Yarmouth, NS on October 12, 1951. He had a deep passion for his home town, its people and his ancestors. He never lost this after moving to Fredericton in 1972. He always said a person is lucky to have one spirit place in their life and he had two they were Yarmouth and Fredericton.
His mother was Marilyn (Miller) Goudey and father was Earl Robert Goudey. He had two sisters living in Yarmouth, Coral Goudey LeBlanc (Wayne) and Shannon Goudey Muise (Ted); step-mother, Ann Marie Goudey of Yarmouth. Also missed by his pets, Sadie Blue the dog and Snuggles the cat.
He wanted to personally thank all the people of Yarmouth for never forgetting about him. There was nothing he liked more than walking through the foggy street of his home town late into the evening and rejuvenating his spirit.
His soul mate during his life journey has always been his wife, Nancy (Jeffrey) Goudey. His relationship with her went beyond his passion and caring. They truly did mold out their lives as a team. Their spirits were connected through time. Steve truly loved Nancy. He also said his greatest accomplishment in life was being and developing as a parent. The love he had for his daughter, Jodi Lynn (Goudey) Vienneau was paramount in his life. Being a parent completed him in everything he did. Jodi is married to Jamie Vienneau, Steve’s amazing son in law. Their daughter Stella Grace and Steve’s only granddaughter was a gift from heaven and he plans on thanking God personally. It is her role to carry on Pup’s amazing adventure on this earth. She is our future and our hope. That is what Steve always said.
He had an interesting 35 year working career in New Brunswick and he only mentions it to thank all his work colleagues over the years that were so special to him. He started at BMO in Fredericton North in 1972, then moved to Beneficial, the Comptrollers office UNB, the Community College System as Payroll Officer, then Department of Finance, Woodstock Community College and spent his final 14 years as Director of Administration at NB College of Craft and Design in Fredericton. He made some deep and meaningful friendships all across New Brunswick both French and English that gave him enormous comfort when the times got challenging. He truly did care very much for the people he worked with. He always said he always hoped when they thought of him they smiled.
Finally Steve wanted to mention how important his volunteer career was. Staring with coaching the Heno-O-Qwai Boys Judo Club in Nashwaaksis in 1972, to coaching Youth soccer at all levels for 15 years for FDSA, Fredericton High School and St. Thomas University. Many of these people lost touch with Steve over the years but that does not mean he ever forgot about them. Then after retirement developing and delivering mentally stimulating programming around the province for seniors and young people alike became his passion. His volunteer work was always a secret garden for him where he could play out his life adventures. He thrived on surprising people with his stories and building self esteem and engagement in all the people he connected with.
His greatest fear was always that he would not make a difference in his world. He knows life was a great gift and it mattered deeply that his life would count for something. He told me only time will tell if it did!
Visitation will take place at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive on Sunday, February 21, 2016 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. Family and Friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Steve’s Life in Fredericton at St. Theresa’s Church, 1 William Street on Monday, February 22, 2016 at 11am with Father John Jennings as celebrant. Remember Steve loved a crowd! Steve’s ashes will be laid to rest at Mountain Cemetery in Yarmouth, NS at a later date.
For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the Fredericton SPCA.
Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com