PICTOU – A loving heart stopped beating on Apr 14/11, when Elmer Goodwin, 89, passed gently from this life, surrounded by his loving family. Our love and respect for him knows no limits. Dad was blessed with a kind and generous spirit and a quiet, gentle disposition. He was a devoted family man whose unwavering optimism, selfless character, and compassion inspired and shaped the lives of those close to him. Our memories of happy and wonderful times will remain with us always. Dad was born in Grand Entry, Magdalen Islands, Quebec, on April 16, 1921, a son of the late Isaac and May (Aitken) Goodwin. Dad’s greatest joy and source of pride was his family. His steady and calming presence will be missed by his loving wife of 56 years, Lois (Baker) Goodwin; beloved daughters Rebecca (Marc Landry) MacCallum, Pictou; Amber (Steve) Vines, Westville; Rachel (John) Clark, Trenton; and his treasured granddaughter Kayla Clark. Also left to mourn are brothers, Willis (Esther) Goodwin, Ontario; Winston (Mary) Goodwin, Bedford; sister Evelyn Fuller, Windsor. He was predeceased by a sister in infancy. Dad had a very full and interesting life. After finishing high school, he left the Magdalen Islands to continue his education in Halifax and Ontario, where he was a graduate of the Electrical Engineering program at the Canadian Institute of Science and Technology in Ontario . His working career took him on many journeys which began as an air traffic controller at Dorval Airport in Quebec, where he remained for several years. From there he went on to employment with what was then the federal Department of Mines and Technical Surveys, Hydrographic Service, and served aboard the Survey ship CSS Acadia. After serving more than a decade aboard the Acadia, Elmer was briefly employed with CBC Radio Canada at the Tantramar Marsh location in New Brunswick. He returned to school in New Brunswick to obtain his teaching degree and taught the electronics program at the Pictou Regional Vocational School in Stellarton from its inception until his retirement in 1986. After retirement, Dad went on to serve on several provincial government boards and agencies. Dad was an enthuastic advocate for his community, having served many years on Pictou Town Council and as deputy mayor. He served on the Pictou Board of Trade, Pictou County Chamber of Commerce, Pictou Antigonish Regional Library Board, and a host of other volunteer boards. During his retirement years, Dad spent many happy hours enjoying his collection of fiddle music and was himself a very talented fiddle player. In his latter years, Dad retained his intellectual interests and enjoyed discussions of current news and political events. Together with our mother, countless hours were spent enjoying the world of antiques and auctions. In honoring our father’s wishes, cremation has taken place under the direction of McLaren Funeral Home, Pictou, and there will be no visitation. Funeral services will be held from McLaren Funeral Chapel in Pictou on Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. Flowers are gratefully declined. Those wishing to honour Elmer’s memory may do so by contributing to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Society.
“ When tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart, for every time you think of me, I’ll be right there in your heart”. We love you Dad.