GODFREY, Glenn Duncan

November 13, 1949 - September 6, 2024

After a long and arduous illness, Glenn passed away peacefully with his wife and dear friends by his side. He leaves Leslie (Tuck), to whom he was married for almost 41 years, and stepdaughter Sarah (Henry-Godfrey), as well as his sister Diane Ferrier (Floyd), and brothers Barry Godfrey (Terry) and Kim Godfrey (Denise). He was the oldest son of the late Jim and Ardelle (Duncan) Godfrey, and a loving, proud, protective father to Sarah.
He also leaves nieces Tracey Ferrier (Tom), Amy Godfrey, and Kylee Zoller (Karcsi), as well as nephews Travis Ferrier (Laurie), Cory Ferrier (Bettina), Alan Godfrey (Kira), and James Godfrey. He was sometimes bemused by the large, lively crowd of great (even great, great) nieces and nephews at family gatherings.

Born in Parry Sound, Glenn grew up and attended school in Barrie, graduating from North Collegiate in 1969. He was very proud of the education he received in Simcoe County, and credited it with his own decision to eventually become a teacher himself. He was a graduate of OCA(D) and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Guelph and his Bachelor of Education degree from Althouse College at Western. As well as for his academic achievements, Glenn was known in Guelph for his distinctive baby blue Triumph TR3A, his pride and joy, purchased for $500 with coins saved throughout high school. He further indulged his love of cars with a collection of 700 (!!) 1/43rd scale model cars, a number he denied but Leslie quietly corroborated for herself, and sometimes used as a bargaining chip. He would counter with “At least they’re not life-sized!"

Hired in 1977 by the late Jack McFadden and Gary Cook to teach Visual Arts at Orangeville District Secondary School, Glenn spent the next 28 years inspiring and mentoring hundreds of young artists both there and at Centre Dufferin in Shelburne. Students responded to his dry humour, insight, encouragement, and ability to get even the most challenging ones onside. He also served as department head of Fine Arts at both schools, was staff advisor for the ODSS yearbook. and created imaginative sets for many high school and local theatre productions. 

Pursuing his love of Renaissance and Impressionist art, Glenn led several school trips to Italy and France where former students recall him racing from one Botticelli painting or Michelangelo sculpture to the next, trying to take it all in. Later in life, he and Leslie explored the literary landscapes of England and Scotland, which they both loved and where they both had roots. He retired from teaching in 2005, but has maintained contact with many students since. Some are even neighbours.

He loved animals and had many pets through the years, the latest of which is Finn, his crazy Cockapoo who acquitted himself admirably as a therapy dog at Glenn’s nursing home.

Glenn himself was a talented artist and became particularly well-known for his caricatures. At last count, there were over 300 treasured “Godfreys” in homes across Canada. But he always claimed that his greatest “sculpture” was the timber frame house he designed - and built with the help of friends - on the Bruce Trail near Mono Centre.

A true Renaissance man, Glenn was a gifted guitarist, playing in many bands from the R&B group Idle Reception during his Barrie days to teacher bands at both Centre Dufferin and ODSS. He had eclectic musical tastes, but was an inveterate Beatles, Beach Boys, Eagles, and Jeff Beck fan. Until his illness took away the ability to join them, he treasured bi-weekly get-togethers with “the guitar guys”, a group of retirees who not only made music together but engaged in great conversation and shared good food. Glenn often advised that “a man can never have too many guitars.” He had nine.

In retirement, he loved trail cycling with The Recyclists, led by Ross Martin, and was proud to complete a long cycling trip along the Danube with friends Gord and Val McGiverin. He also enjoyed working as a transportation driver for Dufferin County Community Services, which satisfied his need for purpose and connection through the colourful life stories shared by his clients.

Last but not least, Glenn played online trivia every Tuesday night for over 25 years with knowledgeable (and competitive) friends Reinis, Peter, Ian, Bill, Brian, and the late Alex. Playing under the team names Kruddd and Eulogy, Glenn placed in the top ten of North America several times.

Glenn considered himself a lucky man for the many friendships and strong community connections he had made. Special notes of gratitude go to our closest friends and family who have walked alongside us on this journey, and to his care team of Dr. Ken Derksen and Alice, Dr. Paul Martin-Smith, Dr. Jack diBerardino, Dr. Reta French (who got him to Southlake eight years ago for life-saving surgery, despite the odds), cardiac surgeon Dr. Charlie Peniston, neurologist Dr. Usman Moghal, chiropractor Dr. Heather Pady, and massage therapist Hedi Wolfinger. We’re also grateful for Ryan Hunter, Glenn’s PSW, and for the wonderful staff at Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Alliston.

As Glenn requested, there will be no formal visitation or service. He didn’t want any great fuss, but only to be remembered as “a good man.” We think he has that pretty well covered. There will be an informal gathering involving single malt and music next fall. Leslie and Sarah are grateful for the many messages of condolence and remembrance already received. 

A tree will be dedicated in the Dods & McNair Memorial Forest. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Dufferin Arts Council Anne Laurier Endowment Fund in support of students pursuing post-secondary arts studies. Glenn was a founding member of the DAC board, and, as much as he hated meetings of any kind, advocated tirelessly for the arts. For many years, Glenn worked with the late Anne and others to award over $200,000 to date in scholarships and bursaries. He was very proud of that accomplishment. 

Donatedufferinarts.com

If you could indicate that your donation is in memory of Glenn, that would be wonderful. Thank you.