Obituary of Kenneth Edward Peter Godwin

Kenny 'Karisma' Godwin passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on February 4th, 2023. Born in Bedford to Mildred and Jim Godwin, Ken leaves behind his soulmate, Maureen Cyr; and sons, Matthew, and Mark; their wives, Lisa, and Allison; and two bright, beautiful grandchildren, Reid, and Benjamin, who of course got their smarts from Grampy. He leaves behind his princess, Kayla Knickle (Justin); and two great grandchildren, Paisley, and Isla. He also leaves behind two sisters: Mary Ann (Ronny) and Patsy (Bill), and five brothers: Jimmy (Doreen), Pat, David (Karen), John (Denise) and Gary (Lynn). Along with countless workmates and drinking buddies, including, Larry Gordon, and Dave Bartlett. He was predeceased by sister, Ida May Godwin. Ken was a railroad man at heart and fixed everything from cars to icebreakers. There will never be a ship drop off the slipway at the Halifax Shipyard that will quite the same. He was loved by many as Kenny 'Karisma', GG, Grampy, Pappa Ken and Dad. He quietly impacted many lives. His famous advice includes: ‘work smarter not harder’; ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’ and to his kids, 'lift your feet, we're going over the tracks!'. His guitar was always close by, especially while having drinks in the basement with Maureen and his sons and daughters-in-law. Dad got the better of everyone at darts and pool (except Maureen). Dad always loved building, whether with his brothers, his sons Matt and Mark, or tinkering in the tool shed with Wimpy. He was there for everyone and just like his heart, the back of his truck was never empty. Dad was a proud Nova Scotian and Canadian. He never missed a Remembrance Day to honour his father, a veteran of WWII, Wimpy and those who gave their lives for our country. He was a long-standing Legion member. His years on the railroad as a fitter were his best working years and Mark and Matt remember him coming in from the cold with his black steel lunchbox and hardhat. He made many friends on the Railroad, at the Shipyard, and many jobsites in between. He always said 'When my ship comes in, I'll be at the airport'. Dad was happiest in the last year of his life playing with his grandchildren Reid and Benjamin, and with Paisley and Isla. He wanted to be remembered simply as a nice guy. His loving family would add great Nova Scotian, proud father, loving husband, and happy grandfather. As his train leaves the station for the last time, if you need to find him, he'll be out back in the tool shed with Wimpy and Jim. Ken’s family would like to thank his many devoted caregivers, including Dr. Jill Robertson, Dr. Julie Gibson, Barb Stewart, Dr. Cuban, Dr. Hasagawa, and Dr. Mary Margaret Keating. A cremation has taken place without service, with thanks to T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, Halifax (902)835-4212. Words of condolences can be sent to the family by visiting: www.tjtracey.com. Donations in Ken’s name are welcome and can be gratefully made to Freedom Kitchen in Sackville: freedomkitchensackville.com. We love you Dad.