In Memory of Norman Leonard Goddard
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Norman, surrounded by family, at the age of 94.
Born in Ilford (London) he was the son of the late Leonard Goddard and Mabel (Wood) Goddard and brother to the late Vera Daley.
He is survived by loving wife, Joanne Beaubien, sons Kevin (Isolda) and Keith (Kim), their mother Ruth Goddard, grandchildren Daniel (Liz) and Alis (Anna) as well as furry friends Princess, Jinx, Loki and Rufus.
A small boy during the early stages of the Second World War, Norman lived through many harrowing experiences during bombing raids in London before being evacuated to safety as were many other children at the time.
After the war, he entered college to become a Mechanical Design Technologist which included a machinist apprenticeship. After emigrating to Canada in 1952, he later completed this education at night school in Ottawa while raising a young family. Norman worked as a designer of complex mechanical systems (aircraft components, machinery hydraulics, etc.) at several companies before spending the remainder of his career in the Design Office (M3) of the National Research Council in Ottawa from 1965 until 1996.
Norman’s favorite hobbies were playing the piano, painting and travelling but throughout his life he engaged in many pastimes including running, cycling, flying (gliders and model planes), sailing, coaching/teaching kids, ballroom dancing and numerous card and board games. A perpetual problem solver, he spontaneously offered his expertise in civic problems such as bridge design and LRT reliability.
Special thanks to the dedicated, professional and compassionate staff at the Heart Institute, Civic Hospital Emergency ward and Acute Monitoring unit that cared for him in his final days.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Ottawa Food Bank: https://donate.ottawafoodbank.ca
The family will receive relatives and friends at the Heritage Funeral Complex, 1250 Trim Rd., Orléans, on Thursday, May 22, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A celebration of life will follow in the Heritage Chapel at 1 p.m. The family invites you to join them for a reception afterwards in the Heritage funeral Complex reception facilities, where you can enjoy some food and continue sharing memories.
The burial will take place at Dale’s Cemetery on Friday, May 23, 2025 at 11 a.m.
“I don’t know how to breathe without crying
I don’t know how to live with you dying
You were my best friend
Now it’s come to an end
I don’t think these tears will be drying
Together we’ll never go flying
To cope, I’ll pretend
To you, love I send
I promise to never stop trying…”
by Alis Goddard
My deepest condolences to Kevin, and the entire family. Your Dad was a lovely man. He lives on in your hearts forever. Love never dies
That’s a wonderful poem, Alis. It reflects beautifully how I feel. I only got to work with Norm for two years from 1988-90 but we remained fast friends to the end. I will miss him forever, he was the best mechanical engineer I ever knew.
I cannot remember a time that Norman wasn’t there. His dry humour, the sparkle in his eye when he was going to say something funny, followed by that twinkle and that great, slow smile. He was always staunch and loyal. He was my mother Thelma’s great and constant friend, and I was honoured that he offered himself as honorary Uncle to my children. He was forever thoughtful, funny, smart, creative and immensely proud of his family. He was a good man. I miss him.
Our condolences to all of you. We always enjoyed seeing Norman’s paintings back when the Ottawa Art Association selected members’ work for the Ottawa Little Theater side lobby. May happy memories give you some peace during this painful time.
Joanne, I am remembering all the fun times we spent with you and Norm. He was a good friend to me. He lived a long and and happy life. I am so sad he’s gone. You take good care of yourself. I love Alis’ poem! Hugs galore, Sheila
Dear Norm, a gentleman, a scholar and one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. We will miss your laughter and your stories and jokes.
It was a pleasure traveling with you and Joanne. Nifty fifty, games evenings, theatre, dinners, golf but we didn’t let the men infiltrate our book club. So many laughs, so much fun. I don’t think Norm ever said no to another cup of tea. Life was better to have known you. Until we meet again.
Norm was such a lovely man. Everyone enjoyed his quick wit and his participation in numerous activities with his friends.
Valletta and I wish to extend our sincere condolences to Joanne and family on Norm’s passing. We remember his beautiful paintings (we have one), his sense of humor and passion for his hobby – a passion shared by Joanne through her own paintings. Norm was a gentle, soft-spoken man whose friendship we cherished.