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Peacefully, at his home in Whitby, on April 24, 2022, Godfrey Donald Jenkins (Goff) at 73 years of age. Beloved husband of Anne Schaedlich. Dear stepfather of Paul Schaedlich (Chandra). Cherished by Anne’s grandchildren, Klarissa and Kaiden. Greatly missed by his brother Stephen (Bick), his cousins Matthew and Sam Birtwistle, and his Aunt Dorothy and cousins Liz and Graham in England. Fondly remembered by many friends. Predeceased by his parents Godfrey Sr. and Sylvia Jenkins and Anne’s sons Frank and Kevin Schaedlich.
Goff was born in Chester, England on September 15, 1948, spending his childhood in Ellesmere Port. He immigrated to Canada with his family in 1958 and lived most of his adult life in Toronto. After graduating from the University of Toronto, he worked as a microbiologist for Bristol Myers and later for the Ontario Ministry of the Environment.
Goff will be remembered as a gentle and kind man who never put himself first, and was always able to listen and help, without judgement. He was intelligent, warm and funny and really disliked arrogance and pretence. He treasured his time with Anne and their families.
Making friends was easy for Goff and he maintained lifelong relationships with a group of house-mates from his university days, playing bridge every Tuesday night for more than 50 years, golfing regularly every summer, and enjoying their annual “fishin’ trip”. He loved music, especially bluegrass and folk, and loudly singing a good, sad song.
Goff was a huge sports fan, faithfully cheering on the Maple Leafs, the Blue Jays, the Raptors, and, ever true to his English heritage, Manchester United. In his younger years, he managed and played on the Titans baseball team. He was a walking encyclopedia of sports trivia and was passionate about his Fantasy Baseball team, Kevin’s Kids, which won many of their league championships.
Goff enriched the lives of his family and friends with humour, love and compassion. He leaves us the gift of countless happy and precious memories. At Goff’s request, there will be no funeral. Details of a wake will follow. Anne is very grateful to friends Roger and Ann, and to the palliative care team from Oshawa General Hospital, whose invaluable support made it possible to care for Goff at home. Those wishing to do so may make a memorial donation to the Canadian Cancer Society.
I was so sorry to recently hear of Goff's passing. Goff's endearing smile, welcoming manner, sense of humour and easy conversation were always a highlight for me at any social gathering. I'll always remember his commitment to his work, love of music, obvious enjoyment in spending time with Anne and her family and, of course, our chats about clog dancing :-). My sincere condolences to Anne and her family and my great admiration to Anne for her strength during difficult times over the past few years. May the many happy memories see you through.
So sorry to hear of Goff's passing. I was the receptionist at the branch and will always remember Goff for humour, kindness, Coca Cola memorabilia, fantasy football and of course music. He made me a video of Stan Rogers - yes I had a VCR! Also kindly researched long term care homes for my sister. I remember Aida Gans trying to teach him to dance after hours in the library. So many smiles with these memories. A very loving son and brother. I got to know Sylvia through her calls to Goff (yes young people, no voice mail) I last saw Goff a few years ago as he drove me home from Resources Road and it was as if we had talked the day before. The most important legacy we leave behind is kindness, caring for others and a loving spirit. Goff has met all criteria. I am sure that there is some great "jamming" going on in the spirit world and Goff is definitely there! I will keep my eye out for details of the wake. Edythe
I’m grateful to Goff for the loving companionship he shared with his wife, my friend Anne. It is at times like these that I wish we had lived closer and not an ocean away. In my thoughts, Robyn.
Although we have had little contact since the family moved to Canada, Dorothy and Liz have always kept us in touch with Godfrey’s life. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Cynthia, Adam, Pam and Michele
Anne : Sorry for your loss and your families with the passing of Goff. He certainly was lucky to have your kindness, dedication and care.
I was saddened to hear of Goff's passing. He was truly fortunate to have Anne by his side. I've made a memorial donation in his name to the Canadian Cancer Society
We met at the Bluegrass Festival in Carlisle and were joined at the pleasures of acoustic music every since. The festivals were never complete without his mischievous smile in the crowd. Will miss you pal.
We are very sad to lose Goff. He was kind, gentle, funny and charming and will be greatly missed by all his family, friends and those who knew him. Our sincere condolences to Anne and all the family in Canada from his aunt Dorothy, cousins Graham and Liz, and their families.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Cancer Society
I worked with Goff very closely at Drinking Water Section, MOE. He was very pleasant and I loved his great sense of humour. I haven't seen him since I left the Drinking Water Section. I heard he was at the get together they had before Covid and have wished I was able to attend. He will be missed.
I worked with Goff (and Stephen) when I was at the Ministry of Environment and I remember Goff as a kind, gentle man with a welcoming smile and a great sense of humor.
My dear friend Anne. My thoughts and prayers are with you. You are one of the strongest people I know. Please call on me if you need anything. Lots of Love.
I consider myself lucky to have known Goff. His good cheer and love of wonderful music set him apart from the crowd. My deepest condolences to his family.
I worked with Goff for a number of years at the Ontario Environment Ministry in the areas of pesticides and drinking water management. He was passionate about his work, could work with a broad range of stakeholders(who respected him regardless of their position) and knew how to add wit and humour when the project stress was high. There is one project I would like to note. Goff and I were on the first TV(cable at the time) broadcast of a drinking water standard - which in this case was Tritium and of concern to residents in the eastern GTA given the nuclear facilities. The success of that broadcast was due to Goff’sexpertise and communication skills. I thank him to this day for making the two of us and the Ministry look professional and trustworthy. He truly was rock solid and who one could depend on. Will always remember you Goff along with the many friends, colleagues and family who will be doing the same and will miss you dearly. Jim Smith
So sorry to hear of Geoff’s passing. He was a warm and wonderful person and I always enjoyed working with him. His cheerful smile will be missed
Joyce and I are very sad to hear of Goff's passing. Our sincere condolences to Anne and her family. Goff was a very kind and friendly person. We will miss him greatly.
Goff was truely a good citizen and boy scout. I met Goff through a mutual friend Ian Parrish while working for the MOE. Goff always made me feel welcome and while I will miss his picture perfect golf swing, he has gifted me with memories.
I will always remember Goff for being a great raconteur as well as for his professional insights at the Ministry of Environment. I respected his opinions and greatly enjoyed his company. My condolences to his family and many, many friends.
I enjoyed many conversations, cigarettes and beers back in the day with Goff at MOE. Glad he found happiness with Anne. RIP
I am very sorry to hear of Goff's passing. He was so energetic and full of life. I always enjoyed having a beer with Goff and talking music - we both loved the roots music, folk music and particularly bluegrass. Goff was a big contributor at the Ministry and truly made a difference. I will miss him greatly.
So sad to hear of Goff's passing. Such warm fond memories of Goff and the musical evenings shared. His face and happiness so vividly etched in my mind. Condolences to sweet Anne and to all who knew him. He will be missed. xoxo
It is a sad time for my cherished friend to loose a husband and a friend. To all those to cared for Goff and will miss his warm and friendly ways, my condolences. May he rest in peace. Love Janet
Sincere condolences to Anne for the loss of a lifelong friend of 65 years. A truly wonderful person who will be truly missed. So many childhood and "490" memories R.I. P.-Big G....Ollie and Jennifer
Anne, our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with you at this time. To quote the words of the old Cat Stevens song: Morning has broken like the first morning Blackbird has spoken like the first bird Praise for the singing praise for the morning Praise for them springing fresh from the world.
We are deeply saddened to read that Goff passed away. Our deepest condolences Anne & family. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.