Jim Godber - 1931-2015

James Horton Godber - known to us simply as Jim - graduated from Sedbergh in 1948, but he never really left the Valley. For all Jim's long life he was a caring friend of the school, sometimes critical, but always loyal and interested in whatever was going on in the "Bergh". He liked people and we liked him. Jim had things to tell us, ideas to suggest to us, thoughts to make us think, but he knew how to listen too. Kindness and generosity were his hallmarks. For the last twenty years of his life, Jim mentored me, giving good advice and guiding me through some very difficult rough seas when his own life was not smooth sailing at all. I shall miss him. For all of us who knew him, Jim was a great friend.

The following obituary appeared in The Montreal Gazette on July 4th, 2015:

"GODBER, Horton James (Jim)

Born in Montreal on April 20, 1931, died on June 30, 2015 in Montreal peacefully, after a short illness and surrounded by his two loving sons. He was the son of the late Harold James Godber and the late Renee (McCullagh); beloved husband of Susan (Racey), his wife of 58 years; father of John (Christine Smith) of Westmount, Qc, Tom of Knowlton, Qc, and the late Peter of Magog, Qc; grandfather of Tim, Phillippe, Jake, Marc and Andrea; and brother-in-law of Margaret (Racey) and William Stavert. Jim was a loving husband, father and mentor to many. Those who knew him will remember him as a caring and giving person. The family extends its sincere thanks to the Palliative Care Teams at the Montreal Neurological Hospital and the new Royal Victoria Hospital (Glen campus). A private family ceremony will be held and will be followed in late August by a memorial service at the Mount Royal Funeral Complex, 1297 Chemin de la Foret, Outrement, Quebec. Tel: 514-279-6540. www.mountroyalcem.com. Donations to the Cedars Cancer Institute or online at www.cedars.ca would be appreciated."

Old Sedberghians send our heartfelt condolences to Jim's family and friends.