We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Michael William Goodey, CD (Ret’d) of Chilliwack BC on 24 July 2021 at age 80 years. Michael served a 32-year career as a Combat Engineer with the Canadian Military Engineers.
Michael was born in an air raid shelter in Hants, England during WW II - the son of a Second World War Canadian soldier and an English war bride. His father was The Late Chief Warrant Officer Charles Wilfred “Butch” Goodey. Michael arrived in Canada with his Mom and brother on the Iles de France troop ship at Pier 21 in Halifax NS in October 1944. They then proceeded to Cultus Lake, BC by train where they began their life in Canada.
Michael joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1958 at the age of 16 when he joined the Canadian Armed Forces Sapper Apprentice Program ("The Green Monsters") with the 7th Intake. After graduating in 1959, Michael went on to serve a 32-year career and served in locations such as Canadian Forces Base Petawawa ON with 1 Field Squadron, 4 Field Squadron in Fort Victoria in Germany, 4 Combat Engineer Regiment in CFB Lahr in Germany (where he received the Canadian Forces Europe Commendation) and CFB Chilliwack with both the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering and Base Operations.
Michael retired from the Canadian Forces in 1989 at the rank of Sergeant. After retiring, he worked for Cottonwood Mall as ‘Santa’ for 20 years. He also enjoyed volunteering at the Chilliwack General Hospital on the Information Desk for a number of years.
Michael excelled in sports. While in Germany, he played basketball for the Armed Forces. All three Goodey boys learned the art of angling from their dad at an early age and ruled the river. Michael could be found on the Vedder and Fraser Rivers every chance he could get. He also enjoyed golfing and got two hole-in-ones at the Kinkora Golf Course in Chilliwack. Michael was also a very good dancer and enjoyed rock and roll. Michael enjoyed camping for many years with family and friends and vacations in Hawaii and Las Vegas.
The Goodey family was honoured In 2011 with a Volunteer Inspirational Award from the Province of British Columbia and a National Award in Toronto where they were cited for their commitment to diabetes education and volunteering.
Arrangements for a service will be made at a later date. If you so desire, contributions to the Canadian Diabetes Association ( PO Box 26331, Stn B Rm B, Toronto, Ontario M7Y 4R1), the Kidney Foundation, (PO Box 1261 Stn K, Toronto, Ontario M4P 9Z9), or the Fraser Valley Healthcare Foundation (Chilliwack Hospital) at 45600 Menholm Road, Chilliwack, BC V2P 1P7 would be appreciated.
