Godwin Sylvester Charles

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Godwin Sylvester Charles (born March 10, 1939). After some recent complications from diabetes, followed by a brief struggle with an aggressive form of cancer, he passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario on Friday, April 10, 2020 in his 82nd year. Godwin had prepared himself for the end and was at peace when the final moment came.

Godwin was a proud father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend to many, who all mourn his loss.

He was cherished and loved by his daughter Tanya, son Carlos, son Culver, and their mother Gloria; he was also adored by his granddaughters Isabel and Ani. Moreover, Godwin was a beloved brother to Hyacinth, Ken, Bernard, Bernice, Elroy, Eoileen, Berris, and the late Horace.

Godwin spent his early life in Aruba, and subsequently moved to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, settling in the community of Evesham. He later found employment in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines government service in the Public Works department. During this time, he did special mechanical training in Barbados. In the late 1960’s, he relocated to Montreal, Canada. There, he attended Dawson College and completed studies in Engineering Technology. Following his graduation from Dawson College, Godwin spent more than twenty years instructing in Tool and Die at Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology in Hamilton, Ontario. Post retirement, he supervised at Goodrich Aerospace in Oakville, Ontario, to support the manufacturing of the landing gear for the Airbus A380 – the largest passenger aircraft at the time.

A larger than life personality, Godwin was a friend to everyone he met and a source of strength for all who knew him. He was a family man, protector, provider, and a proud Canadian and Vincentian. He always found time to be a ‘Mr. Fix It’ for anyone who needed such a favour.

Godwin believed in giving back to the Vincentian community. He was a member of the Relief Education and Medical Assistance Organization of Ontario (REMA) committee. This organization, made up of volunteers, had a mandate to foster and promote relief, education and medical assistance to nationals of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in Canada and in the homeland. Additionally, Godwin, ever so often would personally organize donations of computer equipment and office machinery to schools and government supported institutions in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

While we grieve Godwin’s loss, we are relieved that he is finally at peace. We have loved him in life; let us not forget him after death as he rises to the great beyond.

For the time being, due to restrictions caused by COVID-19 events, there is no spiritual service; visitation and burial will be a private affair with very limited family members. Plans for a future Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date, where all family members and friends can take time to remember.