David Godson

AIKEN, SC – WILLIAM DAVID GODSON, 66, beloved husband of Liz Godson, died Monday, June 17, 2019, at AU Medical Center, Augusta, GA.  A native of Caledon, Ontario, David was a son of the late William Henry and Wilamae Eleanor Richards Godson.  He lived in Aiken since 1988 where he was a painting contractor.  Survivors, in addition to his wife, include his son, Chris Godson (Rayette), Aiken; his daughter, Kayla Robinson (Kevin), Summerville, SC; five grandchildren, Matthew Godson, Caleb Godson, Chase Godson, Catherine Robinson, Henry Robinson; step-daughter, Julia Crocker, South Wales, UK; brother, Peter Godson, Caledon, Ontario; sister, Mary Horsley (Veryl), Guelph, Ontario. 

The details of David’s life could fill the pages of the longest book in the library.  And he would take great pride in that. He was born in Toronto on his mother’s birthday, August 26.  He grew up participating in Pony Club, snowmobiling, Scouts, cross-country skiing, three-day-eventing, fox-hunting, and most activities in between.  He graduated from the University of Guelph with a degree in Animal Science.  He was a champion horseman, winning more accolades than could be mentioned.  He taught and mentored many, as well as authored nonfiction books on horsemanship, the first of which was published before he even turned 20 years old.  He married Milisa Witter on a hot day in August of 1978 and became a loving father for the first time in 1980 and then again in 1983.  Although he and Milisa’s marriage ended, their love and support for their children and grandchildren certainly did not.

Meeting through the Pony Club when they were in their teens, David and Liz had a “cowboy” wedding decades later on Wednesday, October 27, 2004.  They rode horses down the aisle under a beautiful blood moon.  He and Liz enjoyed traveling, especially to Wales, where they were excitedly transitioning her farm into a historic bed and breakfast.  David was planning on having his own Hobbit House on the property.

David had many hobbies, and he was not afraid to tell everyone all about them.  Most will fondly remember his memorable, booming voice as he shared stories and instructions with an enthusiasm that was truly genuine.  He did not know a stranger and could carry on a conversation about anything from religion to politics to history to popular television shows.  He loved going out to eat and playing the harmonica.  He frequented Native American pow wows and made necklaces of stones to heal those who needed it.  He was a talented artist and was in the middle of publishing a unique children’s book, which his daughter promised him that she would continue.

David knew how to love people, so it is not surprising how loved he was by others.  His oldest grandsons are so appreciative of the fact that their grandfather cheered them on (loudly) at so many of their sporting events.  He adored watching them compete, stressing the importance of having fun, not winning.  His only and beloved granddaughter inherited his voice, which is strong, confident, proud, and boisterous.  His youngest grandson, who is only two, yelled with pride through Facetime, “I love you, Grandfather!” on Father’s Day.  David’s son, Chris, loved driving to his father’s house after work, sitting on his front porch, and just talking about the details of their daily lives. David’s daughter-in-law, Rayette, was brilliant with David up until the last moment he was on this Earth.  She loved styling his hair and teasing him about cutting it.  He went to his next life with a proud “man bun” courtesy of her. Kayla, his daughter, feels honored that she inherited her Father’s love of academics; she also cherishes how deeply and truly her father loved her children.  Kevin, his son-in-law, thoroughly enjoyed having conversations with David, expressing more than once that he really listened when others spoke. “A person could tell that he actually cared about what he/she was saying,” his proud son-in-law often remarked.  

In the week before he took his final breath, David shared that he loved playing games with his younger sister, Mary, when they were children.  He also expressed his admiration for his older brother, saying, “Peter stuck up for me.  He also won at so many things.  I loved seeing him win.” David and his step-daughter, Julia, shared a love of crystals, paranormal activity, and all things spiritual.  She loved singing with him and valued his support in her song writing.  His wife and soulmate Liz loved all things about David, and the feeling was quite mutual.  They shared a love of travel, friends, family, animals, and each other.   

David won many medical battles and continued to fight until the very end. He found peace as he closed his eyes for the last time while listening to his beloved family tell him stories while songs by The Beatles played in the background.  He was taken too soon, but what a mark he left on this world in 66 short years. 

A Memorial Service in celebration of his extraordinary life will be Wednesday, June 26, from 6 until 8 o'clock at David's farm at 107 Century Lane, Aiken, where guests will be free to share a special memory of him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to The Humane Society of the United States,1255 23rd Street, NW, Suite 450 Washington, DC 20037.

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC