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David Benjamin Gooden

1929 - 2016

Dave Gooden passed away peacefully on January 19 at his home in Parksville, lovingly supported by family. He was 86 years old.

He is survived by his wife Jill Gooden of 31 years, children Les Gooden, Bryan Gooden, Kevin Gooden, and Elizabeth Taylor, and step-children Robert Graham, Maree Roome and Heather McPhee. He is survived also by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as his first wife Dorothy Gooden and sisters Dora Gooden and Florence Hutchison.

Dave was born on a farm near Ituna, Saskatchewan and moved with his parents to Langley, BC in 1946. Dave was Secretary-Treasurer of the Shuswap School District for 26 years, spanning three decades from the 1950’s to the 1980’s, before moving to Golden, BC to finish his career as Secretary-Treasurer there.

During his time in Salmon Arm the community saw a lot of growth, and he particularly enjoyed being involved in the building of new schools. He was involved in Shuswap Singers, the Rotary Club, Shuswap Outdoors, and the United Church.

In Golden he met and married Jill Graham and was integral in founding the Golden Rotary Club and a local Barbershop Choir. After retiring and moving to Qualicum Beach in 2000 he founded Arrowsmith Toastmasters, and took leadership roles in New Comers, several choirs, and lawn bowling. He and Jill built and maintained a beautiful and productive garden and enjoyed world travels and family time together.

After moving to Parksville, he continued his lifelong passions for reading and learning. He was a formidable scrabble and cribbage opponent, and will be remembered especially for his friendliness, keen sense of humour, and above all else his love for his children and family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at

Knox United Church in Parksville, BC at 12 noon. Reception to follow.



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