Joseph Godfrey Gaudet

April 23/1933 - October 2/2025

Born in Janvrins Island he was the son of the late Peter and Gladys (George) Gaudet. Proceeded by his siblings: Adolph Boudreau (Stepbrother) Bernard , Louis & Ethel (Bellefountaine).

He married Matilda Pellerine May 29/1958 in Halifax, where they met , and later moved back to the Island .They lived in the home they built until his recent illness .Due to medical reasons in 2021, Matilda moved with their daughter Karen, where she still resides today.

They had 2 children, Anthony (Dorothy Currie) and Karen (Karrol Marchand)-Both living in Janvrin’s. Grandchildren, Megan, Destiny, Drake, Riley, Lacey (who passed in infancy) & Ivy.

Godfrey was a hard worker. He took pride in his work and was a good provider to his family. A carpenter (Local 1588 )lobster fisherman and boat builder.(a craft he learned from his father).He built 80 boats in his lifetime, mostly Cape Islanders. It was his passion. It first started with wooden boats from scratch. Steaming the timbers, stuffing cotton wool in the seams. He then switched to fiberglass hulls and finished them. Many of his boats are in Ingonish, Port hood and a few here on Isle Madame. His last boat, Seawinds (built in 2006) is still fishing today. It was passed to his son Anthony and now his grandsons will be the new generation sailing Seawinds. He was a good captain until age 87. No fishing on Sunday and his crew left the wharf after the sun came up. When they had a crate or two he would say “that’s enough for today” In the past it was a bucket or two. On winter evenings you could find him knitting headings in the kitchen. He passed on the craft of making lobster traps to his grandson Riley who he enjoyed spending time with.

He was quiet, except for a good argument about politics. Charming, with the waitresses and bank tellers.

Loved newfie and fiddle music, CTIU was on the dial –he often sat in the truck with the radio on fast asleep. Telisle music played most of the day on TV except for the 6 O’clock news or question period. He was sharp .You couldn’t stump him on current or past events. You knew you were in trouble when the index finger came up-“No, No, No ”

He beat to his own drum. He never worried what people thought of him or what he was was wearing. His overalls were his fashion statement with a plaid shirt. It was his tuxedo at Riley’s wedding. The waitress at the Port of Call called him ”The overall man”.

Weekly meals of corned beef were a must. Every occasion was celebrated with a family supper. When mom no longer was home to cook he liked to eat out. He didn’t like doing dishes.

He may have looked tough but he had a soft heart. He worried about his cat. His neighbours could here him calling “puss, puss “ before he went to bed. He always asked if puss was getting enough treats while he was in hospital.

He loved his Ford trucks (green especially), and Canso Ford loved him. He was frugal but always splurged on a new truck.

He liked to go on “ vacation” for music at the Doryman and visiting every wharf in Cheticamp, or, to the South shore to look at boats. He never stayed too long, he liked to be at home. You could usually find him or mom in the rocking chair in the kitchen.

He had great support in his last years from family and friends. It allowed him to remain in his own home, get medical attention and continue to do the things he loved to do- One last vacation, out for boiled dinner or supper and a visit with his wife. He lived a good life.

A private family service will be held at the Acadiaville Columbarium in West Arichat at a later date.

Arrangements are entrusted to CH Boudreau Funeral home in Arichat.

To send words of comfort or fond memories of Godfrey please visit www.chboudreau.com