La Manzanilla message board

More sad news Posted by AkJoe on May 4, 2023, 6:32 pm Edited by board administrator May 5, 2023, 11:53 am Passing on some sad news….. David Godin (Canadian David) passed away on Tues, May 2nd. He was a close friend of mine and one of the first foreigners to buy and build in LaManzanilla. He, with the help of Steven, David Rutherford and I, began the Gringo day rodeo tradition in the late 70s. He will be remembered for his big smile and enthusiasm for fun. RIP Dave.

Re: More sad news Posted by RebecA on May 4, 2023, 7:14 pm, in reply to "More sad news" Condolences to you and his many friends and famuily. So sorry to hear this news.

Re: More sad news Posted by Judy Horan on May 4, 2023, 7:23 pm, in reply to "More sad news" We are so sorry to hear this news and sorry for your, and La Manzanilla's, loss, Joe. When I first came to live in La Manzanilla,(in 1993), with Mary Castelazo, Dave was one of the first extranjeros that I met. Mary and I were living in her newly constructed home, at the then top of Concha Molida, and Dave visited many an evening with us there, as he slowly built, delivered and installed Mary's beautiful perota windows and doors, followed by her kitchen cabinets. I remember that I'd never seen such beautiful wood or such finely crafted woodworking. Very fond memories. R.I.P. Amigo. Judy H.

Re: More sad news Posted by Stephanie on May 4, 2023, 8:12 pm, in reply to "Re: More sad news" Enjoyed many a morning before Gringo Day making the sauce with a bunch of gals at Ross and Sharon’s house on the beach..then the guys would all come and pick it up to make “our” delicious birria! Without fail, for years, Dave would then come around with a rose to all the volunteer workers and sometimes it fell on Dia de Amistad! Wonderful memories…thanks Dave for your thoughtfulness!

Re: More sad news Posted by Pablo on May 4, 2023, 9:01 pm, in reply to "Re: More sad news" I'm absolutely gutted by this news. I met Dave Godin (not Godwin) at the Univ. of Guelph around 1975. Then later it was Dave having his property in L.M. that drew myself and another friend to first visit him there in 1983, then again in 1985. And in 1990 Dave was instrumental in helping me (with Brooke and Grant) buy a property. And like Stephanie, I'll never forget those early years when Dave organized Gringo Day. This past winter was the first time being there without him around. And when I last spoke to him in early Feb. just before leaving for L.M., I assumed he would recover from his health issues. And now I feel such a loss for not having called him last week as I'd planned. Thanks Joe for letting us know this - I know how much you loved the man. So very very sad...

More Sad News Posted by Jane G on May 5, 2023, 8:28 am, in reply to "Re: More sad news" My old neighbor has relocated to a better neighborhood. He and his good taste in music will be missed. Descansa en paz, vecino.

Re: More sad news Posted by Susan on May 5, 2023, 8:40 am, in reply to "More sad news" Thanks Joe, for posting about David. Many good memories.

Re: More sad news Posted by Gregorio on May 5, 2023, 10:24 am, in reply to "Re: More sad news" I met Dave in the late 80s. Some nice memories. On gringo day the forola would end there march at his house. He was active with gringo day. He will be missed.

Re: More sad news Posted by Ross and Sharon on May 5, 2023, 12:19 pm, in reply to "Re: More sad news" Our beloved friend is gone. So sad to never see him again. Many good memories remain. RIP, David.

Re: More sad news Posted by Lee Carrier on May 5, 2023, 1:46 pm, in reply to "Re: More sad news" For David Godin, our dear friend, Canadian Dave, as he was known in the village, as far back as the mid 70’s. He was the Inspiration behind our decision to first visit La Manzanilla in December 1983, the Inspiration behind the buying of our property, something that was almost never done way back in 1987, and the subsequent building of our beautiful Home. He was the Inspiration behind many wonderful Mexico experiences that brought so many smiles, so much deep laughter, so much friendship! His presence, his smiling face, will be missed. With Sympathy for his family. In Loving Memory of Grant, With Love, Gladness and Joy, He is Free to fly! PEACE 💜

Re: More sad news Posted by Wally heimlich on May 5, 2023, 2:42 pm, in reply to "Re: More sad news" ❤️

Re: More sad news Posted by Norma on May 5, 2023, 2:52 pm, in reply to "Re: More sad news" I loved seeing David on his bike. Remember how he was almost electrocuted when a power line fell! I will always remember his smile and exuberance! What a nice guy! Happy memories!

Re: David Godin Posted by Alison R on May 5, 2023, 6:06 pm, in reply to "More sad news" Canadian Dave enjoyed his life and always had lots of stories to share. While still in his student days, when the furnaces came on in Ontario liberating months of dust, he found fresh air and warmth in La Manzanilla. He built a home and spent his winters in the village for decades. upload image free In this photo, Daniel Rueffert presents David with a sash to honour his many years of dedication to Gringo Days, as part of the birthday celebrations of La Manzanilla. He'll be missed by his many friends in La Manzanilla.

Re: More sad news Posted by Daniel H on May 5, 2023, 8:25 pm, in reply to "More sad news" Good guy that Dave, quiet, kind, few words, straight up. Left to right - Dave Godin, Steve Rutherford, Alaska Joe at Gringo day 2004. Dave was key to Gringo day for many years. The birthday of La Manzanilla is celebrated via Plaza de Toros and the party, which is sponsored by different groups each day e.g. Ejido, La Huerta, Los Ingenios, Gringos etc.

Re: More sad news Posted by Stephanie on May 5, 2023, 9:41 pm, in reply to "Re: More sad news" The good old boys in the good old days! Thanks for the picture!

Re: More sad news Posted by Devalinda on May 5, 2023, 10:17 pm, in reply to "Re: More sad news" Canadian Dave...what a wonderful soul.......he will be rmissed in La Manz. que viaje muy bien amigo❤️

Re: More sad news Posted by Pablo on May 6, 2023, 12:23 am, in reply to "Re: More sad news" They say dog owners begin to look like their dog... Dave and "Ginger", March 1990.

Re: More sad news Posted by Rennie on May 6, 2023, 10:10 am, in reply to "More sad news" Rest in peace, David … Did anyone mention his little red truck? Here it is, filled with celosia (instead of friends going to Tena Beach) His vehicle of choice in Canada was a not-so-little red convertible here on his way from BC to ON. Always a stylish gentleman! Descanse en pas, David.

Re: More sad news Posted by Evelyn B on May 7, 2023, 12:57 pm, in reply to "Re: More sad news" Oh Rennie, those fotos of Dave and his vehicles are priceless, as is the one of Dave and Ginger that Pablo posted. We all go so far back with Dave. As you know, he was the one responsible, indirectly through Pablo, for my finding La Manz in the 80’s. Those were wild and crazy days made even wilder by Dave. I’ll never forget Rodeo days when the ring was where the casino is now. One year when it was gringo day, Dave decided he’d take a shot at riding a bull. Of course he had a belly full of beer and the outcome of the ride was as one would expect, a kick to his jaw as he came flying off. Never one for sympathy, he just had another beer and carried on, after a visit to the Doctor of course. And it was that rodeo lunch that us few gringos in town served up to the locals that sealed it for me, I was hooked on La Manz. His organization of Valentine’s day, with dinner prepared by the guys and red roses for all the women, was so sweet and thoughtful, he really was a prince in so many ways! I shall miss him as will many of us oldtimers. As Patrice often says when someone passes, ‘may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest’.

Re: More sad news Posted by Shane on May 7, 2023, 8:47 pm, in reply to "Re: More sad news" We had a lot of laughs for a lot of years . RIP Vancouver Dave ( VD ) I carry many fond memories .

Re: More sad news Posted by Wendy Joscelyn on May 8, 2023, 12:42 pm, in reply to "Re: More sad news" Miss Dave an gringo days! RIP

Re: More sad news Posted by Paul Godin on May 10, 2023, 12:16 am, in reply to "Re: More sad news" I am Gringo Dave's cousin here in Pembroke Ontario. I was with Dave the day before he passed and he couldn't speak but I'm sure he could hear. I spent 2 hours or so talking to him about his adventures and how he loved Mexico and his Mexican family. I can't say for sure but I think I saw a twinkle in his eye and a small forced smile on his face when I mentioned Rodeo Days and the tequila punch. As many of you know Dave suffered a winter here before his cancer made a debut in his lungs. It was Covid time and he couldn't travel at all due to restrictions. All he could talk about, while wearing long John's, 2 sweaters, a winter jacket and touque was how he missed his friends in sunny Mexico. The following summer he was diagnosed with lung cancer and all he talked about then was getting better enough to travel to Mexico in November, which he did and I contribute his healing to all of you there as he was desperate to get to Mexico after missing the year before. Once again when diagnosed with brain cancer all he could talk about was you guys. Again he survived an operation most don't which once again I attribute to you. The poor man had trouble after his operation and it was then I knew he wouldn't make it back but I kept filling him with hope talking about getting better to travel once again. One of the last coherent sentences he said to me was "this better not screw up my trip to Mexico" I just want you all to know that even till the end Dave's smile and demeanor made the people who looked after him in the "home" fall in love with him in the short 5 months he was there. I am happy for Dave to have passed on to a better place as his free spirit will once again have a place to Rome. His sisters Pam and Gayle,and my brother Baldy, whom you may have met, and of course me and his many cousins will miss him dearly. I actually looked forward to see him coming around the corner to my back yard at the end of April. He didn't suffer and was well looked after at the end. I'm truly sorry for your loss of a true Canadian friend to you all. Cheers PAUL GODIN.

Re: More sad news Posted by RuthC on May 10, 2023, 7:54 am, in reply to "Re: More sad news" That was beautiful, Paul. We did miss seeing him this winter while in La Manz … we will continue to miss his kindness, humour and knowing smile.

Re: More sad news Posted by Barbarita on May 10, 2023, 7:53 am, in reply to "Re: More sad news" Thankyou Paul for those kind and real words about David. I have so many photos of David over forty years but alas they are in Mexico and I’m not. I have many fond and fun memories of David,adventures and misadventures. I will miss your presence in my life Dave .

Re: More sad news Posted by Stephanie on May 10, 2023, 8:20 am, in reply to "Re: More sad news" Paul…your words were of comfort and love! When I was building my house 20 years ago Dave brought over small pistachio trees to plant….three are thriving and fruiting with many more coming up every year! He lives on in my garden!

A Posted by Hiemlich wally on May 10, 2023, 4:08 pm, in reply to "Re: More sad news" Alicia and I did the paintjob on that car.

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