Obituary of Bernard Joseph Goodal

GOODAL: Bernard Joseph - A resident of Ridgetown, Bernard Goodal passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Chatham Campus on Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at the age of 85. Born in Pobedim, Slovakia, Bernard was the son of the late Michael and Josephine (Faranec) Goodal. Beloved husband of 44 years to Fern (nee Sykes). Loving father of John Field and his wife Virpi Lipsanen. Proud grandfather of Julia M. Field and Matthew J. Field. Dear brother of Sr. Emerita ‘Louise’ Goodal of London, Louis Goodal and his wife Evelyn of Tillsonburg and Jerry Goodal and his wife Carolyn of Ridgetown. Predeceased by brothers John, Syl and William Goodal and sister Mary Rule. Brother-in-law to Lona Goodal and Joanne Goodal, both of Ridgetown and Bob Rule of Chatham. Also missed by many nieces, nephews, friends and extended family. Bernard was a graduate from the University of Toronto in Engineering, and received his Master’s Degree in Engineering at the University of Illinois. He was an Assistant Professor in Engineering at the University of Toronto while attending Law School at Osgoode Hall. Bernard practised law in Chatham for 30 years. He acted as Chairman for the Drainage Tribunal for the province of Ontario. Bernard spent two summers in the Arctic installing the Dew Line. He was actively involved in developing the southwest subdivision of Ridgetown and donated land to the town which assisted the construction of the T.R.E.E.S. Park. He was involved in the community and was a trustee at the Ridgetown Golf and Country Club. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Michael’s Church, 26 George Street, Ridgetown at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2014 with Fr. Mariaraj Irudayam as celebrant. Interment to follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Donations made in memory Bernard to the Canadian Cancer Society or the T.R.E.E.S. Memorial Forest would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com McKinlay Funeral Home 76 Main Street East Ridgetown, Ontario (519)674-3141