Honorable Paul Godin, 84, of Dieppe, passed away on Tuesday October 22, 2024 at his residence. Born in Campbellton, he was the son of the late Théophile and Gabrielle (Sormany) Godin.
Growing up in Campbellton, he spent summers at the Godin family cottage in McLeods. The friendships forged with the families of the neighboring cottages continued throughout his life. A graduate of Université Saint-Joseph, he studied law at the University of New Brunswick (UNB). He was called to the N.B. Bar in 1965 and practiced law in Campbellton, Fredericton and Moncton. He was instrumental in drafting the New Brunswick Rules of Court. He was named Queen's Counsel in 1982, before being appointed judge to the N.B. Court of Queen's Bench in 1983.
Family vacations, including trailer camping, ski trips, exploring Canada and the rest of the world, were a great passion that he documented in his photographs, slides and digital montages. He loved share his knowledge, whether through teaching, training sessions with students, trainees or colleagues, or even meeting kindergarten children to whom he recounted his first Christmases.
Retirement gave him the opportunity to take cruises, discover new places, and make new friends. A fan of current affairs, he was always interested in world events. Sociable and generous, he delighted in meeting people over a good meal, being surrounded by children, grandchildren, uncles, aunts, nephews and nieces, friends, classmates and colleagues, and most of all his wife, Claudette. In his final moments, his remarkable positivity was a testament to his courage throughout his long illness. His colleagues and loved ones recognized him as much for his special sense of humour as for his integrity.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Claudette (Bérubé); three children: Lise (Sylvio Goguen), André (Kandise Brown) and Bruno; two granddaughters: Nicole and Zara; three sisters: Thérèse, Louise Bosi (late Giulio) and Simone; one brother, Maurice (Diane Mailloux); his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law from the Bérubé family: Louise (Hung Nguyen), Pauline, Renée (Jean Chauvet), Gilbert (Nicole Morin) and Martine (Jean-François Bélanger); as well as several nephews, nieces, cousins and many friends.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by one sister, Marcelle and one brother, Emile.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude towards the Renal Care Department at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre.
The family will receive condolences at Frenette Funeral and Cremation Centre, 88 Church Street, Moncton (506-858-1900). Visiting hours are Sunday from 2 to 4 pm. A celebration of his life will take place at the same location on Monday October 28 at 2 pm. The funeral service will be streamed live. You may watch the service and leave words of comfort by consulting Paul’s obituary at www.frenettefuneralhome.com