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Henry Eugene Godderis

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Henry of Sun City West, AZ — Gene was born on October 15, 1934 and passed into eternal life on May 9, 2020.

He is predeceased by his wife Mona, son Cary, parents Henry and Edna, and brother Francis (Bud).

A native of Canada, Gene was raised and educated in the British Columbia region. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Gonzaga University and returned to the same school where he graduated with a Law Degree in 1961. While Gene was preparing for the Bar Exam, he was still a Canadian citizen. With the help of Congress and President Kennedy an immigration Bill was passed for him to take the bar exam, practice law and become an American citizen. Gene worked in Tacoma practicing law until his retirement. He was passionate about his work and cared deeply for his clients.

Gene was a devout Catholic and attended St. Patrick’s and St. Leo’s parishes in Tacoma, WA. When he moved to Sun City West, he attended Prince of Peace Church. He served as an extraordinary Eucharistic minister and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Gene was a man with many hobbies, an avid golfer and tennis player. He loved to snow ski and did for many years of his life. Gene’s real love was gardening, and you would always find him outside tending to his garden even after a long day of work or 18 holes of golf. He seriously pursued his love of art and created many works of his own.

He was a dedicated friend to many and would never turn down a chance to spend time with them.

He is survived by his sister Joanne Irvine and husband Sandy, sister in-law Ann Godderis, sister-in-law Betty Tersteeg and husband Ron, brother-in-law Gary Benesh, daughter Laurie Peterson and husband Andy, daughter Holly Joyce and husband Matt, daughter Cammy Godderis and husband Greg, son Patric, daughter Joanna Conlon, daughter Maria Wilson and husband Keith, daughter Dominique Godderis-Chouzenoux and husband Aurelien. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and much loved nieces and nephews.

Gene has been laid to rest with his wife Mona at the Holy Redeemer Catholic cemetery in Phoenix, AZ. Gene’s family would appreciate if you could share your condolences by going to www.caminodelsol.com and post on Gene’s tribute wall.