GODKIN: Bruce Lavern of Walton
Posted By Haskett Funeral Homes On September 18, 2025 @ 6:12 PM In Obituary,Seaforth | 65 Comments
It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Bruce Godkin, age 62, on September 16, 2025, at his home in Walton, Ontario.
Bruce will be dearly missed by his beloved wife of 36 years, Katrin, his two sons Mitchell (Alana) and Lucas, his mother Marion, brothers Ron (Lynne) and Gary (Geri-Lee), sisters Dianne, Donna (Cam), Nancy (Rick), and Sharon (Mike), in laws Wallas and Cecile Khella, brother-in-law Mike (Fiona) and 16 nieces and nephews. Bruce is predeceased by his father, Lavern.
Born in Seaforth, Ontario on August 6,1963, Bruce was a community member of Seaforth, Clinton, and Walton throughout his schooling, working alongside his father on the family farm, and participation in 4H, before attending the University of Waterloo for Mechanical Engineering. Bruce and Katrin were married in September 1989 and returned to Walton in 1990 to build their home and raise their family on a farm about a mile from where Bruce grew up.
Bruce was a kind-hearted, devoted, hard working man who lived life with integrity and honesty. He loved spending time with his family and friends at the motocross track, on his boat, and riding his horses. After many years as an engineering professional at several multinational companies, Bruce left the corporate world to run a reclaimed wood business alongside Katrin. For over a decade, they shared their passion for finishing homes with historic reclaimed wood products.
Bruce spent his last day doing what he loved; riding and being with his horses. He will also be missed by his horses Smokey and Reno, and his dog Levi.
An evening of remembrance will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 456 Main Street South, EXETER on Sunday, September 21st. Visitors are welcome anytime between 5 – 8 PM.
Bruce’s funeral service will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, EXETER on Monday, September 22nd at 2 PM, followed by a private family interment at Maitlandbank Cemetery, Seaforth.
Donations can be made in Bruce’s memory to SARI Therapeutic Riding, who provide equine experiences for people with disabilities.
Condolences for the family of “GODKIN: Bruce Lavern of Walton”
Condolences to the family.
May God comfort you in this time of loss.
We are so saddened to hear of the sudden loss of Bruce. Our hearts go out to Katrin, Mitchell, Lucas and Bruce’s family and friends.
Katrin, Mitchell, & Family we are sad for your loss. Bruce will be missed by everyone he knew and whose life he touched.
Such a great man !
We are so very sorry.
Rick, Shelley & Cooper Larche
Our sincerest condolences on the sudden loss of a wonderful man. May beautiful memories sustain you during this difficult time.
Katrin, Mitchell. Lucas and family. My heart aches for all of you. Bruce’s kindness, wisdom and generosity has left a mark on all of us who were fortunate to have known him. Bruce took pride in everything he did but you could always see that pride the most when he was with his family. Take comfort in each other and in the memories you always hold in your hearts.
Dear Ron, Lynne,
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Please know that we are thinking of you.
Gord and Stephanie Driedger
Katrin,
I’m so sorry to learn of Bruce’s passing. My heartfelt condolences to you and the boys.
Joe and I offer our heartfelt condolences on the sudden passing of your beloved husband Katrin. We hope you, the boys, and all those that knew and loved Bruce can find comfort in one another. We’re thinking of you.
x0x
Katrin and family; Sincerest sympathy to you all. We are thinking of you all and send our thoughts and prayers.
Gordon & Irma Pryce
Our deepest sympathies to all Bruce’s family on his passing.
We are so saddened to hear of this loss.
Bruce was a great friend to our motocross family. We truly enjoyed and cherish all the weekends spent together.
He has always, and will be forever proud of his legacy with Mitch and Lucas.
The Alcocks❤️❤️
To the Godkin family,
So sorry to hear this sad news.
Treasure your special memories of Bruce and draw comfort from them during this sad time.
Our deepest condolences,
Rick and Margaret McInroy
Deepest condolences
Steven Anderson and family
I’m deeply sorry for your loss, Katrin, Mitchell, Alana, and Lucas. Thinking of you all during this time.
It was truly a pleasure getting to know Bruce. His kindness and warmth left a lasting impression, and I’ll always remember him with great fondness. He will be dearly missed.
To Bruce’s entire family\
SIncere sympathy in your huge loss. May the good memories bring peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Katrin my heart is aching for you. Hold those boys close and cherish Bruce’s legacy. Sending my sincere condolences.
Katrin, Mitchell, Alana, Lucas, and all the Godkin family, I was so saddened to hear of Bruce’s passing. He was a lovely man, and will be missed by so many people. My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family.
We are so sorry to hear about Bruce. Our condolences to the entire Godkin.
our thoughts are with you all at this very sad time..
from Phil and all at artech
Condolences to the family.
So sad to hear about this today. Bruce was wonderful human being, he meant a lot to many of us at Timberjack and Skyjack. He was a fabulous leader and mentor. He will be missed by many.
Thinking of the Godkin family. A shock to all. I have memories of Bruce hitching a ride with me to Toronto many years ago during one of his Co op placements. Lots of laughs along the way.
Carolyn (McClure) and Gerald Johns
You have our thoughts and prayers. Going to all the families. We are so sorry for your loss, Ron and Lynne
So sorry for your loss, you have our heart felt sympathies at this time!
Sandra and Doug Dietz and family.
I am so saddened to hear of Bruce’s passing. My thoughts are with your family.
Katrin, Mitchell & Lucas, our deepest sympathy on your loss. Bruce will be remembered as a great team mate, wise mentor, and good friend. His calm presence and optimistic outlook will be missed.
Katrin, Mitchell, Alana, and Lucas – Mike and I are saddened to hear this news about Bruce. He was a wonderful person and will be missed. We send you and the Godkin family our heartfelt condolences, may the wonderful memories bring you comfort in this difficult time. You and your boys are in our thoughts and prayers 🙏
To Katrin and Family. It is with deep saddnes that we send condolences to the entire family. For 25 years we would see Bruce and family off and on at the lake. We have many fond memories of Bruce from these times. He will be sadly missed. Rest in piece Bruce.
Our sincere heartfelt condolences Katrin for your loss of Bruce. Mitchell and Lucas, our sympathies go out to you in the loss of your Dad. He lives on in all your good memories of him. Rest in peace Bruce.
We are so sorry to hear of your loss
Ron and Lynne and family,
So very sorry to learn of the loss of your beloved brother. Keeping you and all the family close in prayer, Richard and Sheila Macgregor
To the Godkin family.
Please accept my condolence in the passing of Bruce.
Jeff Borland
Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Steve , Ana Anderson and family
Ron, Lynn and family
Very sorry for loss
Brent and Sharen Dawson
Katrin, Mitchell, Alana, Lucas and the rest of the Godkin family,
Sincere condolences on the sudden passing of Bruce.
Cherish the special memories you hold of him, as these will bring you comfort in these difficult times.
The Humphries’ Family
Ron and Lynne and family,
So sorry for the loss of a brother, brother-in-law and Uncle! Cherish the memories!
Our sincerest condolences to each of you in Bruce’s sudden passing. He will be remembered as a great guy who has left a huge impact on his respective communities.
Ron, Lynne and family. So sorry to see that your brother Bruce passed away at a young age.
Remember hearing you talk about Bruce in the back of the trailer fixing the motor bikes as you travelled home ready for the next race. Our sincere sympathies at this difficult and sad time.
Bob & Bernice
Katrin, Mitchell, Alana, Lucas and Marion and families. Thinking of everyone with sympathy and heartfelt condolences on the loss of Bruce. Bruce will be missed by the community, his knowledge and work reclaimed wood. May the memories live forever in your hearts. Sincerely Warren and Judy Beuerman and family
So sorry to hear about Bruce. Our sincere condolences.
Dear Katrin and family. We were incredibly sad to hear about Bruce. I have fond memories of his calm manner when coaching our women’s baseball team so very many years ago. Condolences to you and the boys.
We are saddened to hear the sudden passing of Bruce. Our thoughts are with all of the family at this very difficult time.
Our thoughts are with you, Marion, and all of your family! It is so hard to miss a family member, especially at such a young age!! Keep all your happy memories close to your heart!
Ron and family,
Sincerest condolences on the passing of your brother.
To all of Bruce’s family and friends,
Marion, Katrin, Mitchell, Lucas and Bruce’s brothers and sisters.
We have watched as the whole Godkin family grew up to be good community folks. Of course, each of you were guided by your Mom and Dad whether it be at church in Walton, at the community ball park, the local Seaforth arena or at schools in the area..
Bruce and Katrin have guided their sons in the same manner. He will be missed.
Sending hugs and prayers as you mourn Bruce.
Neil and Marie
Katrin, Mitchell & Alana, Lucas, and the extended Godkin and Khella families,
We are so sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. Our deepest sympathies to all of you at this profoundly sad time.
Condolences Marion and all your family at this sad time. Cherish the memories.
Nick and Joan Whyte
Dear Marion and family,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family at this sad time. May you find strength and courage from the support of your family and friends in the coming days.
My thoughts are with you.
Regards,
Mary Tolton
Dear Ron and Lynn and family
Sincerest condolences on the passing of your brother.
Ron, Lynne and family.
Sorry to hear of your loss. May the support of those around you and your memories of Bruce bring you peace.
Katrin and family
My deepest condolences to you and the family ! I am thinking a lot about you and praying for you !
My condolences to the Godkin family. Thinking of you and so sorry for your loss.
Katrin and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s hard to believe Bruce is gone. I did not know him very long but I really enjoyed my chats with him at our farrier appointments- I will miss that! I found his gentle wisdom and outlook on life inspiring and reassuring. He loved his horses and cared for them so well! His passing has left an empty place in my life and I know so much more in yours! Stick close to each other and live like he would want you to!
God be with you!
Katrin, Mitchell and Alana, Lucas…..Please accept our sincere condolences. Working with Bruce these past 10 years has been a highlight and my privilege! That he lived his life with honesty and integrity and loved his family (and horses, Levi) are the truest words to remember Bruce. Katrin I am so sorry for this immense loss you now cope with. Please know that we are thinking of you and your family with love and a prayer for peace.
Ron, Lynn and family
We were saddened to hear of Bruce’s sudden passing. Sending our sincere condolences to you and all of Bruce’s family.
Katrin and Family
Mona and I are saddened to hear the news of Bruce’s passing. May God be with you in these difficult times. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
Mona & Wahib Dahab
Ron & Lynne:
We are deeply saddened to hear about the loss of your brother, Bruce. It’s impossible to put into words how heartbreaking it is to lose someone so young and full of life. May your cherished memories and the support of your loved ones bring you comfort during this challenging time.
To Katrin, Mitchell, Lana, and Lucas, it is with a very heavy heart that we the Dean family send our heartfelt condolences to your entire family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very difficult time. Rest in peace dear friend.
Sincere sympathy to all the Godkin famly,
Jim & Linda Dietrich
Marion and family,Sorry to hear of Bruce’s death.My condolences to you all.You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ron, Lynne, & all the Godkin families. We are sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. May he rest in peace. Gerry & Nancy O’Reilly
So sorry to hear this news about Bruces passing. I did not teach him as he went to CHSS, but I did have the pleasure of teaching most of the family and teaching and coaching Mitch and Lucas at CHSS. During that time , I had several conversations with Mrs. Godkin. To Ron and the rest of the Godkin clan my deepest sympathy. Terry and Jill Johnston
Dear Katrin,
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Bruce’s sudden passing. I hold a special and fond memory — that of officiating at your wedding. I offer my heartfelt condolences to you and your entire family.
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Heartfelt condolences Katrin, Mitchell, Alana, Lucas, and your entire family. Never easy losing someone so loved, so unexpectedly.