The local hockey and figure skating community are "heartbroken" after losing one of their own this week.
Douglas Godwin passed away Wednesday after losing his short battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 48.
Godwin was the owner and operator of Skate Sharpening by Doug, located inside Rotary Place. He was well known for his trademark smile, his love for the game of hockey and helping players young and old when in a pinch.
Orillia Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) president Randy Gardy says he only spoke with Godwin a handful of times over the years, but he witnessed a special moment that revealed the kind of person Godwin was.
“One time a peewee kid came in, his parents weren’t around and he needed a part for his helmet and Doug just gave it to him and fixed his helmet up and he didn’t even charge him for it,” Gardy recalls.
“I noticed that he was just a great guy, he had a good relationship with everyone who came into the arena and he is going to be sadly missed,” said Gardy.
John Jorginson coached Godwin when he was 15 years old .
“Doug had always been the same since the time I met him to the last time I had seen him," Jorginson said Thursday. "He always had that great smile, he came to practice every night, he always worked hard and never gave me any grief about ice time or changing positions.
"He was always there for support with his teammates and was so genuine with everyone and I really appreciated him for that,” said Jorginson.
Jorginson says that coaching Godwin left an impact on him.
“Doug never took anything to heart and he did his best every time he came to the rink and that had a real impact on my personal and work life. It’s pretty interesting that a 15-year-old kid taught me some valuable lessons that helped carry me through a lot of things.”
Back in September, Jorginson reconnected with Godwin while serving as the interim head coach for the Junior C Orillia Terriers.
“I took my skates over to Doug to get them sharpened and he gave me the ‘hey coach this one is on me’, and I said, 'No I appreciate it, but business is business and here’s my cash.' We had a laugh about it,” Jorginson said.
The Orillia Figure Skating Club (OFSC), Orillia Girls Hockey Association (OGHA) and the Junior C Terriers all released statements over social media this week reflecting on Godwin’s passion for skate sharpening, the game of hockey and his kind and genuine personality.
The OFSC, in a Tweet, said they "are heartbroken" about Godwin's death.
"He was always there for our skaters and could always be counted on for his knowledge and expertise," read the Tweet. "His friendly smile was a welcome addition to the Rotary Place hockey family. He wil be dearly missed by the enitre skating community.'
In a Tweet, the OGHA said: "Doug was passionate about his work and always wore a smile. He will be missed by the hockey community in Orillia."
The Jr. C Terriers also Tweeted out condolences to the family, saying Godwin "was a great person who was a big help to the Terriers. He will be missed."
Godwin is survived by his wife, Dawn, his two sons, Mason and Jackson, and other family members.
Godwin’s family will honour his life with a visitation at the Coldwater Legion on Saturday, Dec. 21 from 1-3 p.m., with a time of sharing memories at 3:30 p.m.
Donations in his memory can be made to Coldwater Minor Hockey, OMHA or to Pancreatic Cancer Canada and may be made through the Coldwater Funeral Home.
