Passing of the Late Clarence “Clar” Goulding
It is with great sadness that Hockey NL announces the passing of the late Clarence “Clar” Goulding. Clar passed peacefully away on August 1, just days before his 94th birthday. Clar was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2008.
Born in Grand Falls to Nathan and Tammy Goulding. He excelled as a student at Grand Falls Academy winning the Best Boy Cup in his senior year. He was intelligent, a wealth of knowledge and demonstrated these gifts to his final moment. He retired after 43 years of employment with the Bank of Montreal and Swift Canadian Company.
Clar was a talented athlete. He was known for his role in the Andcos winning five Herder Cup championships and being inducted in the NL Hockey Hall of Fame. His retired hockey jersey hangs at the Joe Byrne Memorial Stadium and he was selected as one of five local hockey players for a historic “all star” team. Known across the province as Clar Goulding, the hockey player, was talked about as “ the gentle giant”, “a consummate leader” with a “calm demeanour under pressure”. In later years, he curled locally and provincially with his buddies Carman, Derek and Dave and was an exceptional tennis player, burning up the court with his longtime, childhood friend, Roger Howse, taking on the young guys, Bruce, Clyde and Dennis.
His deep faith and love of the Bible, as a purposeful guidebook for everyday life, were hallmarks of his character. He was actively involved in Cursillo, the Order of St. Luke’s, the Church Vestry, the Canadian Bible Society and served as a Eucharistic Minister. Both Dad and Mom were very involved with Holy Trinity Anglican Church over many years. Rev. Robin Trevors was such a beautiful friend and blessing to Dad and we are thankful for how God used him to bring us comfort and peace. Clar’s spiritual journey was enhanced when he initiated a Bible Study at the personal care home with his good friend and mentor, Ron, and together they led others to an appreciation of God’s Word.
He had a quick wit, a great sense of humour and could create a rhyme on the fly to the delight of his listeners. His grandchildren will hold that memory dear as they were often required to fill in the missing words to develop their understanding of iambic pentameter. He was highly social and loved conversations with his many friends. His room at the personal care home was often filled to capacity with good times and much laughter. The family would like to thank Kingsway Living for their excellent care over the past five years.
Although he was accomplished in so many areas, his greatest gift was being Dad, Pop, and G-Pop to his family. He loved each of us dearly and never missed an opportunity to show us how important we were to him and how proud he was of each of us. He was an influential person in each of our lives; his gentle strength and overwhelming support were always there to light our way. He inspired, encouraged and guided us through example, wisdom and love. He taught us values and truths that still guide each of us today, and showed integrity by being true to who he was. He was strong in faith, rich in understanding and generous in love; we felt safe and protected because he was in our corner. We are forever grateful and thank God that one His greatest blessings belonged to us.
Left behind with a lifetime of memories and hearts full of love and respect are his daughters Kathryn, Kendra (Carman Brown), Karen (Raymond Froude) and Krista-Lee; grandchildren CJ, Chantal, Matthew (Meaghan), Keira (Tim) and Krizia (Devan); great-grandchildren Tristen, Nathan, Cruz, Aria, Teddy, Gracie, Landon, Adele, Weston and Evelyn; sister Eleanor Dawe (Ray); family friend, Ann, and many other relatives and close friends.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 50 years, Hazel (Woolridge) in 2005; parents Nathan and Tammy Goulding; siblings Willis, Cyril, Cecil, Ruby and Evelyn as well as his wife’s parents and siblings.
For those privileged to know and love our dad, Clar Goulding, we can agree that a bright, beautiful light in our lives has been extinguished, but he has left a legacy that will continue to shine through the lives of his family and friends. He will be forever loved and forever missed!
As per Dad’s wishes, donations in his memory, and in honour of his great-grandson, Landon, who is a Wish Kid, may be made to Make a Wish (Children’s Wish Foundation). www.childrenswish.ca
No flowers by request.
Visitation and Memorial Service took place August 4.