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WW11 VETERAN -Edward St. GODARD, MM
Chief Jim Cessford (middle) and Mayor Lois Jackson (right) presented an award to
Ed St. Godard for his 36 years of service to the Delta Police Pipe Band. The presentation
was made during the band's annual Celtic Gala in Tsawwassen, Delta British Columbia.
The Delta Police Pipe Band's Celtic galas are well known for their display of talent.
After Amazing Grace was played in the finale, MC David Roberts brought the concert to
a halt with a surprise announcement of an award presentation.
Mayor Lois Jackson and Chief Jim Cessford took to the stage and the identity of the
recipient was announced. Drum Corporal Ed St. Godard was called up and presented with
an engraved plaque recognizing his 36 years of service with the band in this, his 90th
birthday year. St. Godard accepted the award with his customary humility and left the
stage to a standing ovation. St. Godard, known to his band mates as “The Saint”, was a
fully operational member of the band's drum corps, attending all practices and taking part
in the parades and overseas tattoos the band attends. He was a source of inspiration for
the younger members and was a much-loved member of the band. St. Godard joined the
Delta Police Pipe Band in 1976 as a tenor drummer. The award signaled the recognition
given by the Corporation of Delta and the police department to a man that has spent over
three decades representing the community and country with the band.
Born in 1922 near Winnipeg, Manitoba, St. Godard came west with his parents in 1937.
Ed’s mother was of Scottish background and father, French and Metis. His father served
with the Canadian Army overseas in WW1 and fought at Vimy Ridge. The Second World
War put an end to Ed’s plans to become a mechanic and he served in the army at the age
of 16. He saw service in Canada, England and Scotland before serving in Italy with the
Lanark and Renfrew Scottish Infantry Regiment. Working as a driver of a Red Cross
vehicle, St. Godard negotiated a temporary cease-fire to remove casualties at the Viglio
Canal, rescuing both Allied and German casualties. He returned to the front five times in
direct contravention of the original ceased-fire and was awarded the Military Medal by
King George VI for his bravery.
Ed had a very fulfilling, active life and together with his wife, Claire produced a fine,
devoted family consisting of sons Rene, Rod and Randall. He drove bus for over 30 years
and was the patriarch of a very large clan of St. Godard’s of which he was extremely proud.
They continue to celebrate well attended family reunions on a regular basis. Ed was an avid
outdoorsman with a real zest for life. Ed will be sorely missed, however he will always be
thought of with great joy, respect and honour from all that came in contact with him. Ed
passed away on 30th of March, 2015, 92 years of age at Langley, B.C.
Ed St. Godard’s life was well lived.
Group Photograph by Randall St. Godard - Formal Uniform by Dave Roberts.
Ed St. Godard was featured in the Delta Optimist on May 16, 2012: Pipe Band veteran
honoured at gala