Gordon Godfrey, 76, of Grapeview, Washington died Sunday, June 30, 2024 after a brief illness.

“Gord” was born in Aberdeen, Washington on Nov. 30, 1947. He was a proud member of the Weatherwax High School class of 1965. The best class ever!

Gord was always an athlete. Growing up, he participated in Little League, Babe Ruth and later wrestling, baseball and football. He was a standout defensive back at Wayne State University in Nebraska, graduating in 1973. In 1992, Wayne State inducted him into their Hall of Fame.

Gord proudly served as a gunner’s mate in the Navy during Vietnam.

After graduating from Gonzaga Law School in 1976, Gord returned to his hometown of Aberdeen. After initially working for John Farra, Gord later partnered with Stan Krause, expanding his practice to represent a wide variety of clients and achieving great success in personal injury law. During this time, Gord also served as a municipal judge before dedicating 22 years to the Grays Harbor Superior Court, including 7 years as Presiding Judge. He took a particular interest in reforming practices within the county’s juvenile system, an effort of which he was very proud. Gord’s work not only led to meaningful improvements but also touched the lives of many young people in the county.

In retirement, Gord loved traveling and golfing, but his true passion was spending time on Puget Sound — kayaking, swimming, and combing the shores for oysters and clams. He was celebrated among family, friends and colleagues for his captivating storytelling, dry wit, and lifelong commitment to learning, demonstrated by his decades-long study of his hero, Abraham Lincoln. Gord’s wisdom, humor, and thoughtfulness endeared him to many.

Gord is survived by his wife, Marilyn, daughter Anna Patneaude, son Abe Godfrey and stepdaughters Christina Anderson and Lauren D’Amico, 8 grandchildren and his brothers, Scott, Dave, Larry and Chris.

Gord requested that no memorial or service be held but please raise a glass to our beloved family member and friend.