Godwin Onuonyekachukwu Odina
Major Godwin Onuonyekachukwu Odina, aged 79, left to be with the Lord on August 31, 2021. His passing will leave a hole in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, especially his wife of twenty-eight years, Jeannette Austin-Odina; his children Nkechi Odina-Seale (Steven Seale) and Ngozi Odina Imomoh (Michael Imomoh); step children Andy Austin, Nyanza Austin-Bishop (Andrew Bishop), Nzingha Austin, and Imhotep Austin, who predeceased him in 2010.
Godwin was born on April 30, 1942 to parents Josiah and Esther Odina in Umuoga Village, Obosi in Enugu State, present day Nigeria. He was raised in a large extended family with multiple siblings. He was predeceased by his sister, Dr. Eunice Nwobosi and survived by Engr.
Isaac Odina (Ifeoma Odina), Sampson Odina, Sunny Odina and Michael Odina.
One of Godwin’s proudest accomplishments was being an army veteran of the Biafran war, in which he received the distinction of Major. As a devout Anglican, he believed that surviving the war was a miracle.
He first built a life after the war in Sheffield, United Kingdom with his then wife, Phoebe Chinwe Okafur. When he moved to Canada, he used the time given to him, and the opportunity of a new life, to work as an accountant at a bank in Smokey Lake and a Property Management Firm in Edmonton. He later created a cleaning company, Meticulous Cleaners, and contracted its services to The Edmonton Journal and many Dairy Queens. Early on, he volunteered at All Saints Anglican Cathedral, first as a hospital visitor, followed by an envelope secretary, an usher, a reader, and finally as part of the healing prayer ministry.
When he was first diagnosed with cancer in 2010, he saw the importance of being able to provide cancer patients with a safe ride to the hospital and, upon retirement, volunteered with the Cancer Volunteer Drivers’ Program. He also was involved in his wife’s volunteer activities: The CCACH Tutoring Program and AFROQUIZ. He stayed connected to the Nigerian community by being a part of the Nigerian Association and later being an Elder of the Igbo Cultural Association of Edmonton.
Godwin was proud of his nieces and nephews, many of whom live outside of Edmonton: Dr. Ifeanyi Odina, Dr. Chinedu Odina, Dr.Nneka Odina, Ifeoma Odina, Ikenna Odina, Gozie Odina, Rev. Nwora Odina, Mrs. Ngozi Okonkwo, Mrs. Chioma Emefiesi, Mrs. Chidimma Epuechi, Mr. Nnanna Odina, Mr. Ifechukwu Odina, Mr. Nwachukwu Odina, Uche Nwobosi, Chuma Nwobosi, Olga Murray, Obi Nwobosi, and Adaora Nwokedi.
However, his greatest love was for his grandchildren: Kamani, Khayla, Samuel, Ekenne, Nailah, Aleena, Anthony, Alexander, Khalil and Blake.
Godwin was a simple and kind hearted man who was a homebody. He loved good food, especially the Nigerian dish utala, gardening, playing word games such as Scrabble, dancing, watching the news and teasing his wife and family. A good story would always elicit a full-bodied laugh. Although he will be missed by all, we know that we will continue to hear the echoes of his laughter from heaven.
Funeral Details
The funeral will be limited to family members only as numbers are restricted due to COVID. However, there will be a digital live streaming of the funeral on YouTube. The link to the funeral and a slideshow is:
The viewing of the body will occur at Trinity Funeral Home (10530-116 ST SW) from 6pm-9pm on Friday, September 10th. There will be a limit of 20 people within the building at one time. Please be sure to wear a mask.
I send my sincere condolences to you and to your loved one during this time of sorrow. The Bible gives a real hope and it promises that your loved one will soon come back to life in a peaceful paradise on the earth where death will be no more. (John 5:28, 29; Revelation 21:4)
My family and I are thinking of you and sending our sincere condolences and prayers at this difficult time, Jeannette! I loved hearing stories about you and your husband at work even though I’ve only met him a few times briefly – no doubt both of you fueled each other’s laughter and joy – and his sparks live through you and your loved ones. Take care, my friend! Many hugs to you and your family.
Beautiful picture!! Very sorry for your tremendous loss. Thinking of all of you!
Thank you for your kind words. So true! Blessings.
My sincere condolences. I will fondly remember him gracing my wedding and giving us a traditional Nigerian tradition during the festivities. I will miss him dearly.
The big G . Goddy !!! Ogbueshiiiii.its still hard to believe that barely after a few hours after our chat that Monday night when you called for our usual Monday prayers that you are no more. Just reminds me that life is just a joke. Every Mon , Wed and Friday 9pm UK time ,I keep expecting a video call from you and Jeannette for our prayer sessions , and I can hear you clearly say your usual greetings to Nwanne Ogbueshi and Nwunye Nwanne Ogbueshi as you would always say but to no avail . The phone never ringed. We will miss you so dearly but will be comforted that you died in the Lord . Rest in Perfect Peace Goddy . We pray that the Lord strengthens Jeannette and your immediate family . Adieu Adieu
My dearest brother Ogbueshi Goddy Odina.I really really find it very very difficult to believe you are no more with us physically. You at 79 years old celebrated the Highly revered name of ‘Ogbueshi ‘ with all the Octogenarians in Obosi. I miss our Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday prayer meetings we had together for years now through Zoom between my Lovely wife Shelley Ifeoma and I on London side and your beloved wife Jeannette and yourself on the Edmonton side. Your gap will be very difficult to fill in my heart. I love you so much and will miss you so much. You have lived a good and gentle life in the Lord and are now resting in the bosom of the Lord. RIP Adieu
It was truly a pleasure to have you as an uncle, father, mentor and friend. We were deeply saddened to hear of your passing unto glory. God blessed us with a kind, family oriented, devoted Christian, hardworking, caring and wonderful person. He will be missed dearly especially his encouraging and fatherly advise.
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. May the comfort of God help you during this time of need.
Godwin O. Odina remains forever in our hearts, as we look forward to being reunited someday in the heavenly realm.
Rest on Uncle!
I Love you!!!
Heartfelt condolences to my dear friend, Jeannette and the extended members of the family. I remember Major Godwin as a friendly, caring, and humble person who had a twinkle in his eyes. May our loving Lord grant you all Peace and comfort your hearts now and always.
My wife was Juliette’s School mate at high school and was so happy to reconnect in 2011. Glad you were able to share in their Joy at their meeting and your laughter on that occasion as they reminisce was truly beautiful. Our deepest condolences to Juliette and your family. Our prayers are with you all for strength in this time of loss. Be assured that he is with the Lord. RIP.
To: Jeannette Austin-Odina and the family,
My heartfelt and prayers with you at this difficult time of passing of our beloved Godwin. May his soul rest in Almighty’s hand of God. Wishing you to find peace in God’s word.
Thanks
Stay well and strong,
Akon
My sincere condolence to the entire family.
Full of life and always present…Major Godwin Odina was one of those I have huge respect and honour for in our Church, All Saith’s Anglican Cathedral.
He goes out of his way to seek out and connect, making sure you are doing well and getting help if/when you need it. He is very proud of his Ibo identity and heritage. I will never forget how quickly and genuinely he stock a friendship with my Dad when he visited. He will very dearly missed by us all.
A good heart has stopped beating, a good soul ascended to heaven. We part with our beloved daddy, brother, uncle and in-law.
Prayers and fond memories are what we have to remember our dearly departed.
May our Lord bless and comfort you and your family during this time of grief.
We will never forget your ur words of wisdom and encouragement. May God give him eternal rest in his bossom. Amen
Rest on Major Odina G. O.
Condolences to you and your family from a Church Member at All Saint’s.
THE ENTIRE (IPOB) FAMILY IN CANADA UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF CHIEF. COLLINS OGOKE & PRINCESS JOY OCHIABUTO. ON BEHALF OF IPOB , CANADA SEND OUR CONDOLENCE TO THE FAMILY OF ELDER GODWIN ODINA. TO THE WIFE AND CHILDREN LEFT BEHIND, THE LORD IS YOUR STRENGTH. WE PRAY THAT OUR GOOD LORD GRANT THE SOUL OF ELDER GOWIN ODINA A PERFECT REST, AMEN.
THE ENTIRE (IPOB) FAMILY IN CANADA UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF CHIEF. COLLINS OGOKE & PRINCESS JOY OCHIABUTO. ON BEHALF OF IPOB , CANADA SEND OUR CONDOLENCE TO THE FAMILY OF ELDER GODWIN ODINA. TO THE WIFE AND CHILDREN LEFT BEHIND, THE LORD IS YOUR STRENGTH. WE PRAY THAT OUR GOOD LORD GRANT THE SOUL OF ELDER GOWIN ODINA A PERFECT REST, AMEN.
it’s so painful to accept your passing away Uncle Godwin, Ogbuefi and Godfather to our last daughter. However, we are consoled and comforted by the realization that God wants you in a better place, where you are now free from all pains and struggles of this world.
You were such a gentle and easy going elder that looked out for us especially at the All Saints Cathedral and within the Nigerian community in Edmonton.
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with your family especially your wife Jeannette.
May your Soul Rest in Perfect Peace.
Dem and Temi Sonuga
For the Sonugas
Uncle Goddy, I met you briefly but that memory will forever be with me because you made me laugh so hard. Mary will miss your tea. You were so generous and loved the Lord. Stay strong Jeanette may the good Lord be your shield and protector. You can always count on my family for support. Rest in the bosom of your maker Uncle Goddy.
Auntie J I hope these words find comfort through our dear memories
I loved our chats. When I called to check in on you guys he would give me the biggest greetings like it was an honor to hear from me when the honor and the pleasure was always mine. I learned so much from our conversation. I never thought that peace had sound until I heard your voice cause when I spoke to you I felt peace. Comfort and appreciation. And I know that is what you feel now
You have the greatest Seat in the house the real VIP .you are with the lord and it is well
I promise to keep those calls coming and check for auntie J for you. We will keep your name current and your spirit close
I will miss you dearly
On behalf of myself and the Leslie family my deepest condolences to the whole family
I love you all
On behalf of my family especially your God-daughter we send our condolences to the family. You have left a hole our hearts, we will always hold the fund memories we had with you and the girls during those days .Godwin, Rest in Perfect Peace and May the Lord be with you.
God saw that he was getting tired
A cure was not to be
So He put his arms around him
And whispered “Come to me”.
With tearful eyes, we watched him retire to rest
A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands to rest.
I am glad we had the opportunity of spending some time together when you visited us in London.
My uncle was humble, kind, loving, caring and good in heart and soul.
God has just reminded us that He only takes “The Best”.
RIP Uncle.
It was so sudden and heartbreaking for all of us but very peaceful. My Daddy (your younger brother and look alike) is missing you greatly but we are comforted by the fond memories shared.
We love you uncle and you will be missed dearly
Rest in peace until we all meet again to part no more.
Send my love to your big sister Aunty Eunice. We will continue to intercede for you so we all can meet again on the resurrection day 🙏
Rest in power!
Amen
Your niece
What a loss Major Godwin Odina is. As a co resident of his home city – Edmonton, Alberta (Canada) Goddy as he is fondly known, was very humble about his stellar military history. But I knew. When I told him in 2019 that I (a Caribbean Yoraba woman) had just returned from Nigeria, and had visited Abia State where a museum about the Biafra War was housed, he came alive in a way I had never seen before. This was home. He was very proud of this history. And I along with him. He never complained about pain or discomfort. Strong and resilient to the last. Thank you Major for being who you are and all your loving contributions to Cariwest and other community organizations. We will miss you dearly. May God comfort you and allow you rest to be peaceful.
Jeannette and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Godwin and I took care of the offerings at All Saints’ and during those times, we had the opportunity to learn about each other. He always took the time to listen and I loved listening to the stories of his life. We also served on the healing ministry at church, and now as he is in his heavenly home, he is healed. All my prayers for comfort and peace.
Mom, our condolences go out to you and the entire family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May the Lord continue to be your guide.
My Farewell letter to Godwin “Goddy” Odina
My dear brother-in-law, brother and friend, you came into my sister’s life and you conquered our hearts. I will fondly remember you as a cheerful, loving and generous individual. My brother you were a Trinidadian in heart with the spirit of calypsonian (should I say the Mighty Shadow?) with fantastic dancing skills (Trinidad style) in other words you could w….! I shall say no more! You were the only person I think who had a love for mangoes more than I do. Although, we were miles away from each other, you were close to my heart. Now that you have been taken away from us to be with the Lord, who shall sing Happy Birthday together with Jeannette every year to me and end the rendition with and many moreee? Although, one year you sang Happy Birthday to me one month too early and asked me if I was sure that it wasn’t my birthday when you were corrected. We love you, but God loves you best, so he has called you home. So, sleep on my brother until you shall be awakened to go to your final home on High. Goodnight my brother! I shall see you on that glorious dawn, the resurrection morning when countless throngs shall rise. May you Soul Rest in Peace!!!!
P.S. I am sorry that you have passed away before you found out if you had reached the position of being my #1 brother-in-law. Do not trouble your soul because that is not important, what is important, is that, I am your #1 sister-in-law. I see I have made you laugh.
I love you, my brother!!! Gone but not forgotten.
Goodnight my brother, Goodnight
My Tribute – Godwin Odina
I remember you as a jovial, humble and God-fearing person.
I will miss you on my birthdays, “Mr. Echo.” Oh, you never knew I had given you that name, eh? Well, birthday greetings always ended with an echo of “and many more!”
I wish to thank you for who you were and for the care and love you gave to my sister, Jeannette.
You have been chosen to take a rest from your labour, so sleep on my brother until that great day when you shall walk with God.
May your Soul Rest in Peace.
Farewell!
Jeannette,
Thinking of you and your family at this time of recollection and reflection.
Godwin always had a smile and a joke whenever I met him and made me feel welcome in your home. He will be missed, but your faith will keep you strong in the coming times.
Condolences to your family and keeping you in my thoughts,
Dear Uncle Goddy,
The last few words you said to me.,
‘I am are very happy & strong in the spirit’,
You said you were in good place in your heart; I heard the sound of fulfilment, content, joy and love.
I am so delighted and blessed to have heard you say those words, more-so now that you have gone to be with the Lord,
‘You are now happier and stronger in spirit’,
A reflection of the long & gentle life that you lived, your relationship with God and a fulfilment of Joy.
You remained happy & in good spirit till the last moments of your live.
Your good spirit will live on in our hearts.
I shall hold onto those words strongly.
Rest In the Lord’s peace
Our gentle and kind UNCLE Canada.
The GALANT soldier!
Your kindness & sacrifices for our PEOPLE, (ndi Igbo) shall NEVER be forgotten!
Adieu
It is with deepest sorrow and sadness that I write this tribute to you Uncle Goddy.
I once knew a man sweet and kind, and I found that empty place in my heart I couldn’t find. He was a Brave Biafran Major, nice and sweet.
He was so special he swept me off my feet. I remember like yesterday when you and Aunty Jeannette visited us in UK(London), when you shared your experience during the war.
Uncle, you were and will always be an inspiration to myself, the entire family and anyone who knew and worked with you. You have left a void in the family that will never be filled. While we mourn today, we also take comfort in the fact that your mission on earth have been fulfilled. We thank the Lord for your life and bid you farewell until we meet again
Your Nephew
Mr Ikenna Odina
Uncle you will be greatly missed. A true Biafrian soldier. Major G.O. Odina i salute you Sir for your service. Never to be forgotten.
Go well galant soldier. And be reunited with sister Eunice Nwobosi your sister my aunty, and also Mama Enugu your mother, my grandmother.
All hail Biafra🙌🏾
To Andy and Family:
I lack words to express my grief over the passing of your phenomenal father. Your father was a great man who has left a great legacy behind. He was larger than life and lived it to the fullest. He touched lives without leaving a space for doubts in our hearts.
I will remain grateful to God for the opportunity to have meet your Dad. If not, I wouldn’t have been able to fathom the incredible loss his death has brought.
Good souls never ever part. They leave an impression on anyone they come across. Everyone will remember your father as a fantastic human being that he was.
Now that he is gone may all the memories be a blessing to you and your family.
My family and I extend our deepest sympathies to you, your Mother, your Sisters and your family and pray that God will comfort you in staying strong.
May God Almighty comfort you Jeanette and family. Our prayers are with you. Major Odina was a gentle, caring and wise member of the Igbo Cultural Association of Edmonton. We always looked up to him and other elders to resolve disputes within the Igbo community and he always rose to the occasion when called upon. We will miss his presence and wise counsel. May God grant him eternal rest in Jesus name, amen.
Dear Uncle Goddy!
Your sudden passing is a shock to me. Since we spoke, I have always intended to see you in person for the first time someday but sadly that would not happen. Thanks for the love and encouragement you gave me as I embarked on my journey . To your dear wife, Jeannette, and rest of the family, please accept my heart- felt condolences. May your soul Rest In Peace, Ogbueshi.
Ada Nwokedi
To Jeanette and family my condolences to you all on the passing of Godwin , eternal rest grant unto him and let perpetual shine on him and may he R I P amen✝️🙏🏾
Dear Jeannette and family
Heartfelt condolences on the passing of our dear Papa Godwin.
I will always remember him as a warm kind and loving gentleman who always greeted us with a smile. He will be missed by all whose lives he touched at All Saints Cathedral. God bless and comfort all in your family at this time.
May Godwin’s Soul Rest in Eternal Peace.
Uncle Godwin, you will be missed. Your ready smile and hug in greeting and ofcourse your voice singing me Happy Birthday will be especially missed. I will always remember your hilarious attempts at Trini accents and slangs. Rest well and know that you were loved and will be remembered. Aunty Jeannette, my thoughts of comfort are with you and family. Later, Uncle Godwin!
To Jeannette and family
Sincere Condolences on the sad passing of Godwin.
May God comfort and heal you and all in your family.
Godwin will be missed and remembered as a warm, kind hearted and loving gentleman by all whose lives he touched. May Godwin’s Soul Rest in Eternal Peace.
Jeannette, my deepest condolences to you and your family, on the passing of your dear husband. May God surround you with comfort and peace at this time and in the days ahead. May Godwin’s memory and spirit live on through your wonderful gift of sharing stories!
Sending you love and hugs.
Marlene
To Jeannette and family.
With a heavy heart I heard about Godwin’s passing.
He was a very special person to me and I was able to keep in touch with him
when I was dealing with my own illness which was very comforting knowing the person he was through Church.
He will be missed and as I hope to be back to church soon I will miss him.
My condolences to you and family. He is in the arms of Jesus resting in Peace
My sincere condolences to the Odina family. May God comfort you all and give you the grace to bear this irreplaceable loss. May His soul rest in perfect peace
Thanks to all who posted condolences here, phoned, left messages, brought flowers, served in numerous ways, donated to the Inner City Pastoral Ministry, delivered delicacies and offered your support during this time of great loss. My family and I are overwhelmed by your generosity and goodwill. We feel so blessed! We were blessed for having Godwin; blessed by your love, prayers and concern and blessed by the love of God in taking him away from sorrow and pain. Godwin died in peace and we are at peace.
May the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you too.
Jeannette,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I think of you often and I fondly remember meeting Godwin at your retirement function. The two of you exuded such joy and an exuberance for life, I would have wished for you to have many more wonderful years together. My condolences and prayers to you and your family.
My deepest condolences to the Odina’s family especially Jeannette. May the Lord protect you and heal your pain. Susie has asked me to send her sincerely condolences to you Jeannette and all the members of the Odina family. Uncle Austin as we called you at Church (Uncle) We will miss your gentle smile. May the God you served rest your Soul in Peace. Amen