1924 – 2013

ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. — Kenneth Howard Goddard, 89, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 30, at the Gulfside Regional Hospice in Zephyrhills, Fla.

Ken was born on Feb. 1, 1924, to Florice Bennett Goddard and Howard Goddard on his family’s farm in Rumford Point. He attended Rumford schools and graduated from Stephens High School, Class of 1942. He was a member of the marching band and the men’s Chisholm Ski Team.

Ken left his work on the family farm to enlist in the U.S. Army, where he was a paratrooper with the 11th Airborne Division. He was reassigned to the Army band the last few months of his enlistment.

Music was an important part of Ken’s life. He played the stand-up bass with a number of friends and fellow musicians. He was a member of the Hillsmen Chorus for many years and also sang at the Rumford Point Congregational Church, where he was a member all of his life.

Upon retirement from Boise Cascade Paper Mill, he and his wife, Geneva, made their winter home in Zephyrhills. Ken joined the Betmar Chorus and Music Club, as well as the chorus at First Congregational Church of Zephyrhills.

He and close friends, Bob LaChance and Dick Morse, formed the Northeast Jazz Trio and soon found themselves very popular, entertaining folks on many evenings.

He and his best buddy, Keith Ruff, pianist, had been playing together over five decades. Only a few weeks before his passing, he and Keith played together for the last time.

Ken was an avid reader, a Civil War buff and a devoted Red Sox fan. He enjoyed camping, woodworking and gardening. His love for all his family knew no limits.

Ken is survived by his wife of 61 years, Geneva; daughters, Deborah Luxton and her husband, David, of West Bethel, Cynthia Theriault and husband, Dennis, of Hanover, and Jane Goddard and partner, Chris Gorham, of Hanover; grandchildren and their spouses, Faye Souve, Adam Luxton, Wade Luxton, Robin Henderson, April Truman, Colton Cyr and Travis Cyr; and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents and a brother, Leland Goddard.

The family extends thanks to all the wonderful friends Ken made along life’s path for their love and support and for being part of his joyful time in this world.

Special thanks to Dr. Daniel McGrane of Zephyrhills and Brad Phillips of the Rumford VA Clinic.