It is with great sadness that we announce Dr. David Vincent Godin, Professor Emeritus, passed away on Sunday July 9, 2023. Dr. Godin had a long career in Pharmacology research and education.
For those of us who had the privilege to study pharmacology or medicine at UBC, Dr. Godin was a passionate teacher who taught generations of future pharmacologists, doctors, and dentists the wonders of pharmacology and he made the subject matter so straightforward. He received countless awards for his teaching excellence. His impact was felt internationally for he also gave freely of his time in teaching in under-resourced parts of the world.
Outside of academia, Dr. Godin passionately loved his extended family, his faith community, and music (especially opera) and he touched the lives of so many people with whom he lived, worshipped, sang, and played.
Dr. Godin’s passing is a huge loss for those of us who knew him. Our Department extends condolences to his family. We miss him profoundly.
GODIN, David Vincent passed away suddenly on July 9, 2023 at the age of 81
The only child of parents Vincent and Catherine Godin, David was born June 17, 1942 in Ottawa, Ontario. He studied at Ottawa University, where he met Yum Kin, the love of his life. Soon after getting married, David consequently did post-doctoral work at Stanford University before accepting a teaching and research position in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of British Columbia, where he taught for nearly 40 years, receiving numerous teaching awards throughout his career for his unfailing commitment to students.
Although his family are bereft and in shock, we are also grateful for the legacy he leaves behind in the minds and hearts of the students he taught, the many musicians he played and sang with, the parishioners of both St John the Apostle and Knox United Church, his friends, and most of all, his family.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, mentor and friend, David was intent on savouring the beauty and goodness of everything and everyone around him. His enthusiasm for music and opera was contagious, his pride in his daughter and each of his three grandkids could not be contained, and his faithful love for his wife of 54 years was tangibly evident every day until he died.
David was much loved and will be sadly missed by many including his wife Yum Kin, daughter Kim (Matt), and grandchildren Abby, Josie and Sam.
All are welcome to attend one or both of two services planned to honour David’s memory:
Memorial Mass to be held Thursday July 27, 11 am at St John the Apostle Church (5457 Trafalgar St, Vancouver, BC)
Celebration of Life to be held Thursday, August 10, 2:30 at Sage Bistro (Formerly the UBC Faculty Club– 6331 Crescent Rd, Vancouver, BC ) Attendees to this event are invited (though not required) to wear something purple in light of David’s favourite colour.