This past week, my mother, Ethel Goodwill, passed away after a three month battle with an aggressive and rare form of cancer. She was 90 years old. My dad was killed in a car accident when I was 9 years old. My mother took on the responsibilities of mother and father from that point on and did a remarkable job. Ethel Goodwill was a warm and gentle soul with a quick wit and great sense of humour. She was a very upbeat, courageous, positive and independent person. She was a role model for me and my wife Gail, hard working and honest, a person with great common sense. Ethel will be sadly missed by her friends and family for her courage, positive attitude and for the love she gave to those around her.
My weekly blog on Transportation will return next week.
Comments (17)
My condolences Dan, based on your description above your mother must have been a very strong person.
Posted by Chris Henry | April 4, 2010 10:04 PM
Posted on April 4, 2010 22:04
God Bless Dan
Posted by J Bradley | April 5, 2010 6:03 AM
Posted on April 5, 2010 06:03
My Condolences Dan
Posted by Kevin SNobel | April 5, 2010 7:10 AM
Posted on April 5, 2010 07:10
Dan,
I too lost my father at a fairly young age and my mother was a pillar of strength, taught me life's lessons from maybe a little different perspective which I feel has made me, I'd like to think, a better person.
Even at our age it's tough loosing our mother but celebrate her life and remember all the things that she did to improve yours.
Deepest condolences,
Rob Ward
Voyageur Express
London, Ontario
Posted by Rob Ward | April 5, 2010 8:30 AM
Posted on April 5, 2010 08:30
CT&L offers it's deepest condolences to both you and your family, Dan.
--Adam
Posted by Adam Ledlow | April 5, 2010 10:39 AM
Posted on April 5, 2010 10:39
Dan:
It is with sincere sympathy that I read about the death of your Mother, Ethel. May she rest in peace now that the battle is over.
In 2010, I too would have celebrated the 90th birthdays of both my parents. They died within 2 weeks of each another in 2007 - it was a very difficult year for me.
To celebrate such long and fruitful lives, however, is glorious. We are fortunate to have great parents, and even without them, I am still filled with wonder at how lucky I am to be their son.
Victor
Posted by Victor Deyglio | April 5, 2010 3:44 PM
Posted on April 5, 2010 15:44
We're very sorry for your loss. It's a sad time in your life, however it sounds like you she left a lifetime of fabulous memories. Your mother has left a fabulous legacy... Randy and Merle
Posted by Randy and Merle Carlton | April 5, 2010 6:40 PM
Posted on April 5, 2010 18:40
Dan,
My condolences to you and your family ,
Robert
Posted by Robert Nugent | April 8, 2010 8:06 AM
Posted on April 8, 2010 08:06
Dan, my thoughts are with you. I realize your mother has been the focus of your life recently and you will always be able to know that you gave back what was so graciously given out to you. Do take care and I look forward to seeing you soon.
Sincerely
Martin
Posted by Martin Kelly | April 8, 2010 8:28 AM
Posted on April 8, 2010 08:28
Dear Dan
Thank you for the information you provide for us in your columns and at so many conferences. I am sorry to hear of the loss of your mother and of her brave battle with cancer. It is the one year anniversary of my father's death and I know how difficult the loss of a parent can be. After losing your Dad so early I can understand how significant the loss of your Mom is for you. My sincere condolences. Ms. Terry Nusyna
Posted by Terry Nusyna | April 8, 2010 9:32 AM
Posted on April 8, 2010 09:32
Dan,
My condolences go out to you and the family.
Regards
Carl Dinis
Posted by Carl Dinis | April 8, 2010 9:38 AM
Posted on April 8, 2010 09:38
Dan,
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Yana
Posted by Yana Verbitskaia | April 8, 2010 9:47 AM
Posted on April 8, 2010 09:47
Dan,
My prayers and thoughts are with you during this very difficult time for you. To lose your Mother is extremely difficult and sad but can be compounded when you also lose your best friend. I lost my mom in her 75th year five years ago and she also raised us almost alone. I miss her but know that she is not suffering now and in a much better place having a great time with her family and aggravating the angels.
God bless - you will meet her again some day.
Posted by Hope Cheatle | April 8, 2010 9:48 AM
Posted on April 8, 2010 09:48
Dan,Sue and I extend our condolences to you and your family .These times are very difficult but you should look back at all the good times which I know you will and smile for the person she was and know that she is in a better place .
Posted by Ray Ash | April 8, 2010 9:59 AM
Posted on April 8, 2010 09:59
Dan,
My sincere condolences for the passing of your mother.
Georges
Posted by Georges St. Arnaud | April 8, 2010 10:11 AM
Posted on April 8, 2010 10:11
My sincere condolences on the loss of your mother Dan. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Posted by Tom Coates | April 8, 2010 11:18 AM
Posted on April 8, 2010 11:18
My Sincere Condolences Dan,
Having lost my father and two brothers to the dreaded disease I can relate to your loss, my own mother reaches 100 in January 2011 and I can assure you I will make the most of that day.
Best regards
Steve
Posted by Steve Valentine | April 8, 2010 1:47 PM
Posted on April 8, 2010 13:47