Harold Lawrence Godat

Harold Lawrence Godat came into this world on a crisp morning of July 11, 1938, at 6:50 a.m., on the sprawling hay and dairy agriculture farm along Route 2 in Pomona, West Plains, Howell County, Missouri. Born to Harold Maurice Godat, a hardworking farmer, and Edna Anna Downen, a compassionate nurse.

Premature by three months and jaundiced, Harold arrived with underdeveloped eardrums, which would shape much of his early life. As the second born of seven siblings, Harold grew up amidst the bustling energy of a large family. His older brother, Robert Duane, paved the way in 1936, followed by Linda Lee (Windy Wee) in 1940. Sadly, tragedy struck with the passing of Stephen Dallas at the tender age of one due to tuberculosis. Despite the loss, the family pressed on, welcoming Curtis Maurice in 1946, Carolyn Sue (Suzy) in 1948, and Richard Walter in 1950.

Challenges marked Harold’s early years on the farm. His premature birth and fragile health necessitated unconventional measures for his care. In a testament to the resilience ingrained in him from birth, Harold was kept in a shoebox on the oven door, serving as an improvised incubator. At the same time, his parents tended to their daily chores on the farm.

Despite these early hurdles, Harold’s childhood had its share of misadventures. At the tender age of three, fate tested Harold’s resolve when he encountered a copperhead snake. But this was only the beginning of a series of trials that would shape his character. Despite losing part of his thumb in a barbed wire fence mishap and surviving a near-fatal encounter with a rattlesnake, Harold’s spirit remained unbroken. His resilience was further tested when he found himself in a case of mistaken identity with a turkey. This humorous anecdote would become a cherished memory in the tapestry of his life.

In 1944, at six years old, Harold embarked on a new chapter in his life as he began his education at the Missouri School for the Deaf (MSD) in Fulton, Missouri. Living in the boy’s dormitory away from his family, Harold diligently embraced the challenge.

One of the defining moments of Harold’s early years came on March 5, 1946, during his time at MSD. On this historic day, he had the privilege of witnessing Winston Churchill and President Truman deliver the famous Iron Curtain Speech. The memory of seeing these iconic figures, particularly Truman, in a chauffeured car left an indelible mark on Harold’s young mind, igniting a spark of curiosity and wonder.

In 1951, Harold’s athletic prowess shone through as he played an instrumental role in securing victory for the MSD basketball team in the championship game. His achievement was recognized by Superintendent Truman L. Ingle, who presented him with a small slip of paper, a token of appreciation for his contribution to the team’s success.

In the summer of 1952, Harold’s family embarked on a new chapter headed westward, leaving behind the familiar landscapes of Missouri and embracing the beauty of Oregon. Settling in the picturesque town of Bridal Veil, nestled along the banks of the Columbia River Gorge, Harold’s brother Robert captured the sentiment of awe and wonder that permeated their arrival with his words, “This is the most beautiful place I’ve ever laid my eyes on.”

The following fall, Harold began a new chapter of his education at the Oregon State School for the Deaf (OSSD) in Salem, Oregon. Where he excelled in sports, participating in football, basketball, and track & field, his dedication and passion earned him recognition, including a coveted basketball letterman in November 1956 as a 5’11” forward.

January 1956 marked a significant milestone in Harold’s educational journey when Oregon Mayor Robert F. White presented him with a 25-volume Funk & Wagnalls Standard Encyclopedia set as part of a “better education” campaign for the Oregon School for the Deaf.

On May 30, 1957, Harold stood tall amongst his peers as he graduated from the Oregon School for the Deaf, a momentous occasion that marked the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance.

After high school, Harold returned home to his family in Springdale, Oregon, where he began working various jobs, including at the Cobb Sawmill on Sandy Blvd in Portland Oregon. During this time, he met the love of his life, Kathleen Claire Earl, whom he married on March 17, 1962, in Portland, Oregon.

In 1962, Harold embarked on a lifelong journey of love and partnership with Kathy. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams. Harold’s dedication to his family was unwavering, as he worked tirelessly to provide for his wife and three children - Angela, Burt, and Cherie.

Harold’s commitment to his loved ones never wavered from his days as a garbage man for his brother-in-law Bill Smith to his career as a sheet metal worker at Northern Can Company. His wife, Kathleen, played an integral role in his professional life, bringing him into DSW/DOW to work on kidney dialysis machine parts for two decades, culminating in a well-deserved retirement with a pension.

In 1992, Harold and Kathleen embarked on a new adventure as they moved to Prineville, Oregon, where they transformed their property into a thriving farm with the help of their family. Amidst the rolling hills and endless skies, Harold found solace and joy in life’s simple pleasures, from tending to his chickens, goats, and donkeys to spending countless hours rock hunting and gardening with Kathleen by his side.

In 2004, Harold and Kathleen bid farewell to their beloved farm near the Prineville Reservoir and embraced a new chapter in town. Yet, their love for each other and cherished farm life memories remained steadfast.

Harold’s faith, passion for history, and love for his family defined him throughout his life. From his infectious laughter to his love for Elvis and Hank Williams, Harold touched the lives of all who knew him, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering strength.

As we look back on Harold’s life, we find comfort in the love of his devoted wife of 62 years, Kathleen, his cherished memories, and the knowledge that his eternal life has just begun. His legacy will also live on through his sister Suzy, brother Richard, three children Angela (Mark), Burt (Sherri), and Cherie (Bob), seven grandchildren Tara (Allen), Tanya, Tabitha (Tony), Jenni (Cody), Brandon, Julie (Gabe), Tony (Cassie) and 16 great-grandchildren (Jacob, Derek Jr, Jocelyn, Jordyn, Preston, Dylan, Cody Jr, Diego, Keelie, Garritt, Jayden, Charisma, Asher, Maverick, Mark, and Rhett) who affectionately refer to him as “Papa.” Papa was called Home to be with the Lord on March 24, 2024 where he awaits our arrival.

Please leave your favorite story, joke, or memory of Hal/Harold/Papa below. 

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