August F Godfrey Jr., born on June 28, 1940, passed away on May 3, 2024.

Fil was a father to Steven Godfrey of Renton, Wash., and Stacey Godfrey Celeste of Eureka. He was proud to be the grandfather of Daniel and Will Godfrey, and Thomas Celeste. He will be missed by his friends Kathy Foley Spain, Kevin Phillips and Roberta Walker.

Fil was born and raised in Eureka. After graduating from Eureka High School, he spent several years in the US Air Force, stationed in Spain. Upon returning home, he married his high school sweetheart, Sarah Goldberg (Godfrey). They had the first Jewish wedding ceremony in Eureka, and were founding members of Temple Beth El in Eureka. After Sarah’s death, Fil never remarried.

He spent over 40 years working at Maurice’s shoe store alongside his wife Sarah and her parents, Maurice and Florence (Fil was a patient man). Later, he spent several happy years working at Allure Jewelers.

Fil enjoyed visiting local forests and parks and spending time working in his back yard. A quietly creative individual, his endeavors included growing and arranging flowers and pastel drawings. He loved visiting art galleries and appreciated the work of local artists.

His greatest joy was friends and family. Fil was warm and welcomed everyone to his home, genuinely interested in how they were doing. In later years, he considered himself blessed to have his daughter Stacey nearby, as she and her friends kept his life rich and interesting. He was a lifelong resident of Eureka, and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his children and grandchildren, and his sisters-in-law Rose Ann Watson of Roseville and Nancy Godfrey of Santa Rosa.

A graveside service will be held at Sunset Memorial Park on Friday, May 24 at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests you make a donation to Hospice of Humboldt County or plant a plant of your choice in Fil’s memory that will always remind you of him.