In Loving Memory of Ben Goddard

On September 23rd, the Goddard whanau, friends and community lost Ben suddenly to a medical event.

Ben spent his life living to the fullest, he was a successful business owner of 35 years, spent years volunteering in the Ohakune Fire Service, which for many years he was fire chief, he worked with the team for the impending lahar in 2007, he was a councillor on the Ruapehu District Council for many years and worked with St John helping to establish the Waimarino Ambulance Station. In his latest position he worked for Ruapehu Alpine Lifts in the workshop and up Mt Ruapehu.

When not sharing his love for the community, he was at home spending time with his whanau or working in his paradise garden.

On behalf of Ben’s wife Trish and her whanau, I am setting up this page to help with the financial cost of the funeral and any other costs needed in the coming weeks and months ahead.

(Media release from Ruapehu District Council):

COUNCIL MOURNS SUDDEN LOSS OF POPULAR COUNCILLOR

Ruapehu District Council is mourning the loss of long serving councillor Ben Goddard QSM who died suddenly yesterday (23 Sept 20).

Mayor Don Cameron said that the thoughts of Council and staff were with Ben's wife Trish, whanau and friends at this very difficult time.

“Ben was a much loved councillor who made a significant contribution to his community through many years of dedicated service,” he said.

“He loved the Waimarino and knew the region well having lived in Ohakune most of his life where he built up a successful engineering business Goddard Automotive and raised his family.

Ben had extensive experience in local government first as a councillor on the Ohakune Borough Council for 10 years, then serving on the Waimarino District Council before the formation of the Ruapehu District Council.

He had been a member of the Ohakune Volunteer Fire Brigade for 33 years and the district fire chief for eight years.

This dedicated service was recognised in 2009 when he was awarded the Queen's Service Medal for services to the fire service in the Waimarino region.

He was also the driving force in the establishment and fund raising efforts for the Waimarino St John Ambulance Station and Health Shuttle service.

His tireless work on behalf of his community and the Ruapehu district will be greatly missed,” said Mayor Cameron.

❤️

The Goddard whanau want to thank everyone for their generosity, love and support during this time.

Rest In Peace Ben ❤️