In Loving Memory of David Ronald Godfrey (Ron)
With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to David Ronald Godfrey (Ron), who peacefully passed away on January 8th, 2024, at Community Memorial Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. While our grief weighs heavily upon us, we find comfort in knowing that Ron has found peace, reunited with loved ones who have gone before him.
Born on August 10, 1944, in Santa Paula to Vancel and Vena Godfrey, residing at that time, in a duplex across the street from his cherished home of 44 years. He often quipped, ‘I’ve come a long way in life; right across the street.’ In his 79 years, Ron spent just one year outside of Fillmore, cultivating watermelons in Terra Bella.
Ron’s love for Fillmore and its people was unwavering. As a 1962 graduate of Fillmore High, he led as captain of the football team before excelling as a two-sport athlete at Ventura College, where he played football and baseball. His commitment to community continued throughout his life, serving as both a member and captain of Fillmore Search and Rescue, and contributing as a board member of the Fillmore Club. Ron was a steadfast supporter of various community events, including the Annual Sheriff’s Barbecue, Fillmore Bicycle Rodeo, and Fillmore High Alumni dinner. He also generously contributed to organizations such as the Fillmore-Piru Citrus Association, Fillmore School Farm, FFA, and 4-H Clubs.
In his agricultural pursuits, Ron’s journey began at 16, working on citrus ranches and with custom farmers until joining Rancho Sespe. After the ranch’s sale in 1979, he established his family’s custom farming business, working alongside his son, Garet, on numerous citrus and avocado ranches in the Fillmore and Piru area. Ron’s expertise even led him to collaborate with Good Earth Teas, where he constructed an orange blossom harvesting machine and diligently harvested orange blossoms for years.
Ron’s love for the outdoors was boundless, evident in his countless tales of local cattle roundups, fishing and hunting adventures. He cherished his family and friendships forged over the years, sharing the thrill of hunting big game and casting lines in lakes, rivers, and deep-seas across North America with those he held dear.
Ron was preceded in death by his mother, Vena, father, Vancel, two brothers, Loren and Rick, son Garet, and first wife Linda. He is survived by his wife Debbie, daughter Shannon, son-in-law Dustin, son Timothy, ‘son-from-another-mother’ Patrick, grandchildren Calista, Hunter, and Colton, and great-grandson Jasper, who will carry forward his legacy of love and strength.
Friends and family are invited to join us in a non-formal, open house “Celebration of Life” on Saturday, March 16th, from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm at 455 Saratoga Street in Fillmore.
Ron’s memory will forever remain in our hearts, a beacon of love, strength, and community spirit.