Godfrey James Wedgwood
July 13, 1937 to February 17, 2023
Obituary
To view the service for Godfrey Wedgwood on Monday, February 20, 2023 at 10:30 a.m.
please click the following link:
Passed peacefully away at the Health Sciences Centre, Critical Care Unit, on February 17, 2023, age 85 years, Godfrey James Wedgwood.
Predeceased by father Godfrey and mother Mae (Ledrew).
Leaving to mourn with fond and loving memories wife Sheila; children Geoffrey (Laurence), Barry Rose (Lisa), Stephen (Janis), Heather Masterson (Jim), Peter (Andrea); 5 grandchildren Nicole Rose, Nicholas and Michael Wedgwood, Sarah and Lauren Masterson; special childhood friend of 81 years Ruth Klevorick; and all his many friends.
Special thanks to the staff of CCU and Emergency at the Health Sciences Centre for their tremendous support and care to all of us at this difficult time.
Birch is known for his athletic accomplishments evidenced by his induction into the Newfoundland Baseball Hall of Fame, his many business successes and his charitable contributions to the community in which he lived and worked.
Visitation will be held at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, on Sunday, February 19 from 12 noon – 5 p.m. Funeral service will take place from The Carnell Memorial Chapel on Monday, February 20 at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be held at a later date at the Anglican Cemetery, Forest Road. At the family’s request, please wear a mask to the visitation and service. The service will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Gathering Place or Bridges to Hope.
Schedule
Visitations
12 noon - 5 p.m. on February 19, 2023
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
10:30am, Monday February 20th
The Carnell Memorial Chapel
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
Steve and family,
Sorry to hear about your dad.
To the Wedgwood family,
I have such fond memories of your dad when we were neighbours. Always cheerful and smiling, Birch would give a big wave across the yard, and if there was time, we’d have a short chat. My deepest sympathies to you and all who loved him.
Our deepest sympathy to all Birch’s family. He will be missed. With love to you all.
Geoff, and all who will miss Bud..my sincere condolences. I have many memories of Bud from 30 some years ago. A few of his quotes I continue to use to this very day. RIP
We are so sorry to hear of Birch’s passing. He was a lovely man. Lots of fun memories. George, Rochelle and Karlyne Spracklin
Steve, Jeff & Family, So very sorry to hear of your Father’s passing.. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time..
Our condolences to the Wedgwood family on the loss of Mr. Wedgwood. May the love of family and friends bring you comfort at this difficult time.
Heather, Steve, Geoff, Peter, Sheila,Barry
and family,
I am so saddened by the sudden passing of your
Dad. I was proud to work with Wedgwood Insurance many years ago and remember the
fun we had.
Your father was a blessing and a light to all who knew him.
My sincere sympathy to you all,
Gail
Shelia & family, so sorry to hear of Birch’s passing, sending my condolences.
I extend my deepest condolences to the Wedgwood family. I had the great pleasure of doing legal work for Mr. Wedgwood with the late Tom O’Reilly. Mr. Wedgwood was the consummate professional. Tough but fair and always with a clear view as to the desired outcome.
Robert Stack
Geoff , Steve , Heather and Peter , so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing . I will always remember your father as a very generous person . Please accept my sincere condolences .
Sheila and Family, so sorry to hear of Birch’s passing. our sincere condolences to you at this very sad time.
Sid & Betty Greeley
My deepest sympathy to the Wedgwood family
Sheila and family, sincere condolences. May he rest in peace.
Our heart felt condolences to your family at this difficult time. May the memories you have give yoù strenght, love and light.
From: Frank, Bernice, Tanya and Craig Foley
So sorry for your loss he will never be forgotten
Sheila, Steve, everybody,
In the 1980’s, in the early years of my business, Sheila and Birch were probably my best customers. They often came into my gallery and ordered my pictures for their offices or for gifts. Carol, my manager at the time, loved to see them drop in, if only for a laugh or two.
I have two short stories from those days.
One….. Some time after I had delivered and installed a nice large order to one of their offices, Birch dropped by and asked me who my insurance was with. I told him at the time it was Anthony’s. With a big smile, and looking me straight in the eye, he gave me his card and said, “I want it”. I returned the smile and I’ve been with Wedgwood ever since.
Two…. I walked over to “The Outport”, the restaurant in the “new hotel” to get a sandwich for my lunch; Sheila and Birch were there, as they often were. I secretly asked the waiter to put their lunch bill on my account – it was just a gesture of thanks to a good customer. Birch came into the gallery after lunch and bought a $700 picture!
Always the gentleman. Always with class.
Ahhh. Those were the days!!
My heartfelt sympathy to you all.
Birch was such a professional. My most sincere condolences to Sheila, Geoff, Steve and families.
Steve, Barry, Geoff, Heather, Peter and families
So very sorry to hear of Mr. Wedgwood.’s passing. He will be fondly remembered as a tremendously kind and supportive hockey dad in my minor hockey memories.
God Bless
Steve and the Wedgwood Family, we are so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. So many great memories. God Bless, take Care.
To Sheila & the Wedgwood family. He was a wonderful, kind man. My condolences on Mr. Wedgwood’s passing. I visited Carnell’s Funeral Home yesterday & watched the beautiful service on livestream this morning. You were all so kind & caring to me when my son, Keith, passed away. That meant the world to me. I always called Wedgwood Insurance my Wedgwood family because you couldn’t find nicer people to work with. My thoughts & prayers are with all of you. & your family. God Bless.
Heather – I wanted to pass along my condolences on the passing of your father. you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Geoff, Steve ,Heather, Peter and families
So sorry to hear of your dad’s sudden passing.. I hope your grief is replaced by your wonderful memories. His legacy lives in in you all. Thinking of you during this difficult time. Xo
Sheila , Geoff, Steve, Heather and Peter, and the rest of family… so sorry and saddened to hear of Birch’s passing. He was always kind and generous during my tenure working with him many many years ago. My thoughts are with you all at this very difficult time.
Wanda Green
To Sheila and the Wedgwood Family. Sincere condolences on Birch’s passing. Shirley and I remember him well as our neighbour. Kindest regards.
So sorry to hear of Mr. Wedgewoods’s passing. He was a well respected man in our community and will be greatly missed. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
To Sheila and family..
We are saddened by the news of our dear friend Birch. Our Newfie celebrant that got us “married”. What a kind and interesting man he was. His flair for art was very inspiring.. May his memory live with us for a long time..
Our deepest condolences,
Mark and Esther Clarkson.
So sorry for your loss. Our heartfelt condolences from our family to yours.
To Wedgwood Family.
My dear condolences on Mr. Wedgwood’s passing. He was a true gentleman. You are in our hearts and thoughts.
Condolences to Peter and family on your loss.
So sorry to hear about Mr. Wedgwood’s passing. He was a very kind and well respected man and I’m sure he will be missed. My deepest sympathies go out to all of the family.
Sheila, Geoff, Steve, Heather and Peter. So sorry to hear of Mr Wedgwood’s passing. He was a kind and generous person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
John and Rhonda Penney
Sheila , Steve , Heather’ and family we were so very sorry to hear of Birch’s passing . He was a great soul with a big heart . His kindness towards our son Thomas when he was ill and beyond will never be forgotten . Thinking of you all at this difficult time and sending our sincerest condolences
Janine , Doug and Thomas Fraser
Steve and Janis, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember your dad very well from when I redecorated the Wedgwood Insurance offices on Thorburn road ….Many many years ago. He was a wonderful, funny and friendly man and I am sure he will be missed . Take care . Diane
So sorry to hear of your father’s passing Steve. Sincerest condolences to you and Janis from all of your friends at Avalon Animal Hospital. Hugs from Dr.
Danielle and team
To Sheila, Geoff, Steve, Heather, Peter and the entire Wedgwood family. We were so sorry to hear that Mr. Wedgwood had passed. He was such a kind and generous person.. We will never forget just how generous he was to us and our little boy at the time, just two years into my career at Wedgwood. Sending our thoughts and prayers to you all. RIP Mr. Wedgwood. Sandy & Andy Hickman
To Sheila and the Wedgwood Family
Sheila we were sorry to hear of the passing of Birch.. To the Wedgwood family we were sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad.. many years ago we were neighbours on Lane 35 now known as Evelyn Place.
Hold on to the beautiful memories you have shared. We will keep the family in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.
Humphrey & Maggie Pike
Sheila, Geoff, Heather, Steve, Peter and your families. My condolences on the passing of Mr Wedgwood. He was a man that had a heart full of kindness. May he live forever in your hearts and memories. Thinking of you all at this sad time. Fly with the angels Mr. W.
Elaine.
Steve and family
So sorry to hear of you dads passing condolences to you and family
Gene Howard
Heather, Geoff, Steve, Peter and families
I’m so sorry to hear about your father’s passing. Growing up I think I slept at your house almost as much as my own. Our families were very connected. My heart breaks for you all and I know how much he will be missed. Hold tight to all the memories and I wish I could be there with you to offer support. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
My name should have read Pat(Dawe) Fagan.
Sorry for the typing error.
Sheila.
So sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences .
Pat (Dave) Fagan
We are so sad to hear that Birch is no longer with us. Even here in Italy we are talking about the shared and happy times in Deer Park And there are two boys you will always remember the zero bars and Pepsi
Love for you Shiela Gren and Carol
Sheila and family,
I was saddened to hear of Birch’s passing. He was a kind and generous man. My deepest sympathy to all the family.
Dianne
To the entire Wedgwood family,
Very sad to learn of Mr. Wedgwood’s passing. I immediately reflect on early years at the rink as was the ultimate hockey dad! He was a very kind, supportive and larger-than-life person who will be missed….
Please accept my sincere condolences….
Our deepest condolences to you Sheila, Peter and all the family on the loss of Birch. He is now at peace and will be fondly remembered by all.
Sharon Bense and family
Dear Shelia
So very sorry for your lose. He was a wonderful gentleman.
Mickey Simms
Dear Sheila, Carl and I were shocked and saddened to hear of Birch’s passing. It has stirred up many, many memories of our growing up days on West St. In Corner Brook. Please extend our condolences to other family members on our behalf.
Sheila and family: so sorry to hear of Birches’ passing. He was a good friend and highly respected business associate – one of a kind.
Steve and family, sorry for your loss , take care .
Dear Shiela & Family Thinking of you all at this sad time Have great memories of our get togethers in. Florida May memories sustain you in the future Deepest Sympathy to all
Sending my heartfelt condolences for your loss. May the happy memories that you shared bring comfort in the days ahead. Thoughts and Prayers are with you.
Dear Sheila and family:
So sorry to hear of Birch’s passing. May your wonderful memories be a source of comfort and strength in these difficult days and the days ahead. God Bless you with His peace.
Heather, Jim, Sarah and Lauren. We are keeping you in our hearts and sending our love and sympathy at this difficult time. Much love. Jen, Christian, Ben and Sam.
To the Wedgwood family,
I’m so sorry for the passing of your Dad. I was lucky to see him often over the last few years at Brentwood . My heart goes out to you all. Please accept my deepest condolences.
So very sorry to hear about your loss. Such fond memories of Birchy from our Deer Park days, with our cabin across the water from the Wedgwoods. Birchy was always full of energy and he always had a good story to tell. He stopped by on his skidoo to visit us one Saturday afternoon. We chatted about a recent tragedy in the news, Birchy’s last words as he left that day were,” you have to be careful, speed kills”, he went out, jumped on his skidoo and shot across the pond to his cabin, he hit a hump of snow on his front lawn, the skidoo went one way and Birchy went the other way! Of course we all took off to see if he was ok and he stood up like nothing happened! Then we all broke out in laughter and teased him for quite some time.
Thanks for lots of memories, Birchy, God speed.
Sheila, condolences to you and your family on
Birch’s passing.. I’m sending condolences as well on behalf of all the Hurley family. Your loving memories of Birch will comfort you in the days and months ahead..
Sorry to hear of Birch’s passing. We curled together both in Grand Falls and St. John’s. He was always dedicated to whatever he was doing. Condolences to the family. Rest in peace my friend. Mun Batstone
To Sheila, Geoff, Heather, and your family:
It’s indeed a sad time. Too soon we are saying goodbye to a man who touched so many lives. I stand with you in sorrow, yet also in gratitude for all the opportunities to interact with Bud over several decades. In addition to being a husband, father, grandfather, and good friend, he was also a renowned and very successful businessman – scrupulously fair and well-skilled. As memorable was that often-present infectious smile and twinkle in his eyes. Most of all, his integrity and devotion to Sheila and his family was never in doubt.
No doubt, as is the case with me, some of Bud’s friends will feel terrible they did not get a chance to say goodbye and to let him know how much he meant to them. There is a lesson there.
Sadly and sincerely,
Sandra and Gordon Crutcher
Sending much love and condolences to Sheila and family at this sad time. Growing up with the boys and that love of baseball, I was honoured to have had some precious time to say hello to Birch at Peter and Andrea’s wedding. Cherish the good memories and wishing you all peace.
Sheilagh.
Sheila, My heart goes out to you at this very sad time. So little to say when we lose our loved one. So very sorry for the loss of your wonderful husband Birch.
Sincerely, Sheila Abbott
Sending the Family our Condolences. As a young boy growing up I have fond memories of Mr. Wedgwood being at the rink watching our hockey games. He would be the father that would always tell you you played a good game or had a nice hit. As well very generous to the teams we played for. RIP Birch🙏
Sheila we are shocked and saddened to hear of Birch’s passing, he was a kind thoughtful and generous man. He was a proud hard working Newfoundlander and left his mark on this province and in the hearts of people whose lives he touched. Rest in peace. Condolences to you and the family.
Saddened to hear of Birch’s passing, sending love and prayers to youSheila, , cherish your special memories of a caring generous man those we love never really leave us
Sheila, so very sorry to hear of Birch’s passing. I hope the wonderful memories you have of him will help you through this difficult time.
Peter I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I know you must have a lot of great memories of him and hope they bring you some comfort now. Sending hugs your way.. I’m here if you need anything. Mrs. H.
Sheila and family, I am so sorry to hear of Birch’s passing. Please accept my deepest condolences. We had many chats and laughs at the Front Desk.. It was always a joy to see you both, I will always remember his smile. GONE SALMON FISHING IN HEAVEN WITH HIS BUDDY.
Ida Taylor
Sheila and family, so very sorry to hear of Birch’s passing he was such a beautiful man and you complemented each other. My condolences.
Geoff and Steve, I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing, please accept my sincere condolences.. Hold on to all of your great memories, they will comfort you in the difficult days ahead. Take care
So sorry for your loss Sheila and family. He was a beautiful man and I knew him from staying at my workplace. We had grand ole chats!!! You will be missed Birch. RIP with rod in hand.
So very sadden to read Mr Wedgwood has passed please accept my deepest condolences to you Sheila and all the Wedgwood famikys and the Rose family. I will always remember him with kindness and respect.
Sheila and family: Linda and I were so deeply shocked and saddened on receiving this sad news. We have known Birch for over 40 years and had been a constant friend to us. We have stayed in your condo at Silver Sands St Petes, driven his Mercedes -Benz back from Florida, stayed in your home on Oxen Pond RD when we were in the process of moving to our new home. and many other acts of kindness to us over this 40 year span. Wish we could be home to share in your grief on his passing. RIP our dear friend Birch as we always called him.
Sheila,Barry, Lisa & Famiies; Sorry to learn of Birchs’ passing. Please know that we are thinking of you at this difficult time.
My condolences to Sheila and family on the loss of a very special person Birch.