LTG EDWIN JACK GODFREY dies at 69 – 12 April 2002

Edwin Jack Godfrey, 69, Lieutenant General, USMC, retired, died 12 April 2002, of pulmonary fibrosis. Born in Montclair, New Jersey, he received a BA in Russian Studies from Dartmouth College and an MA in Political Science from Georgetown University. He spent much of his military career in senior positions throughout the Pacific and the Far East.

A recognized authority on political / military affairs, he served from 1992 to 94 as Senior Military Fellow of the university of California's Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation (IGCC), and chaired a special study on security in the Asia/Pacific region.

In 1993, he served six months in Somalia, where he was the civilian Chief of Staff to the Head of the UN Mission. He lectured frequently on political/military and international relations topics to the San Diego World Affairs Council, local universities and continuing education programs.

While in the military, General Godfrey served in leadership positions ranking from Second Lieutenant through Lieutenant General. He completed his active duty career as Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific and Commander Marine Corps Bases Pacific, in effect commanding all the Marines in the Asia/Pacific region.

From shortly after his retirement in 1989 through November 1990, General Godfrey was Vice President for Operations and subsequently President of Mercury Aviation. He returned to San Diego in January 1991 and was active serving at the IGCC and on the Board of Directors of the San Diego/Imperial County Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Armed Services YMCA, the San Diego United Way, and the San Diego Council of the Navy League. He also served as Co-Chairman of the Secretary of the Navy's Advisory Committee on Retired Personnel. Jack was an elder at the Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church. An avid golfer and active member of the Country Club of Rancho Bernardo, Jack served as president of the board for two years. Throughout his life he gave of himself both professionally and personally. He has touched the lives of many. He will be remembered as a man of professionalism who lived according to his high ethical standards.

He is survived by his wife Jean, his two married daughters Kathleen Dickman and Kristi Allmen, and four grandchildren. General Godfrey will be buried with full military honors at Riverside National Cemetery. A memorial service will be held Friday, April 19, at 10 a.m. at the Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church.

Special to www.historicalmilitaria.com – 21 APRIL 2002