On July 10, 2010, we suffered a tremendous loss, and Heaven gained an amazing angel. Israel Allen Godkin – husband, father, son, brother – left this earth to be with the Savior. And though we miss him more than words can say, as a family of faith, we know he is in a better place.

Though he spent only 24 years on this earth, he spent his days the best way any man could – serving the Lord. A godly man, Israel lived his life according to the Word of the Father. In all that he did, he did it for the Lord and he did it with passion– be it playing football, doing music with my brother and I, or simply loving his wife as a man of God should. Though Izz was soft-spoken and kind-spirited, the way he lived his life spoke volumes for his love and affection for God. For someone so young, he led a great example of what a follower of Christ should look like. I have no doubt that the impact and legacy he’s had will not be forgotten.

Family- our most treasured family heirlooms are our memories. Cherish your loved ones every moment and live each day like you’re preparing for Heaven. That’s exactly how our brother lived his whole life. He may have sang with us at many venues, for many crowds, but NOW he’s singing praises up above and in the very presence of our Lord…truly for an audience of One…doesn’t get any better than that

On behalf of the Godkin family, thank you all for your prayers, thoughts, and support during this time. Your love has shown that Izzy was a blessing not only to us, but to everyone who met him. When his daughter is born, she will know of her father’s love through our memories. She will know God through the life her father lived. She will love him, and we know that Israel will watch over her as her guardian angel. Israel’s smile could light up a room, and now he is shining ever brighter in Heaven.

As believers, our healing comes in knowing that the death of our earthly bodies is actually a celebration of our everlasting spirits going Home. There is no doubt that we will see our brother again, and soon. And what a glorious day that will be. RIH Izzy!

Your friend, your Brothers,

Isaac & Ishmael

#1 DAD- A Father who never stopped…By: GK

A Father who never stopped loving, caring, listening, or sharing. Whose heart has touch many, disciplined us always for doing wrong and would tell us afterwards, “It’s because I love you plenty”. Retired U.S. Army personnel, from Pastor to Father, to brother and friend. A man who would go the extra mile for his family to give us the best and no less. He is our Father, Allen C. Godkin.

Dad, there are times when we felt like no matter what we had done or accomplished, it still wasn’t good enough for you, could never seem to please you. But you made it clear through your actions and within your heart that love was there right from the very start. Times are fun when your around, especially the times we couldn’t go outside and play on the grounds. No nicer dad could ever be found! We remember the many talks we had together.  Since day one, you’ve had tremendous patience, gave us instruments to reflect God’s pure innocence, then rewarded us for our obedience. Oftentimes your family and friends would comment after how much we resemble you because of your generosity, kindness, guidance, hard-work and the obvious; looks and laughter. Even as we write this blog/letter, we’re in tears because we know you’re the greatest kind of dad any son could ever have…And we couldn’t ask for a better father. No one can replace you, Pop. Although we don’t say it often enough, we admire and Love you!

“Boys grow into Men, and Men into Fathers- And Fathering is the most important stage in their development” -David Gottesman

Thank you for giving us your best. The test will be our offspring be a reflection of this, and more. You never stopped being great, so we’d like to convey our respect and say, “HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!”

You’re our #1 Dad.

Love,

Your Sons: Ish, Ice, and Izzy

“Every father should remember that one day his son will follow his example instead of his advice.”

Honor our Soldiers: Memorial Day Tribute

This morning we were in Alabama and we were reminded by Pastor about the meaning of Memorial Day. Memorial Day gives deeper reasons to honor, celebrate, and recognize the Men and Women who died for American Freedom. Please remind YOUR friends the real spirit of patriotism. After all, summer wouldn’t be as fun as how summer was enjoyed the past years if no one fought for American Freedom. It’s not just having time off from work for family bbqs and parties, but truly honoring them today and always! It’ll make our gatherings that more enjoyable and PROUD to be AMERICAN!

“A Hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself” –Joseph Campbell

THANK YOU SOLIDERS!

God bless YOU, GOD BLESS AMERICA!

THE GODKINS

#1 DAD- A Father who never stopped…By: GK

A Father who never stopped loving, caring, listening, or sharing. Whose heart has touch many, disciplined us always for doing wrong and would tell us afterwards, “It’s because I love you plenty”. Retired U.S. Army personnel, from Pastor to Father, to brother and friend. A man who would go the extra mile for his family to give us the best and no less. He is our Father, Allen C. Godkin.

Dad, there are times when we felt like no matter what we had done or accomplished, it still wasn’t good enough for you, could never seem to please you. But you made it clear through your actions and within your heart that love was there right from the very start. Times are fun when your around, especially the times we couldn’t go outside and play on the grounds. No nicer dad could ever be found! We remember the many talks we had together.  Since day one, you’ve had tremendous patience, gave us instruments to reflect God’s pure innocence, then rewarded us for our obedience. Oftentimes your family and friends would comment after how much we resemble you because of your generosity, kindness, guidance, hard-work and the obvious; looks and laughter. Even as we write this blog/letter, we’re in tears because we know you’re the greatest kind of dad any son could ever have…And we couldn’t ask for a better father. No one can replace you, Pop. Although we don’t say it often enough, we admire and Love you!

“Boys grow into Men, and Men into Fathers- And Fathering is the most important stage in their development” - David Gottesman

Thank you for giving us your best. The test will be our offspring be a reflection of this, and more. You never stopped being great, so we’d like to convey our respect and say, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY”

You’re our #1 Dad.

Love,

Your Sons: Ish, Ice, and Izzy

“The greatest gift I ever had 
Came from God, and I call him Dad!” -Unknown.

One love,

Godkins

Godkin Boys