Geof Godfrey has gone to the Rainbow Bridge.

Geoffrey Martin Godfrey, age 78, passed away peacefully with family and friends present on April 18, 2026.

He was born August 12, 1947 to Ralph W. Godfrey and Ruth Adell (Laing) Godfrey in Toledo, Ohio. Geof married Karen S. Sarno on July 27, 1974 in Toledo, Ohio. Geof was a graduate of the University of Toledo (B.A., M.A.) and completed his Ph.D. classwork at the Ohio Sate University. Known as a scholar, patriot and mentor, Geof applied his training, human resources and investigation skills in retail, education and physical security fields.

Geof’s true passions were dogs, reading/researching and nature. He researched to find the perfect breed of dog for his and Karen’s family. What started as one family companion Keeshond became nearly 30 years of training, showing, breeding and helping others with a continually evolving pack. Geof and his first show Keeshond achieved top rankings in both the USA and Canada, setting the high standard for what became LadySlipper Kees. Geof was active in several Keeshond and all-breed kennel clubs in Ohio and Minnesota, the Keeshond Club of Canada, and the Keeshond Club of America(KCA). KCA relied on Geof to manage security at many national specialty shows, where he also showed his dogs. Some of his proudest moments were his first home-bred puppies earning first and fourth in Futurity class at a national, handing dogs he bred to Best in Show Brace, and the first junior handler he mentored earning Best Junior with her LadySlipper Kees puppy. He supported Keeshond rescue in many ways, including performing in the “Handlers Kennel Club” fundraisers in full Scottish kilt with historically accurate accessories. Geof dubbed the folks who had dogs he bred and mentored, the “LadySlipper Kees Extended Family.” He was a wonderful mentor, always giving his time and knowledge.

Geof demonstrated his passion for nature, teaching, and family most vividly as caring uncle, teaching bushcraft to all the kids in the family. Geof would often take the kids on long nature walks, including nighttime adventures. All learned skills like safe wild berry harvesting, animal track and plant identification, night navigation, rock climbing, rock identification, and appreciation. Geof loved to wind down those days by reading aloud before bed. Nieces and nephews selected the book or story and gathered around Uncle Geof as he helped them exercise their imaginations.

He leaves behind his devoted wife of 51 years, Karen, as well as his siblings: Tara Adell (Godfrey) Pinello (Peter), Maria Ann (Godfrey) Sawyer (Larry), Brandt Eric Godfrey (Eva), Vann Aaron Godfrey. He is survived by his nieces and nephews: Raegan (Sawyer) Walz (John), Laura (Pinello) Newman (Jeffrey), Christie (Pinello) Childs (Ben), Micah Sawyer (Kelly), Jarred Godfrey (Kaitlyn), Joel Sawyer (Sonya), Peter Pinello (Stephanie), Michael Pinello, Keegan Sawyer (Isabella); and many grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Celebrations of Geof’s life will take place at a future date in both Minnesota and Ohio.

Those wishing to donate in Geof’s memory are asking to consider Dr. Modiano Oncology Research Fund, benefitting both dogs and humans (Vetmed.umn.edu) or the American Cancer Society Road to Recovery transport program (American Cancer Society/?campaign=donateroad).