Godfrey Joseph Savard, 62, died Saturday, June 27, at Wine Country Care Center in Lodi. He was born on Dec. 31, 1946 in Hartford, Connecticut. He had lived in Manteca since 1982.

Mr. Savard is survived by his children, Kelly Savard of Manteca and Krystle Shumate of Oregon; sister, Rosemary Heath of Stockton; brother and sister-in-law, Skipper and Barbara Savard of Arizona; grandchildren, Madelynne Shumate and Haidyn Davis; 3 nieces; 4 nephews; and one aunt.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hassel and Betty Savard; uncle, Godfrey Savard; and aunt, Bee Capwell.

Mr. Savard worked for the City of Manteca Parks and Recreation Department for 18 years. He was an excellent writer who graduated from Northern Illinois University as a journalism major. An appreciator and creator of literature, he also delighted in a good science fiction movie. He cherished the fellowship he had with his close friends and he also developed great companionship with the animals he cared for. Musically inclined, he played the guitar and the mandolin. He had a skilled green thumb, a great respect for nature, and took interest in photography. His family will always cherish the trips they took together to the coast and remember his love for the sea. Mr. Savard struggled with Type 1 Diabetes for most of his life and endured a great deal of physical distress as a result. Nevertheless, he always remained a hard-working provider, devoted husband, and loving father.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 18, at 2 p.m. at Trinity Lighthouse Church, 4447 E. Homer Ave., Stockton.
Cherokee Memorial Park & Funeral Home (831 Industrial Way, Lodi) is in charge of arrangements.