Chester "Chet" A. Godin

Long time Big Lake resident Chester “Chet” A. Godin, 83, passed away of natural causes in his hangar on January 12th, 2023.

A Celebration of his life will be held at 1:00, Saturday, January 28, 2023 at Faith Bible Fellowship Church in Big Lake, Alaska.

Chet was born in Rumford Maine on July 21, 1939, the son of David and Angelina Godin. He grew up in Maine, later joining the National Guard Reserves. He married Gerry, his first wife, at the age of 25. After their wedding, they followed a lifelong dream, and packed up everything they owned and drove from Maine to Alaska. They left in May of 1964 and arrived in Anchorage, Alaska shortly after the devasting earthquake of 1964. They settled down in Anchorage where Chet owned a Texaco gas station. After losing their home to a fire in 1970, they relocated to Big Lake, Alaska where they raised their four children.

Chet worked in construction as a heavy equipment mechanic and later at Municipal Light & Power retiring in 1998. He had an intense love for flying. He commuted daily by plane from Big Lake to Anchorage. He loved flying friends and visitors in his plane. In June of 2000, after 36 years of marriage, Chet’s first wife Gerry passed away after a yearlong battle with cancer. A few years later he meet a beautiful, Godly woman named Vickii. They were married in May of 2002.

Chet was fortunate enough to have owned several airplanes and helicopters. He grew up in the church and committed his life to Christ after moving to Alaska. In the early 80’s he combined his love for Christ and flying by using his plane to bring the residents around Skwentna to the local schoolhouse and holding Church service. He continued with his flying ministry by serving the Kokrine Hills Bible Camp and established the runway there.

Chet served in many Ministries and on many Boards in the recent years including Faith Bible Fellowship, Northstar Bible Camp, Voice for Christ Radio, Kokrine Hills Bible Camp, Seward Seaman’s Mission, and Big Lake Baptist Building Committee.

Chet enjoyed running his construction equipment and often built driveways, foundations, septic systems, well lines and of course his own airstrip. In the mid to late 80’s he built two-miles of road to re-route the main road dividing his property to go around the edge of his property. During the 90’s he held several Borough Road contracts clearing snow and grading the local roads.

Chet had a God-given ability of working with his hands. He could do most anything including, carpentry, plumbing, wiring, concrete, mechanic work, welding, and he especially loved fabricating anything that was needed.

Chet had a deep love for the Lord, and like his Savior, Chet loved people!!! He would help anyone in a time of need. He often used his assets and skills to benefit others. This including loaning out his airplane, equipment, tools, and or using them to help others as needed. While helping them, he would often share his faith in Christ and also follow-up with some counseling too.

Chet is survived by his wife Vickii Godin, son Chester (Adina) Godin, daughter Birdie (Ed) Gohr, son Arthur (Audra) Godin, step son Mike (Tara) Workman, step son Matt Workman, sister Elaine Manson, brother Tommy Godin, grandchildren Tessona Cromwell, Christopher Godin, Zachary Godin, Caitlin Gohr, Gabi Gohr, Graci Gohr, Amber Godin, Aden Godin, Alexa Pullen, Cassie Workman, Sarah Workman, and Juliana Workman.

The family asks that donations be made in his name to the charity of your choosing.