LEGACY GIVING WHAT DOES YOUR STORY LOOK LIKE?
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f you were to think of your life as a story in a book, how would you lay out your chapters? Would each chapter be a decade, a significant moment or would you simply blend your story into one long tale? However you wish to tell your story, it is certain to have a beginning and an end. Have you considered how the final chapters of your book will look? What kind of lasting legacy would you like to leave? Does it include everyone who is special in your life, such as Calgary Humane Society? For John and Audrey Goudie, animals were always an important part of their lives and they wanted their legacy to include the animals at Calgary Humane Society. This is their story. John Goudie was a native Calgarian who worked in the pipeline industry. Both John and his wife, Audrey, were avid travellers, who would often take their cat Tootoo, and later Cocoa, with them on their journeys. With his love of animals, John volunteered as a Board member for Calgary Humane Society where he gained an in-depth understanding of the important work of the Humane Society and the endless effort that goes into protecting and caring for animals. “They were well aware of the importance and role that the Humane Society serves in Calgary,” recalls Gary Homer, a previous colleague and friend of John’s. In 1968, tragedy found the Goudie family with the loss of their beloved daughter, Adrienne, who was only fourteen years old at the time of her death. Adrienne’s passing was devastating to John and Audrey and they took comfort in their large circle of friends, and in their animals. As a form of healing, they set up a bursary in Adrienne’s name and began to plan their estate so they could give to a cause that was near and dear to them both – and that was Calgary Humane Society. Their long-time family friend, Shelley Sproule said that “It was their joint intention to leave this legacy and help give animals the love and support they so desperately needed.” Family friend and caregiver, Susan Klaiman added to their intentions by saying “Mr. and Mrs. Goudie understood that by leaving their estate to Calgary Humane Society, they would help provide care
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Spring/Summer 2021 Connecting Lives
for animals, create awareness of the many services CHS provides and encourage others to donate to their cause through an auction.” Audrey Goudie passed away in 2014, followed by John in January of 2020 and their entire estate was bequeathed to Calgary Humane Society. Through their many years of travelling, the Goudie’s built an extensive collection of art, antiques and collectables, which were professionally auctioned through Frank Hall Estate Sales. The proceeds from the sale came to Calgary Humane Society to help the animals in our care. Calgary Humane Society is truly grateful for the incredible legacy gift from John and Audrey Goudie. Their legacy story continues to support the welfare of vulnerable animals in our community. If you wish to continue your passion to help animals later in your story, please contact Rae Fehr by phone at: (403) 723-6001 or by email at: rae.fehr@calgaryhumane.ca.
