Clarke Godfrey

Dr. Clarke C. Godfrey II died at the age of 84 on October 28, 2024, in Denver, Colorado. His immediate family was by his side when he passed. Clarke led a very full life centering around his love for his wife of 62 years, Katherine, his siblings, his children and their spouses, and his grandchildren. He had a host of good friends. All the while, Clarke made significant contributions to the field of medicine.

Clarke grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan. When not concentrating on his studies at Western State High School, he hung out with his friends, seeking adventure and misadventure, once sending an alligator home from a trip to Florida. He spent time at Gull Lake water skiing and canoeing. Clarke was an excellent athlete, particularly in track and cross country. He was adored by his younger sister, Lane, and kept humble by his older brother, Brooks.

Clarke earned degrees from Yale University and Case Western Reserve Medical School, laying the foundation for a remarkable career in cardiology. He was the managing partner with the Denver-Aurora Cardiology Group and held prestigious positions, including Chief of Cardiology at Presbyterian Hospital in Denver. Throughout his career, Dr. Godfrey was instrumental in bringing advanced cardiac care to smaller communities in Colorado and Nebraska. A close friend and colleague recounted recently, "when I was a new medicine intern and Clarke was starting his second year as a cardiology fellow, I can remember looking at Clarke and thinking-I want to be like him." He was able to snake a catheter adroitly near a patient's heart, yet he was unable to remember the name of restaurant he ate at frequently, instead just calling it "Mama's Kitchen." Assigning erroneous monikers to familiar places and things remained a lifelong trademark, making his wife and children shake their heads and smile.

Clarke served honorably in the US Navy as a ship's doctor, achieving the rank of Lt. Commander.

At heart, Clarke was a family man. He is survived by his wife Katherine Godfrey, his daughter Sarah Harper and her husband David Harper, his son Chris Godfrey and his wife Linda Godfrey, and his sister Lane Odalovich and her husband David Odalovich. He was a proud grandfather to Grace, Addie, Sebastian, Clarke, and Katherine. Clarke was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Maxene Godfrey, his brother, Brooks Godfrey, and his sister-in-law, Mary Godfrey

Clarke's personal interests included reading, world travel, golf, and fly fishing, hobbies that reflected his love for learning, adventure, and, in the case of golf, self-punishment. Although he was stricken by difficult medical conditions during his last years, including the loss of his vision, Clarke never complained, and stoically participated in his life, and in the lives of his loved ones.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date to honor Clarke, and to provide an opportunity to share a story or two about him. His life was a testament to his talents and passions, and he will be deeply missed by all who loved him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your favorite medical research charity.