Obituary of Cyril James Goodyear

Cyril James Goodyear
April 23, 1926 – September 20, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of the last living member of the Newfoundland Ranger Force, Cyril James Goodyear.  He was in his 99th year.

Leaving to celebrate a long and incredible life are his sons Brian (Monique) Goodyear and Howard Ted (Chris) Goodyear, and his favourite niece, the “daughter he never had” Colleen Elms (Rod Reid), brother Frank (Shirley) Goodyear, special friend/caregiver Debbie Collins who became like family, trusted and loyal friends Lloyd and Joyce King, Melvin and Grace Nichols, Gus Jr. and Beryl Adams, a large circle of relatives, friends and colleagues. 

Cyril is pre-deceased by the love of his life of 52 years wife Shirley (Serrick) and his parents, Theophilus and Mary (Hicks) Goodyear.  Siblings Hilda (Gerald) Cooper, Raymond (Holly) Goodyear, Margaret (Lawrence) Butt.  Father-in-law Claude Serrick, Mother-in-law Olive (Inder) Serrick, in-laws, Claude Jr. (Kay) Serrick, Ward (Grace) Serrick, James (Dorothy) Serrick. 

Patriotic Warrior, Newfoundland Ranger, Husband, Father, Policeman, Lawyer, Judge, Government Deputy Minister and Mayor, Cyril was born in Deer Lake on April 23, 1926, and had a life well lived to the fullest while wearing many hats. 

After finishing high school in 1944, Cyril answered the call of his country and at the young age of 18, joined the Royal Canadian Air Force beginning an incredible 45 years of public service. At the end of the war in 1945, the RCAF demobilized and Cyril left the Air Force to join the Newfoundland Ranger Force.  He was assigned Regimental Number 158. 

In 1950 all Newfoundland Rangers who wished to remain in policing were absorbed into the Royal Canadian Mounted Police where Cyril remained until his retirement in 1965. His second career began with his appointment as Magistrate of the Provincial Court. During his tenure he obtained a law degree from Dalhousie University in Halifax.  Upon his return to Newfoundland he was appointed to the position of Chief Judge of the Provincial Court. 

In 1979 Cyril was appointed to the position of Associate Deputy Attorney General and Director of Public Prosecutions at the Department of Justice. He remained there until his appointment as Deputy Minister of Rural, Agricultural & Northern Affairs in 1983. Cyril rejoined the judicial system in 1987 as the Registrar of the Supreme Court.  He later returned to his home town Deer Lake, where he served as Mayor from 1997 to 2001. 

Cyril thoroughly enjoyed living on the land and spent considerable time fishing, camping and canoeing throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, particularly with his good friend, Ray Zinck.  His book, “Against the Elements”, tells stories of their many adventures (and many mis-adventures too). 

While in full retirement, Cyril enjoyed spending time travelling around Newfoundland and Labrador, meeting old friends, and making new ones.  His wit and humour, along with his penchant for ‘puns’ brought many a laugh and smile. 

An avid reader and writer, he authored several books and newspaper articles.  All royalties from his books are donated to the Newfoundland Ranger Force Scholarship Fund.

At Cyril’s request, cremation has taken place and a private gathering will be held at a later date with his final resting place beside his wife Shirley at Nichols’ Cemetery in Deer Lake, NL.  

We extent a heartfelt thank you to the staff and doctors on the 4th floor of the Corner Brook Long Term Care for their wonderful care and compassion for the pass year. 

If you wish to honour Cyril’s legacy, you can make a donation to the Newfoundland Ranger Scholarship Fund.  Each year, residents of Newfoundland and Labrador, in their first year of studies at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, are eligible for a scholarship in memory of the 204 Newfoundland Ranger members.  It was those members desire to pay back in perpetuity to the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador for whom they served.  Their motto was, UBIQUE - Everywhere.
 

Newfoundland Ranger Force Scholarship

i/c Memorial University, Scholarships and Awards Office

Office of the Registrar

Arts and Administration Building A-1002 

P.O. Box 4200

230 Elizabeth Avenue

St. John’s NL  A1C 5S7

Canada

Arrangements have been entrusted to Fillatre’s Funeral Home, 10 Clinic Drive, Deer Lake, NL  A8A 1E3.