MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Hailed as a fantastic businessman, praised for his mentoring of CEOs, Randal Godden is most remembered by his loved ones as a man with a fantastic sense of humour, a great storyteller, a beloved family man and his signature traditional Australian Akubra hats.
Godden’s widow, Elsa Krüger, said he was 86 years old when he passed earlier this month. They had lived happily in Mossel Bay since mid-2020.
Born and raised in Australia, Godden met Krüger, a journalist, on a beach in Mauritius in 1987.
“What were the chances of an Afrikaans journalist from Johannesburg and a business executive from Sydney starting to chat on a beach and getting married almost 10 years later? It was clearly meant to be,” said Krüger.
Godden loved good wine, music, travel, sport, movies, art, family and friendship.
“He was always the first to cry during a sad film, and the first to suggest a dinner party around our table. When he was happy, he sang - loudly and unapologetically - in the shower: Willie Nelson’s ‘To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before’, or songs from his beloved Sound of Music.
“Our life together was rich with travel, celebrations, weddings, adventures, laughter, and, inevitably, seasons of sorrow, too. We faced heartbreaking losses and difficult farewells, but through every chapter, Randal remained a pillar of strength, wisdom, generosity and grace. He gave so much of himself to others, never expecting anything in return. He truly was one of life’s great givers.”
Elsa Krüger and her husband, Randal Godden.
Godden’s memorial was held on 20 May and live-streamed on YouTube, garnering over 400 views.
His family, friends and former associates from across the globe logged on to say their final goodbyes to him that day and sent poignant messages through to Krüger, mentioning the fond memories they had of him.
Krüger said when the pair met, he had been the CEO of O’Brien in Sydney, Australia, a company specialising in vehicle and building glass; he had also worked as a consultant at Faust Management Corporation in San Diego for three years, before moving to South Africa, where he founded Vistage South Africa. This is where he mentored CEOs and helped many businesses over the years.
“It was his passion, mentoring and helping people,” said Krüger. Godden continued to be involved in his mentoring role with clients until recently.
Krüger said he became extremely close with her family; they treated him as a big brother of sorts.
“One of the bonds I will treasure forever is the special friendship he shared with my mother, Nellie.” Krüger said her mother had died just 10 weeks before Godden.
Godden’s son, Andrew, posted a tribute on Facebook: “The many tributes and messages of love were heartfelt - he was loved and admired and made a positive difference to many. He lived life on his own terms, nearly always wearing his signature Akubra. Thank you to Elsa Krüger and the entire Krüger clan for embracing him, loving him and caring for him.”
Godden is survived by Krüger, his son, Andrew, daughter, Vanessa, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
