Eight Bells: Bryan Gooderman
Bryan William Norman Gooderham
May 8, 1955 – May 8, 2026
Bryan Gooderham passed away peacefully on May 8, 2026, his 71st birthday, with close friends and family by his side. Predeceased by his father William Norman and mother Jo-Anne Abigail Gooderham. Survived by his children Yolande and William Gooderham; his sister Sue-Anne Gyles (Cedric Gyles); and his granddaughter Avery Ashworth.
Bryan was a lifelong sailor who enjoyed some of his happiest times on the water and at the Royal Canadian Yacht Club (RCYC). His love of sailing began at an early age when he would crew for his father in their Albacore dinghy. He graduated from crewing for his father and would go on to enjoy incredible success at the helm of a number of diQerent racing boats including Red Jacket, Venture II, Gefion and Raven. Over a decades-long competitive sailing career, Bryan won numerous races and trophies sailing on Lake Ontario, he participated in the Admiral’s Cup, was involved with Canada’s True North America’s Cup campaigns, and won several Eight-Metre World Championships. His proudest sailing achievement, however, came in 2016 when he and his team on Hollandia were able to realize his lifelong dream of winning the Canada's Cup.
While he was a fierce competitor on the racecourse, Bryan truly loved the people in the sailing community, and he was fortunate to call so many of them his friends. He could regularly be found recounting stories, discussing the day’s races, or giving advice to the next generation, and he was always happy to give his time to support programs and initiatives to ensure the sport that meant so much to him continued to thrive.
When not on the water, Bryan loved to spend time with his friends and family, often up at his family’s property, Ravenswood. Whether he was giving rides on the Gator, dismantling a beaver dam down by the stream, doing some light pruning with the chainsaw, or dutifully tending to his mostly-under-control burning pile Bryan was always in his element up at “The Farm”
Bryan will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his family, his many friends, and all those whose lives he touched. A celebration of life will be held in the early summer.
Heartfelt thanks to the Collingwood General & Marine Hospital, St. Michael’s Hospital, and all the incredible caregivers, staff and volunteers at the Kensington Hospice - your thoughtfulness, care and support have been very much appreciated.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kensington Health Foundation.
