Godfrey Joseph Burke Baldwin was the son of Dr Gerald Baldwin FRCS who practised in Warrnambool, a seaport in western Victoria, and his wife a trained sister. He was born on 20 May 1909.
His early education was at St Patrick's College and Xavier College. Of slender physique, he was active, alert and courageous, and gained a place in the football and cricket teams for his school. Later he obtained his blue, and an Australian blue at hockey during his university course. He finished high on the list on his graduation in 1932, and was appointed Resident Medical Officer at the Melbourne Hospital 1933, and Children's Hospital 1934, where he continued his education.
He entered general practice in Geelong, and then Yallourn, and in 1937, joined a group practice in Sale with Dr GA Hagenauer and Dr DI Fitzpatrick, both surgeons of repute as well as general practitioners. Godfrey was the physician in the group, which provided an excellent service to the eastern corner of the State. He made regular visits to Melbourne to attend clinics and lectures, and widen his knowledge.
He enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in 1940, serving as Principal Medical Officer of the north-east area of Australia. Later he was appointed Commanding Officer of 2 RAAF Hospital at Ascot Vale, and passed the examination for MRACP in 1944, being elected a Fellow in 1964. He left the Air Force with the rank of wing-commander.
Returning to Sale, and working in the group practice as the physician of the team, he took over the care of the patients in the newly established tuberculosis chalet, of 40 beds, which served the East Gippsland area. He took every opportunity to improve his knowledge by visiting the larger centres in the city. His work in this area received high commendation and a new chest unit was built and named in his honour.
He contributed vigorously and helpfully at clinical meetings, and was greatly appreciated by medical students, interns and younger doctors who came under his influence. He had a puckish sense of humour, a gaiety and restless spirit which was infectious. He contributed to many community activities, such as Rotary and the golf club, of which he was president, and was a founding member of the Ambulance Committee.
He was an able entertainer, and many times delighted his audience at Kilmany Park Boys' Home with his repertoire; and productions of fairy tales in verse, of his own writing.
Godfrey was a devout Christian, and served as a lector at St Mary's Cathedral, Sale, and chairman of the parish council. Early in 1939, he married Patricia Rice; they had two daughters and five sons. Godfrey died suddenly on 7 March 1973, having contributed much to the evolving pattern of medical practice in the country area in which he served, and to the community in which he lived actively.