Family and friends of Jeff Gofton gathered at the Rhode Island Family Shelter Monday night for an emotional remembrance and plaque presentation ceremony.

During the more than 60 years he lived in Warwick, Gofton was active in the community, dedicating a lot of his time to the shelter as not only a volunteer but also president of the board of directors.

After his death late last year, those at the shelter wanted to recognize Gofton’s work.

Patti Macreading, executive director of the shelter, said, “He was rough around the edges, but he had a heart of gold. He cared so much about people.”

A plaque commemorating Gofton now hangs in the shelter entryway.

Pegee Malcolm, his best friend and lifelong companion, said, “We will hang it right in the front where we can show everyone who comes to visit how proud we are of him.”

Along with his work for the shelter, Gofton worked for the state for 34 years, retiring as Chief of Municipal Affairs. Gofton was also the treasurer of the Lockwood at Warwick Condominium Association; served as the president of the Apponaug Improvement Association; and had been the chairman of the Warwick Democratic City Committee.

Because of Gofton’s work, many elected officials attended the event as friends to speak on behalf of his charitable works. Mayor Scott Avedisian said a “great, big thank you” on behalf of the city.

Councilman Joseph Solomon said, “We solved the state’s problems, the country’s problem and the world’s problems over a few cigars. He will be missed.”

Avedisian said that the shelter would not be what it is without the hard work of Jeff.

“He shepherded this agency through tough times and he knew this work wasn’t always about numbers on a page but about the people. He knew everything would work out okay.”

Janis Fisher, founding Executive Director for the Rhode Island Family Shelter, noted Gofton’s part in securing the shelter’s future.

She said, “He stayed the course to see that families would stay together, live in a comfortable environment, and receive the help and support they so need. If these many families had been made aware of his mission in life, I’m sure he would hear a chorus of thank you’s. I am just one, but I would simply like to say thank you, Jeff.”

Similarly, Gofton played a large part in seeing that Macreading become the executive director. She had been previously working as a banker, but Gofton knew her desire to work in human services.

Macreading said, “He advocated for me all along the way. His encouragement was really what helped me be brave enough to take that big step into executive director.

“We also need to thank his family because all the time he was helping this city was time not spent with them,” Avedisian said. “And because of the family’s sacrifice he was able to do so many great things for the city of Warwick.”

Those in attendance agreed on Gofton’s love of his family, especially his grandchildren, Morgan, Meredith and Jake Lamphier.

City Council President Donna Travis said, “We all know how much he cared; he cared for a lot of people, but we shared the love of our grandchildren. The longest conversations I have ever had with Jeff were always about his family and especially his grandchildren.”

Malcolm said watching over his grandchildren, or being a “many,” was his favorite job of all.

“Everything else that he did came second to that,” Malcolm said.

Gofton’s sister, Marcia Gofton Jones, and brother, Scott Gofton, could be heard repeating, “That’s my brother” after all the kind words from the city. His sister noted that as much as he did for the city he did just as much for his family and was always there when they needed him.

Scott said, “Through thick and thin, even when we were apart, the three of us were really close.”

Marcia said, “We didn’t know just how many people he helped. I got to know my brother that much more tonight. He never bragged, he was always just off to a meeting.”

John Lamphiere, Gofton’s son-in-law, said, “From the family, we thank all of you. We knew he did so much for this city, but to see so many come out to honor him really helps us visualize the impact he had.”

“It was great to have his family come in and see all the good he did and how much we cared for him,” Macreading said.

“It is wonderful that so many people came out to say such terrific things about a man that cared so deeply about the causes that he believed in,” Malcolm said. “And it’s very sad that his family and friends have lost a man that they loved so much and who had so much to live for.”