Obituary of Richard H. Goodwin

Dr. Richard “Dick” Hamilton Goodwin was born on February 12, 1932, in Fairfield, Iowa, the son of Wilford “Friday” and Grace Goodwin. He died peacefully in his home in Iowa City on January 10, 2008, after a courageous two-year battle against multiple myeloma. Dick served in the Army during the Korean War and then graduated from Parsons College in Fairfield, IA. He spent 32 years as an educator, coach and administrator in West Chester, Highland Community and Mt. Pleasant School Districts. He served as Superintendent of the Mt. Pleasant Schools for twenty-two years until his retirement in 1993. He received his PhD in Education from the University of Iowa in 1982 and served on the Iowa Board of School Administrators. He encouraged many persons, including all his children and grandchildren, to improve their lives through life-long education. Following retirement, Dick filled his days with managing Mt. Pleasant Travel; and after moving to Iowa City in 2000, driving shuttle for Toyota of Iowa City. He could often be found watching his beloved Cubs or attending Hawkeye sporting events. He and his wife loved to dance, travel, golf, garden and spend time with family. He knew how to laugh and enjoy life to the fullest, and was the best Dad and Grandpa ever. Dick will be remembered for his love of God and devotion to his family and friends. Dick’s family includes his loving wife of 55 years, Martha Ferguson Goodwin, six daughters, and twelve grandchildren — Sharon (Lynn) Fogleman of Beverly, KY, Kurt, Mark, and Joella; Teresa (Larry) Espy of Iowa City, Jennie, Kalen, and Matt (Sarah); Linda Bissell of Iowa City, Stephanie; Kris Dey (fiancé Fred) of Iowa City, Lennon and Patrick; Pat Goodwin of Iowa City; and Pam (Hooman) Bahmandeji of Evanston, IL, Natalie, Richard, and Thomas. He is also survived by his brother, Robert (Babe) Goodwin, now of New York; Carole (Doug) Morrison from Fairfield, IA; and sisters-in-law, Rosie Goodwin of Michigan and Doris Goodwin of Arizona. He is also loved by many other close family and friends. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Grace and Wilford “Friday” Goodwin of Fairfield, and two brothers, Ken of Arizona and Wilford “Bud” from Michigan. Dr. Goodwin has chosen to donate his body to the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. A Memorial Service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2008, at 3:00 p.m. at the St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Iowa City, IA, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his honor may be directed to: Iowa City Hospice, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church of Iowa City, or the Veterans Affairs Medical Center of Iowa City. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.gayandciha.com.