Michael Kemper Goodwin

Goodwin, Michael Kemper
architect, artist, politician, and devoted husband and father, died Wednesday May 4 at the age of 72. The grandson of Tempe pioneers Garfield and Jenny Goodwin, and the son of Mary (Mickey) and Kemper Goodwin, he fully embraced his family's philosophy of service above self. Michael lived much of his life in Tempe though he spent his last decades in Flagstaff and Phoenix. During the 1970's he was a member of the Arizona State Legislature serving in the House of Representatives for two terms before running for Secretary of State. A 1963 graduate of USC, Michael joined his father as a full partner in the firm of Michael & Kemper Goodwin, Ltd and was, perhaps, best known for designing the multi-award winning Tempe City Hall, but was also the designer of many Arizona elementary, middle and high schools, particularly in Tempe. He was a pioneer in the use of open spaces in schools (Marcos de Niza), solar design (Corona del Sol and Tempe City Hall), and the preservation of natural spaces (Elk Run subdivision, Flagstaff). Due to his groundbreaking vision and unique designs, he was inducted into the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in 1966 and became the youngest person to become a Fellow of that prestigious organization in 1978. In 1975 he was awarded the first Arizona Architects' Medal. A talented artist, Michael was well known for his cowboy art, water colors and, especially, his pastels for which he was a juried member of the Pastel Society of America. He studied art in Paris and was a member of the Scottsdale Artists School. In addition to his paintings and drawings, he was a successful sculptor. A member of the respected 22x30 artists group, his showings were always well attended and highly anticipated. In 2000, Michael became involved with a theater company for adults with special needs called Detour Company Theatre. He was an invaluable asset with his innovative set designs but more importantly as an integral member of the team of dedicated adults who foster the creative talents of these special needs adults. Michael was active in the Episcopal Church throughout his lifetime. He was a founding member and part of the leadership group that brought the Cursillo movement to the Episcopal Church in the 1970's. He served on the Vestry and in other leadership roles at St. Augustine's in Tempe, Church of the Epiphany and St. Columba Mission in Flagstaff, St. Stephen's in Phoenix and most recently at Transfiguration in East Mesa. Michael is survived by his wife, Sam; his daughter, Lisa (Greg) Michael of Los Angeles; his son, Matthew (Eric) of Tucson; his grandchildren, Sabrina and Peter; his sisters MaryHelen (AC) Flanagan of Tempe and Kathleen (Daly) Bales of Texas; his step-children, Becky (Scott) Belanger of Tucson and Christopher of Phoenix; his step-grandchild Noah and his first wife, mother of his children, Joan Lewis of Flagstaff. Services will be held on Tuesday, May 10th, at 6:00 pm at The Church of the Transfiguration, 514 South Mountain Road, Mesa, Arizona 85208-5412; 480-986-1145. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Kemper Goodwin Foundation, 2625 E. Southern Ave. C65, Tempe, AZ, 85282 or Detour Company Theatre (www.detourcompanytheatre.org).