Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Bruce Goodwin Obituary
Dr. Goodwin was born on Oct. 14, 1931, in Providence, R.I., the son of Thomas William and Lizetta Kesseli Goodwin. He grew up in Warwick, Rhode Island, spending many happy hours sailing and fishing on Narragansett Bay. He graduated from Aldrich High School in 1949 and received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Pennsylvania in 1953. After serving in the United States Army for two years, he attended Lehigh University where he earned a Ph.D. in geology in 1959. Dr. Goodwin joined the faculty of University of Pennsylvania, teaching geology there for four years. In 1963, he relocated to Williamsburg, Va., where he became a founding father of the geology department at the College of William and Mary. During his 33 year tenure at William and Mary, Dr. Goodwin chaired the geology department for 17 years and conducted extensive research in the Piedmont region specializing in structural geology and petrology of metamorphic and igneous terrains. He was honored as a fellow of the Geological Society of America and served in various offices of scientific societies. He was instrumental in establishing the long term relationship between William and Mary and the Richmond Math and Science Center.
In 1982-83, he initiated the establishment of the Virginia Board for Geology, was the first certified geologist in the state, and was the first chair for the State Board for Geology. He actively supported the Virginia Academy of Sciences, was President of the Geology Section several times, and guided many students toward their first scientific presentations. He was awarded 11 grants from the National Science Foundation to support students in undergraduate research.
His first love was teaching and he established a distinguished reputation for his interesting, informative, and challenging courses. The College recognized his excellence in teaching by awarding him the Thomas Jefferson Teaching Award in 1971.
In addition, Dr. Goodwin was very active in the community. He served as the president of the Lafayette High School PTA, was a founder of the Lafayette Education Fund, and was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Williamsburg and St. Andrew's Society.
After retirement in 1996, Dr. Goodwin became an accomplished oil painter and ballroom dancer. He enjoyed sailing and fishing throughout his life and traveled extensively in his later years. He will be remembered as a very patient man who had kind words of encouragement for everyone.
Dr. Goodwin is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Joan; his son, Dr. Stephen Bruce Goodwin of Lafayette, Ind.; his daughter, Susan Nolen and son-in-law, Ernie Nolen of Hamilton, N.Y.; his daughter, Jennifer Smith, and son-in-law, Brian Smith of Annapolis, Ma.; and five grandchildren, Corey, Keslie, and Eliza Nolen and Thomas and Liam Smith.
A graveside service will be held 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8, in the Cedar Grove Cemetery followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. in the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday evening at the Bucktrout of Williamsburg Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers the family requests gifts be made to The College of William and Mary Foundation, Geology Department Founders Fund (1870) at P.O. Box 1693 Williamsburg, VA 32187, the WJCC Community Scholarship Fund at P.O. Box 935, Williamsburg, VA 23187, or the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, 215 Richmond Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Patriot's Colony Convalescent Center and Heartland Hospice for their care and compassion.
Bucktrout of Williamsburg is in charge of the arrangements. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Goodwin
Jim and Patti Higginbottom
September 10, 2008
Bruce and I served in the army together for almost the full two year term we both served, We were assigned to the Unit Personel Section and worked hard in our individual assignments, For six months before I got married, we were bunk mates and did a lot of exploring in the mountains of Colorado with other UPS members.
After attending the First Methodise chuch in Colorado
Springs, we volunteered togther to be Co-Scout Masters while the regular Scoutmaster recovered from a serious illness. It was a great experience , especially the weekend campouts in the mountains with "our" Scouts. Before Bruce got separated, Joan came to Colorado and we acted as Chaperones during her stay.
While Bruce was at Lehigh, we lived in nearby NJ and we visited back and forth with them and later, spent sime time with them in Williamsburg , always being very much impressed with his growing role in acadamia. Our careers kept us so busy, we never got to spend the time we would have liked as the years went on but the bonds we forged as young people were always there and Patti and I are very grateful we had the honor of being "old" friends of Bruce and Joan.
We will treasure the memory of being their friend as long as we live and fully expect to one day be reunited with them.
Patti and Jim Higginbottom
Margaret Bowen
September 10, 2008
After reading the email from the Geology Dept, I realized how fresh the memories of Dr. Goodwin are to me , despite having graduated so many years ago. His enthusiam for the subject he taught was electric. The opportunity to learn from him was a special experience.
Peggy Casterline Bowen - class of 1977
Candace Hayes
September 10, 2008
We just want you to know that we are thinking and praying for you all. We know how beloved he was and how much you miss him as your husband, father and grandfather. Love, Candy and Michael
Ann Markel Samford
September 9, 2008
Dr Goodwin, I thank you for having the opportunity to to be your student. It was a privilege to study with you. You touched many lives at the Math Science Center, at William and Mary, and on the Geology Board with your love for geology, your commitment to the profession and your positive spirit. Thank you for being our role model. I think we'll miss the twinkle in your eye, your sense of humor, your love of life either in the classroom or on the water the most. Thank you for the privilege of sharing some of these experiences. We love you.
Becky Cutler '88
September 9, 2008
My deepest condolences to the Goodwin family at this very sad time. My memories of Dr. Goodwin will always be cherished - he was such a dear soul, with kind words, a warm smile, and always so much encouragement to keep persevering through the tough times. He will be sorely missed.
Pat Meyer
September 9, 2008
I remember once being with Dr. Goodwin and my good friend Susan on Bruce's small sail boat, on perhaps the York River? (circa 1978 or so) -- He commented at the time that if he ever found himself in declining health, that he wanted to attempt to sail around the world. If he made it, he'd be front page news, but if he didn't, he couldn't think of a better way to go. So even though he may no longer be part of this world, my guess is that he's on his sailboat right now, somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic, having the time of his life.
Josh Chamot '98
September 9, 2008
I only got to know Dr. Goodwin as he neared retirement, yet even so late in his career, he was incredibly giving of his time and one of the kindest folks I was privileged to meet while at W+M. My sincere condolences to his family, and to the community, his family at large.
Walter Barnhardt
September 9, 2008
Dear Goodwin Family,
I am sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. He was a great mentor to me and all the undergraduate geology majors at W&M. He often invited us to the house for meals/parties and made all the "kids" like me feel part of the department. We were a really tight group back then. Before I knew him as "Dr Goodwin", I knew Bruce as Jennifer's father. I had worked with Jennifer at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg and met her family on several occasions. Years later, as a student, Bruce persuaded me to switch majors - good advice that has lead me to a long and enjoyable career as a geologist. I will miss him.
-Walter Barnhardt, Class of 1984
Pat Webber '88
September 9, 2008
That picture of Dr. Goodwin is how I will always remember him: head tilted forward, smiling, that nose leading him to his next project, class, or puzzled student. My fondest memories of W&M are from Geology. The fun we had while learning, the lifetime of memories packed into a few short years. Above all the sheer enthusiasm imparted to us by our professors, Dr. Goodwin especially, for their work, for our work, for loving what you do. That has lasted far beyond my college years, far beyond my study of geology.
David Turner
September 9, 2008
Dr. Goodwin was the reason I became a geology major, and 31 years later I'm still at it. I still have my notes from his introductory classes; they are as true to many of the basics of geology today as they were in 1977. Please accept my deepest condolences.
David Turner, Class of 1981
Don O'Donohue
September 8, 2008
I graduated in 1973. Dr. Goodwin was my advisor. We often spent the advising time, and the ride to Richmond and back for my senior project, talking about fishing. He had some great experiences fishing the outer banks. He made a monumental difference in my life. I want to thank you for allowing us to share in his life.
Jack Kane
September 8, 2008
Dear Joan and Family,
Nancy and I were sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. We certainly enjoyed our association with you both at St. Andrews Society functions. I particularly enjoyed working with Bruce in the APVA laboratory at Jamestown Island. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jack Kane
Kevin Jones
September 8, 2008
To the Goodwin Family--
I graduated from the Geology Department in 1996 and Dr. Goodwin was my structural geology professor. He is a big part of my fond memories of William & Mary, and I'll always remember his enthusiasm for teaching and his warm smile.
With sympathy,
Kevin Jones
David Kopaska-Merkel
September 8, 2008
Goodbye Bruce
a stiff wind blows
dust from Africa and salt
a hand slips from the wheel
Eric B. Grosfils
September 8, 2008
Goodwin Family,
As a 1989 graduate of the department, I have extremely fond memories of the research and classroom experiences I shared with Dr. Goodwin. He was a kind person, an effective mentor and a dedicated instructor, and I consider myself very fortunate to have had the chance to learn a bit of geology from him. At this stage I am an undergraduate professor myself, and I draw constantly on the lessons learned from, and examples set by, my Geology Department professors (Goodwin, Bick, Clement, Johnson, Macdonald). I will remember Dr. Goodwin, and the smile he was so quick to share, with great fondness.
I'm so sorry for your loss, and my thoughts and best wishes are with you during these difficult times.
Zipper Harfst, W&M '97
September 8, 2008
To the Goodwin family--
Dr. Goodwin was one of the main reasons I changed my major to Geology. He was a wonderful professor and a caring, gentle person who provided guidance and support to the students. He will be greatly missed, but I know you have wonderful memories of him. We will be praying for your family.
Grace, peace and comfort to you at this time.
Janette Hansen
September 8, 2008
Mrs. Goodwin and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Dr. Goodwin was a great man; a warm, wonderful, and exciting teacher. He was my first geology teacher; turning me on to the science that then became my major. When I became ill my first semester at W&M, he was so kind in letting me catch up on my work and showed genuine concern for my health.
I hope that you will gain some comfort in knowing that his work will live on forever in his students.
Janette Hansen, W&M '79
Lynn Wingard
September 8, 2008
Dear Mrs. Goodwin and family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers and my heart goes out to you for your loss. Dr. Goodwin's Introductory Geology class was my first foray into the world of geology. It led to a switch in majors, graduate school, and a career with the US Geological Survey. I often wonder where I'd be if Dr. Goodwin's lectures hadn't inspired me so. During my years in the department, Dr. Goodwin's chairmanship, his kind and encouraging demeanor, and his genuine concern for and interest in the students created the feeling that the Geology Dept. was a family. To this day, the number of graduates from those years who stay in touch with each other and give back to the department is a testment to Dr. Goodwin's leadership. He will be missed by all who knew him.
With my sincerest sympathy,
Lynn (Brewster) Wingard W&M '79
Vanessa Kinlaw
September 8, 2008
Mrs. Goodwin & Family,
I am sorry for your loss. I was a student of Dr. Goodwin's for four years and he was my academic advisor. Over the years, I have fondly recalled his love of onion laden sandwiches which he often ate during our meetings in his office. Dr. Goodwin positively influenced the lives of so many W&M students, mine included. We already miss him.
Vanessa Kinlaw, W&M Geology 1995
Joseph Fucella
September 8, 2008
Dear Goodwin Family,
I have the fondest memories of Dr. Goodwin as my Geology 101 professor. His dynamic teaching style converted me from a History major to a Geology major, and started me on a career path in geology.
I will always remember him for that special way he used his hands when describing geologic structures, and a smile that was always contagious.
Thank you for sharing him with the College for so many years.
Most sincerely,
Joseph Fucella, Ph.D.
W&M '83
September 8, 2008
Dear Goodwin Family-
While I remember Dr. Goodwin with much fondness, he would shake his head to know that Structural Geology was not my favorite class! He was such an integral part of a warm, caring department that nurtured all of us during our time there.
Peace and Prayers,
Wendy (Layman) Lewis W&M '92
Mary Ann Eitler
September 8, 2008
Dr. Goodwin was my 101 professor and handed me my diploma 4 years later. I am eternally grateful for the path that my geology background has led me. My thoughts and prayers are with the Goodwin family and friends at this time, as well as all of us touched by him over the years. Rest in Peace, Bruce.
Mary Ann Eitler - Class of '87
John Stanley
September 8, 2008
To Mrs. Goodwin and Family:
My heart goes out to all of you for the loss of Dr. Goodwin. My recollection is that he was a most patient teacher that had the student's best interests at heart. He reminded me of my father, in that he was firm but always fair.
God Bless all of you,
John B. Stanley, W & M Class 1977
Matthew Schwartz (W&M '93)
September 8, 2008
Dear Goodwin family-
My deepest condolences to you all. Dr. Goodwin was my W&M advisor in the fall of 1989. Partly due to his guidance, I majored in geology and became an oceanographer. His patience and wisdom inspired me as both a scientist and a person. I am now a professor myself and hope that I can share with my students some of the strengths that Dr. Goodwin evidenced in his life and career.
Warm regards and deepest sympathies.
Mary Gallagher
September 8, 2008
Dear Jennifer and family,
What a beautiful obituary. Your dad led a life of learning and teaching, enriching the people around him with both. Just like you, Jennifer. What an impressive man.
Love and peace,
Mary Grace Gallagher and Chris Stelzig
Tricia Rowan
September 8, 2008
Mrs. Goodwin and Family,
A note to say how sorry I am for your loss, and to tell you that Dr. Goodwin was one of the most influential Professors in my life. He remains so, as my love for geology has never waned and the credit for my foray into the world of geology goes squarely to him.
I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Tricia Autrey Rowan, W&M '96
Carl Kesseli
September 7, 2008
Joan -
Carl and I received notice of Bruce's obituary from John Kesseli and were grateful to have the chance to read of Bruce's many accomplishments. He gave so much to the field of education - especially geology, to his community and his family. We continue to keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Lovingly, Sally and Carl
Stuart Flanagan
September 7, 2008
Joan and Family-
Like each of you, Bruce will be a void in our life. In all my 30 some years at W&M with Bruce, I shall remember him as a most outstanding colleague for being the active player in life that he was who gave of himself to so many and asked for nothing. He left so much to comfort you that you should feel blessed. I have that feeling for being part of his peaceful life.
I know you share this feeling and I trust those feelings will always be with each of you and fill the void he leaves!
Stuart Flanagan and Family
Richard Carew
September 7, 2008
Our depest sympathty to you Joan and your family,in the loss of Bruce .May God hold you in his arms and bring you comfort. His old track buddy Dick Carew & wife Bev
Bruce McDonald
September 7, 2008
Dear Steve,
I'll be thinking of you while you grieve with your family. I'm sure you all will carry a lot of good memories of your father. Share them and treasure them.
Best,
Bruce
Showing 1 - 30 of 30 results
Make a Donation
in Bruce Goodwin's name
Memorial Events
for Bruce Goodwin
How to support Bruce's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Bruce Goodwin's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
