George Clifford Good

Good, George Clifford

George Clifford Good was born March 25, 1922 in San Francisco, California to Pearl Stover Good and Clifford David Good. He graduated from Lowell High School in San Francisco, having been captain of the track team. George was admitted to Stanford University where he met the love of his life, Marcia Anne Russell. Through the Chi Psi fraternity and campus life, George and Marcia developed many life-long friendships. With the start of WWII, George increased his academic load to graduate early from Stanford. He enlisted and served in the Navy as an officer. George and Marcia married in August 1944, just before he left for active duty in the Pacific, seeing action in the battle of Okinawa. Upon his return to civilian life, George returned to Stanford for his M.B.A. George's enthusiastic support of Stanford University continued throughout his lifetime, attending many Big Game weekends and reunions.
In 1950, George and Marcia moved south to Arcadia, California. During that time he took over his mother's sales force, Good & Associates. With his characteristic vision for developing trends, George became a leader in the giftware business, founding and building George Imports, Inc. and George-Good Corp. Over the 1960's and 70's George was a pioneer in designing and importing quality giftware from emerging nations in Asia and selling to 16,000 gift shops throughout the United States. He had a designer's eye for color, style and design, as well as anticipating popular trends. As a lifelong learner, George earned his second M.B.A. from Claremont Graduate University in 1977.
George never truly retired after selling his business in 1985. His business acumen and desire to help others played out in his volunteer activities as he served on the boards of various organizations. He served as Trustee, Overseer and was named a Lifetime Trustee of the Pacific Asia Museum. George served on the local, state and national boards of the American Cancer Society and was recognized with their National Volunteer Leadership Award. He also served as a Director of the Daily Journal Corporation and a Trustee for Good Samaritan Hospital. His memberships include the California Club since 1954, Ironwood Country Club, the Huntington Library President's Circle and the Athenaeum.
George read extensively in the areas of investing and estate planning and was a valued mentor for friends and family in the areas of business and investing. He spent many hours carefully considering each individual's circumstances, interests and abilities and coming up with a next step or strategy that would advance them toward their goals. In every circle of business and philanthropy, George forged long term friendships. He expressed the importance of these friendships at his 90th birthday saying that they make life worthwhile. He loved fine dining, enjoyed art collecting, traveled extensively, mentored freely, cherished his wife, and delighted in his growing family.
George died peacefully at his home in San Marino, California on April 21, 2013 surrounded by family. He leaves behind his wife of 68 years, Marcia, daughters Virginia Falconer of Moraga, CA, Kathy Podley (Bill) of Pasadena, and Mary Lindgren (Ken) of Arcadia, grandchildren Kristin Anderson, David Podley (Melanie), Kendall Stoner (Ricky), Gus Lindgren (Kristen), Charles Falconer and Sarah Falconer and great-grandchildren Kaden Anderson, Kaylee Stoner, Heather Podley and Raymond Lindgren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 3 PM on May 10 at the Valley Hunt Club, 520 S. Orange Grove Bl., Pasadena. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pacific Asia Museum or the American Cancer Society.