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Richard Goodman Obituary
Once voted most popular city politician, Goodman battled drug addiction until the end.
By Kate Alexander
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Friday, June 03, 2005
Richard Goodman's friends and family remember his big heart, quick wit and deep, mellifluous voice.
But Austin residents probably recall the former City Council member, first elected in 1977, for his public struggle with drug addiction.
Goodman died Saturday in a Burbank, Calif., hospital of complications from congestive heart failure after two months on life support. He was 55.
Elected at age 27 to the City Council, Goodman served during a time of "old Austin giving way to new Austin," said his longtime friend, Ricky McDaniel. He championed causes such as the environment, fair housing, public access television and downtown revitalization, his former colleagues recall.
He was known as a bridge between environmental and development interests.
Goodman started his radio broadcasting career in 1967 in his hometown of Laredo, and he came to Austin in 1969 to work for KTBC-TV and later KVUE. He was news director for the fledgling ABC affiliate when it was launched in 1971.
His charisma and television presence led Democratic leaders to recruit Goodman to politics, McDaniel said. A 1980 poll of Austin residents found him to be the most popular member of the council, the Austin American-Statesman reported at the time.
"He could have walked into a congressional seat," said McDaniel, a lawyer and former Democratic legislative operative.
But his drug addiction got in the way of that plan.
Goodman had been grappling for some time with his mother's failing health and his son's struggle with spinal muscular atrophy. And in August 1982, it came to a head.
Neighbors called police with reports of a rifle-wielding man outside Goodman's West Austin apartment, according to American-Statesman accounts at the time. Police found Goodman crouched in a driveway with a high-powered rifle in hand. He was shooting at snakes crawling in and around his apartment, he said. In fact, he was aiming at a garden hose in his front yard and had already shot out his car tire.
Police found 19 spent rifle shells at the apartment and charged him with discharging a firearm within city limits, a misdemeanor. Goodman admitted that he had used cocaine and sought treatment after the incident.
Once a leading contender for mayor, Goodman announced the next year that he would not seek re-election to the City Council.
"Most of us would die for the talent that Richard Goodman squandered," said former Mayor Lee Cooke, who was a council member during Goodman's terms.
"He had a big heart. He really did," McDaniel said. "He just happened to tangle with the devil."
Alan Sager, now chairman of the Travis County Republican Party, met Goodman when Goodman was a student in his class at the University of Texas in 1973. The two became friends and eventually business partners. Sager remembers him fondly for his intellect and his voice.
"Richard had the best radio voice in the world," Sager said.
And Goodman knew it.
"God gave me two things," Goodman told the American-Statesman in 1982. "A great memory. And a great voice."
Diana Vela, his former wife, said, "That voice brought a connection. He could connect with people in an amazing way."
The two were married for 19 years and had two children: Lisa Goodman and John Bradford Goodman.
John, who is a quadriplegic and breathes with the assistance of an iron lung, wasn't supposed to live beyond the age of a toddler. He is now 34 and a screenwriter in Southern California. His father had moved out there in the early 1990s to help him.
"Of the many people I have met, my father was the single most passionate person to date," John said. "His love for every human being was limitless and beyond imagination."
Lisa Goodman, a mother of three and a magazine advertising director in San Francisco, said her father dripped charisma and displayed his big heart by adopting homeless pets and rebuilding old bikes for kids in low-income neighborhoods. He continued to struggle with addiction, she said.
In Austin, he is remembered most for his humor and good nature.
He was a charter member of the West Austin Literary Guild, a poker group that started in 1972. McDaniel, a member of the guild, said Goodman "was a great friend and a terrible poker player."
Former Council Member John Trevino remembers having an intense budget discussion with Goodman one day. The two were face-to-face, engrossed in debate, but Goodman had this persistent smirk on his face.
"What are you smiling at," Trevino asked.
"Haven't you noticed?" Goodman responded, referring to the half-shaved mustache on his lip.
"He got a big kick out of it," Trevino said.
Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn, who served as mayor during much of Goodman's tenure, said she enjoyed serving with Goodman and considered him a "dear friend."
"We could agree or disagree on issues, I always knew that Richard cared passionately about all Austinites and demonstrated that continually," Strayhorn said. "He really believed you had to lift all Austinites."
The family has not made arrangements for a memorial service.
Goodman's family asks that donations be made to Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Libertyville, Ill., or at www.fsma.org.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Goodman
48 Entries
Charmaine Wheeler
April 29, 2021
Miss you Richard. God bless you John
I'm sorry for your loss.
Charmaine Wheeler
April 29, 2021
He was the nicest man I ever met. I can't believe he is gone. I have a foot locker full of his history books that I was holding for him when he moved from Austin Tx. I sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers for John and his family. Love you
Steve Speir
November 28, 2016
A really good man who will be greatly missed. What a great voice. He was a pleasure to work with at the Texas General Land Office.
Joyce Bauer
June 24, 2007
John, I just read all of the entries about your remarkable Dad. After meeting you yesterday, I can see the heritage of his special qualities within you. My deepest sympathy to you on the physical loss of your Dad, but I am positive that he is close by you; he continues to inspire you and be with you. It was so special meeting you and after talking with you I have such a great insight into the great man your Dad was and is.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. My prayer for you is that you continue to feel his presence the rest of your life. May God bless you to continue your film-making to inspire us all to be better human beings and therefore, make this world a better place.
Michael Cosper
November 25, 2006
I knew Richard when he was a larger than life student in the speech class that we shared at Laredo Nixon High School. When I moved to Austin I was pleased to see his successes. May he rest in peace.
may his family live to know his peace.
Paul Norris
July 21, 2005
Vaya con Dios, R.G.
Betsey Van Horn
June 21, 2005
Richard and Diana were my first full-time employers after I finished Nursing School at UT. I was one of several RN's taking care of their son, John. Richard, Diana, Lisa, and John made me feel like a member of the family by their warmth and attentiveness.
Richard impressed me immediately with his boyish candor, wily wit, gleaming intelligence, and sonorous voice. He was completely lovable--the quintessential Peter Pan man. Unfortunately, his restive soul led to some disquieting landslides. Many I know were fond of him and fond of saying "He could have been mayor...he could have been Governor..."-- that was the enigmatic Richard. He was full of compassion, full of passion; he was literary AND he was a protagonist of life's literature. Like the ragged night and the jagged mountains around a twinkling, sensuous hamlet, Richard was a contrast of the earthly and celestial, the temporal and fluid, the quotidian and the aristocratic.
He struggled with the octopus of his own brain, but he glittered and shone with a true heart. I am confident that Richard now dwells in the ample Space where Time dissolves and greater consciousness is the probing, eternal interval.
Aaron Krummel
June 21, 2005
I recently heard the news of Richard's passing. I was not a close friend, or a relative to him. In fact, we only met once at his home in San Diego. I interviewed Richard on behalf of his son John (for a television news story). It's funny because I've done hundreds of interviews with people over the years, and for some reason the thought of Richard has stayed with me. Despite the difficulties and struggles, he was very charming and articulate. I instantly liked him! Unfortunately, I never spoke to him again. From an outsider's perspective... I thought he was a great man. I'm sad to hear of his passing. I wish his family well.
Jorge Haynes
June 20, 2005
Sincerest Condolences to the entire Goodman Family,
Richard had a contagious optimism that made you think anything was possible. His sense of public service was exemplary and gleaned from his father. His soft and gentle side he learned from his mother. This produced a compassion for fairness that enabled him to speak up for those that could not speak for themselves. It was these qualities that made all of us that were friends know what an extraordianry individual he was. His passion for life, his love for his children, and his devotion to just causes will always be remembered.
Perhaps no higher compliment can be paid to Richard that to say, descansa en paz, Chivo.
Con Cariño
Pamela Ballard
June 20, 2005
This is not a somber memory of Richard Goodman. When I was a student at UT, Richard Goodman was a news anchor on TV. He was very charismatic, and had THAT VOICE... My roommate and I saw in the campus newspaper that he was going to speak at the Hillel building. We decided it would be a good way to see him in person, so we went, expecting naively to blend right in unnoticed. It was a very small venue, few women, and we were the only non-Jewish participants. Everyone was very nice, but a little puzzled as to why we were there, as we awkwardly stammered out nonsensical reasons. We stuck out like sore thumbs!! We tried to act cool, but left as soon as politely possible, and had a good laugh at ourselves later. I followed Richard's career in Austin, and he was very effective. I was sorry to see his career end in Austin. He could have been a great representative in many political areas.
Dorothy Longoria
June 17, 2005
I remember Richard as one of my favorites as I believe that I was one of his. I loved Richard so much and he will be greatly missed.
I am so sad that he will be missed by so many.
Harry E. McNair Jr.
June 16, 2005
I met Richard Goodman in 1975 while he worked as the anchorman for KVUE-24 in Austin. I was attending UT and was asked to join a poker game at 11:00pm at night. I accepted the invitation and that is where my friendship with Richard began. I remember him to be very well read, articulate and interested in what everyone had to say. He made everyone feel welcomed and treated them as if they were the only one in the room. That night turned into me joining this weekly poker group for almost a year. And the rule of the game was that the winner had to take the losers to breakfast that morning and we would normally end up at Joe's Bakery in east Austin - Richard's choice. But no matter where we went for breakfast, Richard was recongized as the local celebrity in Austin and Richard would always make time to greet and talk with all of them. What a great person whom I am so pleased to have known............God Bless him and his family!
Susan Foster
June 15, 2005
What can you say about Richard - he was a free spirit, a loving, kind, generous, brillant, handsome man. I will always remember my older cousin, who couldn't get two words out of his mouth but who one day became a master public speaker and politician. My father always said that Richard could have been President some day (even if he didn't agree with his politics). The Foster family will miss Richard but he left behind a beautiful legacy in his two children and three grandchildren. I know that he is finally at peace and is home with Rosalie and Chivo in Heaven. God Bless you, Richard and pray for us left here.
Virgil Fernandez
June 14, 2005
I first met Richard when he interviewed me for a job as a p/t reporter at KVUE in 1974. I was a Junior at UT. He hired me and helped teach me about TV news. Because of his guidance and interest I went on to work for TV stations in San Antonio and Dallas. I still hear his great voice and see him glancing down at his script and slowly looking up into the camera. He was great. He was always running around at the last minute before a newscast, in a hurry to get his script ready. I will miss him and his smiling face. Gracias Richard.
Ree Goodman Huber
June 14, 2005
My borther, Richard Louis Goodman, is a giver of gifts. He loved giving presents to others. His favorite was to give "small treasures" to his grandchildren. His "small treasures" to humanity--to each of us who knew him--were just the opposite. In fact, they were colossal. He was brilliant, charismatic, humorous, clever, and a master orator with a voice that resonated around and through all who knew him or of him. His gift of drawing others in was absolutely amazing. We were all included in his circle of kindness whether you were a friend, a foe, a rich man or poor man, a dog, a cat, or a bird.
When he was young, he used to make cakes for Mrs. Phelps, his fourth grade teacher. Although she is now gone, she passed on the stories of Richard and his cake making gifts to future generations. Today, my family still has the door knocker on our front door with the interwining initials of each member in the family that Richard gave to us over twenty years ago. We have the little glass-cased rock collection from Nuevo Laredo and the books he bought for our daughters when they were young. We remember and cherish each of these meaningful "small treasures."
The greatest of tresures Richard has given to us is the legacy of his most precious children and grandchildren. They also have his brillance, his charisma, and his sense of humor. They may not have the "loudness" of his voice, but Lisa, John, Alexandra, Brady, and Travis will continue with glorious voices that are filled with love and tenderness, and each of their voices will resonate throughout for generations to come.
Richard always opened his heart and gave of himself. But at the end of his life, when his physical heart could not give any more, his loving heart was still giving to his family. He waited for us--Raymond, Ronnie, Lisa, John (on the phone), and me--to surround him with our love and tenderness. Richard was a man who gave all his gifts of love to each of us. His final gift is for each one of us to remember---to remember the love, the kindness, and the understanding. And to make it reverbrate and echo forever.
Nancy Davidson Bowling
June 9, 2005
I was so saddened to hear of Richard's death and of his long time struggle with addiction. I was one of Diana's drama students. I remember Richard accompanying us to the regional drama competition. He was so funny and so interested in all of us. I want to send my deepest condolences to Diana and her children and to Richard's family. May God ease your pain during this difficult time.
Grisselle Singer Cohen
June 8, 2005
Ree, I still remember the little boy Richard from the days we lived on Gustavus Street in Laredo, just around the corner from your family. I am so sorry for your loss and wanted you to know that my thoughts are with you these many years later.
Mary Ann Justman
June 7, 2005
I have many fond and funny memories of Richard. He used to drive my old blue toyota truck to the dump for us at Casa de Luz. He was a humble laborer in the building and remodelling of Casa which meant he would sometimes do jobs nobody else wanted to do. Another time in my yard I watched Richard let my daughter who was 5 cut off most of the hair on his arm with a pair of scissors. These are silly stories and I am greatful for them.
Gaery Goodman
June 6, 2005
So long Richard, you definetly left your mark on this world. I still have very fond memories of being at your house and running around with all the cousins. May you find the peace in GOD's arms that you looked for so desperately here on earth.
Angie Cordeiro
June 6, 2005
I remember driving around Austin with you and you saying "the light doesn't get any greener than that"; you made so many of us laugh and cry at the same. Several times I would think, how can one person feel so deeply, articulate so beautifully and care with such heart on the sleve emotion. I remain greatful for the time and kindess you extened to me and my then young son. Your presence will be surely missed.
David Dickey
June 6, 2005
Richard was one of a kind. A brilliant and charismatic person. He was with me on the sadest day of my life and the happiest. When our mother (Esther) passed and on my wedding day. I'll never forget you Richard. I'll always love you. God bless you.
Your cousin,
David
Gilbert Garcia
June 6, 2005
I went to junior high and high school in Laredo with Richard. Between the 7th and 8th grade, my family moved to Laredo because of my dad's job. I was really scared on my first day of class at Lamar Jr. High as I didn't know anyone. Richard was one of the first students in my class who spoke to me and made me feel welcome. I'm glad that I got to know him. Even though I hadn't seen him in many years, I will miss him dearly.
Les Norton
June 6, 2005
Richard was a life-long friend and a groomsman in my wedding, 34 years ago. Now, as I contemplate all those glorious years which the Good Lord allowed me to have as Richard's friend, I can't help but look to the heavens, think of Richard, and Smile!
I smile because Richard was one of the key "groomsman" of my life. His wit, confidence, optimism, and voice were all attributes I must herewith confess...I tried to emulate.
I have been fortunate in my life to receive many accolades for my public speaking ability, but the accolade I will always cherish most, were the many times during the early part of my marriage when I would get up to speak in public and my dear wife, Joyce, would turn to me and say..."Stop trying to be like Richard!"
Richard.....I hope that everyone who knew and loved you will keep some part of you and your commanding persona in their hearts forever and in their own way, keep your spirit alive.
May we all remember and cherish the "Good Times" and in our own distinctive way...."TRY TO BE LIKE RICHARD!"
mozelle white
June 5, 2005
I am still in disbelief to learn that this wonderful human being is gone. Richard and Diana were our neighbors when we first moved to Austin from California, and were so loving and supportive during a very difficult time. We lost touch over the years, but they have always been in my heart. The previous entries to this guest book have said everything I also feel, but they have said it better than I could have! My love goes to Richard's children and to Diana.
Michelle Goodman Madrigal
June 4, 2005
My Uncle Richard was a great man that sadly to say I did not get to see very often. Though I was unable to see him I still have many memories about him that I will treasure forever.
I remember when he would get to my grandma Rosalie’s house we would be sitting in the kitchen and when he would walk through that front door his beautiful deep voice would travel down the long hallway. I would run to him with joy to see him because it was very seldom that I would. He always had a surprise to give me. To this day I still have a bear he gave me that is yellow and blue. When he gave it to me I was about 7 years old and I asked him what his name was. He looked at the bear then he looked at me and he said we will name him yellow blue bear. Yellow blue bear has been apart of me since the day he gave it to me and now 19 years later it is apart of my two boys. They play with that same bear I grew up with. He was always filled with joy, happiness, and humor. He always found a way to make me laugh.
As one of his other hidden talents he made me believe that he was the greatest magician. There is a secret compartment behind my uncle Raymond’s, my uncle Richards, and my dads old room. Every time he would come to visit he would magically put a dollar in there.
The last time I saw him was many, many years ago. If I would have known it was the last time I was going to see him I would have hugged him so tight and I would have told him how much I loved him. I have been married 7 years and I have two boys. I wish with all my heart my husband and my boys would have had a chance to have met a great man like my uncle Richard. I will miss my uncle Richard and again I say I will carry our memories forever.
Thank you, Uncle Richard for being the great Uncle that you were.
Love Always,
Michelle Goodman Madrigal
Ronnie Goodman
June 4, 2005
To my Brother:
The brother who I grew along side with, and many times me being the little brother I was always getting in the way.
I forever remember the many great times we had and shared together. I will always remember a time when I was in Austin Texas we were going down the highway listening to a live radio broadcast of a discussion of the boat races at lake Austin. You being the council member you wanted to speak up about your opinion. At that time you were wearing a political shirt and you couldn’t appear wearing that type of shirt. I was wearing a sport shirt and you told me we needed to exchange shirts. There we were driving down the highway going to the debate and changing shirts. You spoke your opinion again and at a council meeting as the item was discussed and the both parties came to an agreement.
Like always he was quick to quip at someone at any given time.
Brother we will meet up again and I will miss you forever.
You will never leave my mind. You left an everlasting impression in my soul.
Lord, he is yours now please take care of him for I Know he is the greatest.
Your Brother
Ronnie
WAYNE & STACY GROSZ
June 4, 2005
WE ARE SADDEND BY THE LOSS OF A GREAT GUY.
Shelby Longoria
June 4, 2005
I have great memories of Richard growing up as first cousins in Laredo and then having great memories of Richard in Austin when he was at the top of his game.
What a great man and I will miss him as I am sure that he will be missed by all who knew him.
Kathy Lyon
June 4, 2005
When a friend called me this morning to give me the sad news about Richard I couldn't believe it. I had not spoken with Richard in many years but he always had a place in my heart. He always will. I became friends with Richard and his wife Diana in the late 70's when all three of us were involved in a series of self-improvement type seminars. Richard, his pal Levy and I used to drive to Houston and back once a week for many weeks to attend seminars. Richard and Levy were close friends; they didn't know me at first. I just needed a ride and someone in the seminar hooked us up. We were quite the trio traveling to Houston week after week. We became buddies, talking about life and sharing stories about ourselves over those many miles. I remember Richard as smart, witty, caring and let's face it, handsome. He was also a devoted husband and father; he used to light up when he would talk about Diana or his kids. I remember once Levy saying that if anyone ever needed someone to play the voice of God, Richard could do it. He was right about that. Richard was a wonderful person whose heart was as big as his voice. The last time Richard and I spoke over the telephone, as we were about to hang up we said to each other, "Consider yourself hugged." That is the way I remember him. "Consider yourself hugged, Richard. Rest in peace." My heart goes out to his family.
Lee Cooke
June 4, 2005
Richard Goodman brought ‘soul’ to his public service and television career in Austin. Serving on the City Council with only six other people gives you a real sense of those people, like family. It was that way with Richard. I always felt his purpose, motives and passion for the issues of the day, the ordinances, citizen communication or meetings late into the night, were driven to end up with the best for people. He could take the hard edge off of contentious debate, a mad citizen or when colleagues might be missing the bigger picture. He fought for fair housing, our watersheds, the little guy, a cutting edge cable system for 1981, a livable downtown and so much more. In the world of politics, Richard played hardball without being hardball. Richard and I didn’t always agree, but he showed more mutual respect to colleagues than ones normally sees in the political arena, especially at the local level in the Capitol City of Texas. He used humor and laughter so effective... He was a special leader, could have been Mayor or more, and could have helped abate some of Austin’s issues today if we had had more of his leadership in expanded roles in the 1980’s…. He gave Austin a lot of his soul and in doing so gave us all a great deal of the Austin we cherish and passionately protect today. Place 4 on the Austin City Council will always be Richard Goodman’s seat to me because he honored it with his God given talent and not many come along with his capability. God speed Richard….
Lee Cooke
City Council 1977-1981
Mayor 1988-1991
Adrienne Goodman-Trevino
June 3, 2005
We all loved Richard! He was a GREAT guy and will dearly be missed. Rest in peace.
Adrienne G. Trevino
Laredo
John Merkl
June 3, 2005
As Richard's son-in-law, I came into the family after most of his glory days were unfortunately behind him. And yet while I missed him in his prime, it was always obvious that he had greatness in him - an undeniable charisma, a gift for turning any situation into a funny one regardless of how ludicrous it could be, and certainly he imparted to his children a perspective on life that has helped make them both the extraordinary people they are today.
I'll never forget his presence at mine and Lisa's wedding, arriving at the last minute, bunking up with other relatives in their hotel room, and then adding so much to the event reading a beautiful piece of his son's writing in that incredible voice of his - not a dry eye in the house! Damn, if he didn't charm the pants off every single person there...
To his grandchildren, he was their beloved and just a bit mysterious Grampa Richard, sending them toys and trinkets that they'll treasure forever. And incredibly while he didn't spend as much time with them as anyone would have liked, he left an indelible print, teaching them to be a little more light hearted, a little more passionate and imaginative about the world around them, and never ever afraid to don a silly hat, or make a funny face to brighten the moment - they'll never forget their Grampa Richard, that's for sure and in them you live on.
To the man you once were, to the man you never stopped being, to the man who fathered the woman of my dreams and taught her how to laugh in the face of adversity, and pull yourself up by your bootstraps, to make life happen for yourself - I salute you and honor you... and miss you unfortunately more than you'll ever know.
Thank you for making it possible for me to find true love with your extraordinary daughter. I promise to take care of her and the rest of your family until we see you again and beyond...
Peace to you Richard - you'll be in our hearts forever.
Monte & Barbara McDaniel
June 3, 2005
We treasure the years we knew Richard and the entire Goodman family in Laredo.
Dan Clouse
June 3, 2005
A generous man, a warm-hearted friend, one of the funniest people ever from that mother lode of humor, Laredo. Happy are we who remember that wonderful voice and the ambiguous grin. Thanks for making the words sound so good, Richard.
Un abrazo and regards to all who've loved --and now mourn-- a dear family member, a great friend.
John Goodman
June 3, 2005
Thank you for assisting me, and more importantly, honoring my father with this obituary. I have written a little something about my dad below, feel free to use whichever part you feel is the most profound...
In this world, every person at some point has a hero. For me, it was undoubcedly my dad. Richard Louis Goodman was an ordinary human being with extraordinary talents, charisma, intelligence, amazing sense of humor, and lastly but certaintly not least, the most loving and gentle creature I have ever known.
My father was not only my hero, he was my best friend. I consider myself to be the luckiest man in the universe to call him "Dad".
I will always remember the great things about him; His God-given gifts, talents, etcetera. And I will carry those things on to this generation, and hopefully, to all future generations to come.
At the time of his death, he had a total of fourteen cats, one dog, and many housemates whom he took care of personally, and spiritually. Every living creature on the planet, however big or small, was equally respected by my dad. This pure love of all life as it relates to humans, was limitless, without any regard whatsoever to race, religion, or physical/mental capacity.
I know known of no one to have this kind of talent/ability/skill/gift. In my humble opinion, this in itself was a true miracle of God.
My father was by no means a saint, either. And all of the above I assure you is said without one iota of hypocracy, or conscious bias.
My dad also gave me the gift, or it could be called as a talent, to communicate effectively to every kind of person regardless of race or culture. He was by far the best one-on-one communicator many people, including myself, have encountered.
In short, everybody was his friend. A lot of that is attributed to his non-judgemental spirit which never ended even to the day he passed on.
My life has been amazingly nurtured by my dad, and I'm currently in transition to spread those seeds of nurturing out to the universe and beyond infinity.
Lastly, how my father had a way with words...
Richard Louis Goodman will never be forgotten, and who he was, what he stood for, will propel itself forevermore.
It's my honor to support and ensure it does.
John Bradford Goodman
David Powell
June 3, 2005
Richard was such a good friend while we were both students at UT, he working at KVUE and I working on the Texan while we both studied journalism. After I finished, he said, "Ok, so you've learned about print. Now come out to KVUE and learn about television." And he put me to work at a job which was always fun because of his infectious enthusiasm and unceasing interest in the world around him. After the 10:00 PM program, we'd take off someplace to talk for hours -- something Richard knew how to do better than most. Years later, while I was visiting Austin with my new wife while Richard was on the Council, he surprised us both by giving her the key to the city in a presentation that was more stand-up comedy than ceremony. I'll remember him as compassionate, inquisitive, incredibly funny, proud and devoted to his children, loyal to his friends and one of the most engaging people I have ever known. Farewell, Richard. And thanks.
Buddy Boudloche
June 3, 2005
I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Richard and the BigZ at the opening of KVUE studios--they helped myself and the Jaycees with a wonderful telethon supporting our charities.Good memories, successes, sadness, joy.I'm glad he was a part of my life.My deepest sympathy to his son and expanded family
Jack Suneson
June 3, 2005
May you rest in peace. We all love you Richard.
fred dickey
June 3, 2005
As kids and first cousins, Richard
was my best friend growing up. Richard was as brilliant as he was funny and quick. Even in grade school Richard was so knowledgeable about social and political issues, he would carry on intelligent conversations with adults. May God Bless You primo.
Joseph Barrientos
June 3, 2005
Pleasant memories of growing up in Austin during the 70's abound. Some will remain with me forever. I include among them riding my bike to Barton Springs to swim all day long; the smell of pan dulce at La Reyna or Joes' Bakery on Sunday; taking the city bus with my friends to 'horns games at Memorial Stadium; hillside concerts at the Pan Am rec center and the sound of Richard Goodman's comforting voice on the television. Richard Goodman is one of the people who made the Austin I grew up in such a special place.
Robert Reed
June 3, 2005
Richard Goodman represented the last ray of optimism in local politics. He was -- even with his shortcomings -- what many in Austin hoped would be the next generation of leaders. Smart, grounded, semi-hip, and above all, interested in building a better community rather than a political power base. But he felt the ground shifting beneath him and realized that Austin was lost. I salute him for his effort; I share in his families' sadness for his death, but also mourn the loss of the city that he loved.
Pamela Mayo Clark
June 3, 2005
I met Richard in Prof. Dick Elam's campaign management class in the Journalism Dept. at UT in the early 70's. He was already the popular anchor on KVUE-TV's nightly news.
Few people knew that Richard was almost always in pain from rheumatoid arthritis. He tried several diets and health regimens to alleviate the discomfort.
Everyone did know that he adored his daughter, Lisa, and his son, John. I hope they find comfort in their memories of a loving father, passionate crusader for the underdog and all-around good guy.
Connie Thompson
June 3, 2005
I meet Richard and Diana in 1976 before he was running for City Council. He was a wonderful and passionate man. Conversations with Richard made you think about what is important in life. I will always remember him as a person with a heart the size of Texas.
Helen Goodman
June 3, 2005
For many years, Richard was a vital, energizing, and loving force for all who knew him. As his sister-in-law, I feel lucky to have known him and loved him. What a loss that he died without ever realizing his boundless potential. Even so, he touched all who knew him in an unforgettable way.
Raymond Goodman
June 3, 2005
My brother had a heart of gold, and was passionate about everything he did. His life ended earlier than it should have, and my family and I share the grief of his passing.
Eduado Longoria
June 3, 2005
My cousin Richard's spirit lives on in my heart. That spirit was one of love, caring, compassion, and a great sense of humor.
Richard and Barbara Cilley
June 3, 2005
Richard Goodman was a great-hearted champion of underdogs and children. His friends loved him fiercely and will always remember his warmth, his voice, and his humor.
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How to support Richard'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.
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Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
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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.
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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.
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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 Richard Goodman's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
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