Jeff GOODMAN

JEFF GOODMAN
Jeff passed peacefully early in the morning of March 22, 2012 at Toronto East General Hospital with his close family surrounding him. Beloved husband of Mercedes Rothwell, whose cherished partnership never wavered since they first met at the University of Illinois in 1986. Loving and much loved dad to Dylan and Zoe. Dear son of Ron and of Dorene (pre-deceased), and irreplaceable brother to Craig (Diane) and Sandi (Brian) and the closest of uncles for Aren, Linden, Davin and Fair, Son-in- law of David and Mary Rothwell of Milwaukee and close uncle to the whole extended Rothwell family. Dear friend and virtual brother to Alan Cooper (Cheryl), Heather (Gord) and all the Cooper family. Geoffrey James (Jeff) was born on an Easter Sunday morning on April 2, 1961 in Vancouver, BC as the second son of Ron and Dorene. In spite of challenging health issues over the last 3 years, Jeff remained buoyant and clear-sighted and was always the voice of hope and destiny in any room. Jeff loved his work, and his work was all encompassing. Jeff gave us some of the finest glass vessels and cast objects known in Canada and even internationally. He was a proponent for large architectural glass work, a relentless explorer and was always more excited by the process than the product. While Jeff's work was very physically demanding, as it required an athlete's balance and timing, it was his sense of Soul that radiated from his work in frozen motion that exemplified his process. He was constantly innovating, challenging testing and promising. He knew what he loved, and he never wavered from that goal, to launch the perfect moment, the perfect balance of spontaneous idea with emerging form and resolution. Jeff spoke this urgent language of form, beyond words, that only appears in the most intuitive artists. Beyond Jeff's skills as an artist, he was even more skilled with his ability to collaborate and mentor others. His studio family was a hive of purpose and creativity, supported implicitly by his core team. Sylvia Lee maintains all aspects of Jeff's business world and achieves a calm and productive environment, with support by David, Aidan and many others. This core of productive stability allowed Jeff the maximum of freedom to truly enjoy his work. Many others such as Blaise would pass through this magnetic hot-bed of innovation, as a constant support to Jeff in his larger projects.This journey started for Jeff at a very young age, with his love for boats and the water. He had a passion for fishing, for the chase of the coho and spring salmon on the west coast saltchuck, and he demonstrated his intuitive skills before he was 10 years old. He shared many hours on the water, particularly with his brother and Dad, where words were few, but actions were effective and economic. Each endeavour Jeff pursued became his own. He surprised many with his near mastering of the art of golf before he finished high school, and always could find time to walk the rounds. He was a Canadian champion and founding member at the Kingsway Platform Tennis Association, even at the original court in the Fergusson family backyard. He loved hockey, baseball, tennis and particularly squash and could participate at a gracefully high level in any sport. Early signs of his keen interest for a life in the arts were spawned through the quiet admiration for his close cousin, mentor and sculptor, Greg Stephenson of Gabriola Island, BC. While he became one of Canada's most significant glass artists, he arrived at his profession nearly by accident when he met Dan Crichton at Sheridan College in 1981. Dan could see the talent and gently adjusted Jeff's focus from woodworking to glass. Jeff's bonds to Sheridan and Dan were perpetual from then even after he moved on to earn a BFA from the University of Illinois. He continued as a Sheridan faculty member from 1987 to 1994. Jeff would hire and mentor many of the graduates at his own studio, which he opened in 1989. The Harbourfront Centre also figured hugely in Jeff's career, offering him his first studio home, and forging lasting relationships that continued throughout his life as he volunteered on Boards, and maintained a keen supporting interest. Even with all his leading and innovative work, it was Jeff's core as a loving and attentive father and husband where he truly excelled. Family was Jeff's mantra, and he drew strength from his beautiful two children and wife. While the last months were physically difficult, it was the bond of love in the Goodman household that gave Jeff his will to overcome. His art and his family were entwined through his thoughtful and compassionate actions. He would often be seen with Dylan or Zoe early in the morning doing the coffee run, or simply playing in the park along the Beach boardwalk. Jeff and Mercedes had a quiet and peaceful power as a couple, each sharing the other's wonderful creative careers and family moments. Very special thank you to Dr. Peter Satok who matched Jeff's spirit with perfection and constantly drew Jeff beyond any sense of limitation, to 'the Super 7', Glenda Rissman and the 'Coffee Klatch' for continuing such enduring support to Mercedes and family and also to the special nursing team at the TEGH Oncology unit. No funeral service is planned, but a family celebration of Jeff's life and achievements will be held at 7:00pm on April 3, 2012 at The Centre for Creative Learning at Crescent School (2365 Bayview Avenue). A brief programme will precede an open house until 9:00pm. A second event, located and sponsored by the Harbourfront Centre is planned for April 17, 2012 at 6:00pm. All are welcome to either gathering. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to show their support in memory of Jeff are asked to consider the Toronto Harbourfront Centre (call Reta Robinson, Senior Development Officer, Individual Giving, 416-954-9912). or the Max and Beatrice Wolfe Children's Centre (www.tlcpc.org) or www.gildasclubtoronto.org .