George Goodwin Obituary

AMHERST – George Goodwin died peacefully at the Fisher Home in Amherst on October 20th.

George was born June 29, 1921 in East Hartford, Connecticut, and educated in East Hartford public schools, with a post-graduate year at Deerfield Academy. After earning a BA in political science from Williams College in 1943, he served in the Air Force in the southwest Pacific from 1943-46.

Following the war, George pursued  graduate studies at Harvard (earning his PhD in 1955) and began a teaching career at UMass Amherst where he helped create a political science department. From the beginning he was deeply committed to undergraduate teaching and mentorship. One student group published in 1956 a humorous guidebook for their peers entitled "150 Words of Goodwinism," in homage to George's quirky use of language.  

In addition to being a "steady force in the University's initial rise to prominence" during its rapid expansion in the 1950s, George devoted time and skills to the town of Amherst, serving as a member of the Planning Board and Town Meeting, and chair of the committee that wrote the Town Manager Act.

He married Ellen Safford in 1951 after what he always referred to as  a "nine-year whirlwind courtship." Their Lincoln Avenue home became a hub of activity for their five children and the neighborhood.

The Goodwins left Amherst for Rhode Island in 1962. After three years as chair of the URI political science department, George was lured to Boston by the opportunity to be on the ground floor of something he found "rather exciting" as UMass sought to create "a liberal arts college with considerable diversity in the student body, with small classes, and a good deal of student-faculty contact." In Boston he found particularly stimulating the all–commuter student body and the "terribly demanding" work of building a University from scratch. Close proximity the Massachusetts State House offered many unique educational opportunities for students as well. He became known as the "Mr. Chips" of the UMass Boston community for his commitment to the well-being and success of his students.

As in Amherst, the Goodwin's large West Newton home was the site of many events and doings for neighborhood kids and for groups connected to Newton's Second Congregational Church.

As retirement approached, George was honored with the first UMass Boston Chancellor's Medal. In 1985 he was one of the rare UMass faculty to be granted an honorary degree by that institution.

George and Ellen returned to Amherst in 1986 where their famously warm welcome emanated from homes on Lincoln Ave., Strong St., and finally Applewood. George often quoted a neighbor who insisted you "kiss leisure goodbye" when you retire. Among the organizations he served in retirement were the Zoning Board of Appeals, Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity, Friends of the Jones Library, vestry of Grace Church, Master Gardeners Association of Western Massachusetts, and Five-College Learning-in-Retirement. He was awarded the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce Millicent Kaufman Distinguished Service Award in 2000.

He is survived by children Alice & Ross Goodwin-Brown of Amherst, Emily Goodwin of Leyden, Maida??????? Goodwin of Northfield, Putnam and Kathy Goodwin-Boyd of Florence, and William Goodwin of Weston, VT, as well as grandchildren Hannah and Vera Goodwin-Brown; Laura Fabricant; and Sam, Zachary, and Grace Goodwin-Boyd.

A service will be held on November 3 at 11 a.m. at Grace Episcopal Church in Amherst.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be sent to the Friends of the Jones Library or the George Goodwin, Jr. Scholarship Fund at UMass.

Published by Daily Hampshire Gazette on Oct. 25, 2018.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for George Goodwin

Not sure what to say?





3 Entries

So sorry for your loss. Take time to grieve and find comfort in knowing that God is near to all those calling on him. Psalm 145:18

October 29, 2018

George was a shining light in the community and a good egg. He will be missed. Thank Heaven he and Ellen found each other
and had a family. You all will carry the light.

Kay Lyons

October 25, 2018

Although I first made GG's acquaintance when he returned to Amherst in 1986, I join in saluting a great teacher, citizen, and neighbor. He was truly a scholar and a gentleman. If there is a heaven, George will soon volunteer to make it run better!

Eric Einhorn

October 25, 2018

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in George Goodwin's name

Memorial Events
for George Goodwin

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support George's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished 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
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

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 more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
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 more
Ways to honor George Goodwin's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

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