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Greg Goossen
1945 - 2011
Greg Goossen
1945 - 2011
Obituary
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BORN
1945
DIED
2011
Greg Goossen Obituary
His brother, Michael, said Monday that one of Goossen's daughters found him dead Saturday at his Sherman Oaks home after he did not show up for a photo session related to his induction into his high school's Hall of Fame.
He said the cause of his death has not yet been determined, but it appeared he suffered a heart attack.
"He was a very good man. Very loyal and very family oriented," he said.
Born on Dec. 14, 1945, in Los Angeles, Goossen was the fourth in a family of eight brothers and two sisters. He was a standout football and basketball player at Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, where he graduated in 1964.
The Dodgers drafted the 18-year-old catcher, signing him for a six-figure bonus and sending him to spring training with two future Hall of Famers, Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale. A year later, Mets Manager Casey Stengel picked him up on a waiver from the Dodgers.
Goossen also played for the Seattle Pilots, Milwaukee Brewers and Washington Senators before his baseball career ended in 1970.
He later worked as a private detective and helped his brother, Joe, as a boxing trainer, working with Michael Nunn and Gabriel and Rafael Ruelas, brothers who became featherweight and lightweight champions in the 1990s.
Through boxing, he met Gene Hackman and later served as the actor's stand-in in more than a dozen movies. He also played minor characters in many of those films.
Goossen, who was divorced, was survived by his nine siblings and three daughters: Erin Hyder, Tracey Woodside and Kimberly Goossen.
A memorial service was planned for March 10 at Saint Francis de Sales Church in Sherman Oaks.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
40 Entries
michael gordon
February 27, 2025
became very good friends with greg thru baseball and joe. both great guys. don´t forget the point after. great times LOVE TO GREG AND HIS BROTHET JOE BOXING TRAINER AND COMMENTATOR
Dennis FitzGerald
December 12, 2011
A life well lived Greg! I met Greg on the set of "The Firm" in Memphis. My film career was just starting and he was great about taking me under his wing and showing me the ropes. I doubled Tom and he Gene and as a former baseball player myself we had a lot to talk about as well as work closely together. He had me down to "Ten Goose" for a few workouts too. I just brought his name up and I received this sad news. It was a privilege to know him.
September 16, 2011
Greg, you were one of the most colorful men I've known & you will be missed.
Bless your heart - Sal
April 14, 2011
so sad R.I.P Mr. Goossen
How you can show support
Bob & Joanne
April 14, 2011
Condolences to the Goosen Family*
Kimberly Goossen
April 6, 2011
Thank you for those nice things you said about my dad. He was and still is a great man. God truly does take, the good ones.
Mike Edwards
March 31, 2011
I played baseball with Greg at Notre Dame High School. Upon graduation I signed with the SF Giants. I wasn't nearly the ball player and athelete that Greg was. We both played in the Rookie League in Idaho that first year of pro ball.
Greg was a true and dear friend. It's been many years and it wasn't until I tried to find him today that I am shocked and saddened to read that he is no longer with us. I firmly believe that he is now in the arms of Jesus.
My heart goes out to Greg's family, his children, grand kids and friends. I was privileged to be Greg's friend and team mate.
March 18, 2011
I graduated ND in '66. I got to know Danny pretty well as classmate. I remember watching Greg play football at Notre Dame and was amazed at how hard this kid could play. I was saddened to hear of his sudden passing the day he was to be inducted into the ND HOF. Rest in Peace Greg.
Thanks for all of the memories. Glenn Cooper ESPN Los Angeles
March 13, 2011
he had me by the hair like a rag doll playing roller hockey and did not smash me for that im am grateful
Bob Wilhelm
March 13, 2011
My sympathies and prayers go out to the entire Goossen family. The Goossens were our neighbors and friends when we lived on Greenbush in Sherman Oaks. We have fond memories of Greg and the incredible Goossen family
Brandon Hammel
March 11, 2011
Greg goosen was my grandpa.We just attended his funeral yesterday evening. I will miss my grandpa Greg
Bob Case
March 10, 2011
I first met Greg Goosen in 1963 when he was catching my friend John Herbst at Notre Dame high school.
I always admired Greg for his combined toughness and gentleness. He was one of the most beautiful souls that I ]'ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. I loved Greg Goosen
Love and prayers to the family.
Bob Case Vice President International Boxing Association
Sarah Greenwood
March 8, 2011
I'm going to miss my cousin Greg who i have only seen a few time when i was little, but i know he is in a better place now and my condolences go out to my cousins who lost a good man. I love you cousin Greg!
Charlie Kistner
March 7, 2011
My Condolences to all the Goossen Family. I always thought of Greg was the gentle giant in the Ten Goose clan- a group of really nice people.
John B Lombardo
March 7, 2011
My condolences. I met Greg when he played in Auburn NY for Clyed McCullough. I was 14 years old and he gave me some great tips on how to handle the mitt. I remember our meetings and valued the time we spent together. I am sorry to hear of his passing. John B Lombardo, Auburn NY
Maureen(Muffy) Murphy Jenkins
March 7, 2011
I knew Greg when my brother, Billy, and I were children, neighbors on Allott Avenue. He and Billy played while Ellorie and I played. The Goossen family were role models of happy family life for the entire neighborhood. Love and prayers for all the family for this sad loss. Maureen (Muffy) Murphy Jenkins
Bill Murphy
March 7, 2011
I'm going to miss you, Neighbor. Followed your baseball career with great satisfaction that I'd known you when we vexed Madame St. Kenneth together. My condolences to your family.
March 7, 2011
Greg left us gifts in the form of memories that no one can take away, wisdom that we can still recall. These are the things that we shall cherish forever. May the Goossen family continue to look to Almighty God for comfort during this difficult time. Because God is a refuge and strength, a help that is readily to be found during distresses.
Rick Lindland
March 6, 2011
I trained with Greg as an amateur boxer from 1992-2002. He remained an important figure in my life. He was both my mentor and close friend. He will be greatly missed.
c Forbes
March 5, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the family of Greg Goossen. When he was in Jackson,Ms. as the stand-in for Gene Hackman(Mississippi Burning) we were able to get him to sign his baseball card that we found at a local card shop.
annmarie blanc
March 4, 2011
Greg Goossen was a great man & a role model. A life taken too soon. My condolences to Greg's family. Remember he is watching from above. God Bless. Annmarie (Westbury, NY)
Victoria&Andreas VZj
March 3, 2011
'Holding down a
star salute'
Within the
Heavens Spark
of eternal light
GodBless you "GREG" rip~
Marlene Buccione
March 3, 2011
I had the opportunity to watch Greg play ball, what a tremendous and gifted man. My condolences to Greg's family and loved one. God Bless
Charles Kapner
March 3, 2011
I had the priviledge of spending time with Greg when we were both on a Ball Four panel in Burbank last September, as well as at the Seattle Pilots reunion the year before. Greg was a humble, down-to-earth gentleman; a master storyteller, and a humorist. He was easy to make friends with because he was such a good person. My condolences go out to Greg's family. Be thankful for all of your great memories of Greg...his time on earth was not nearly long enough, but it was lived with passion and purpose.
Kimberly Goossen
March 3, 2011
To the best daddy a girl could ever wish for! We will love and miss you every minute of everyday, until we are all together again.... We love you... Your beautiful babies, Erin, Kimberly and Tracey.
Smith family
March 2, 2011
A life well lived. Rest in peace Greg.
Karen Guernsey
March 2, 2011
I was a good friend of Greg"s when I was 23 and he was 30.. In fact Theresa Lieberman and I were just talking about visiting Greg when, while I put her on a plane to Seattle and we heard the news. Life has a way of just passing us by so quickly..We all ment well in reconnecting but, family, jobs ,& even distance kept us all apart..
Ok memories...so many late night rendezvous & so much fun at Theres's house, Greg taking me to dinner at 10:00 at his favorite restaurant ( Embers), going over to Danny's house, swimming at Elerie's, watching family running in and out day and night, Greg forever going over football plays till two or three in the morning...OMG Notre Dame you were so lucky to have him as your football coach! He was devoted. I could go on and on but I would like to close with my most precious memory..
Greg had a side that few new besides his family and good friends.He was one of the most LOYAL, devoted, trustworthy, and generous man I have ever known. I was only 23 and can remember vividly Greg talking about his "beautiful babies" Erin ,Kimberley ,& Tracie..OMG you guys were his life and he loved you so much!!! Im going to cherish my memories and never forget "Greg Goossen" .My heart goes out to all of you..
Karen Guernsey
March 2, 2011
My heartfelt condolences to Greg's family and loved ones. Please take comfort in knowing that he's in our Heavenly Father's memory and that brings a wonderful hope for something better in the near future.
Susan Chapkis Herzog
March 2, 2011
One of my fond memories as a child was spending the Fourth of July with my cousin, Greg and his siblings, when I was about ten (Greg was about fifteen). I remember feeling dazzled by Greg's abilities at basketball that day and charmed by his infectious sense of humor. I've enjoyed following Greg's many successes throughout the years and send much love and deep condolences to all of my cousins.
March 2, 2011
We are sorry for your loss, we know that losing someone in death is hard, but the Bible tell us that our loved ones will be remembered by God, and come forth from the grave. Please be comforted by this thought.
~N.C.~
Sister Dorothy,rshm
March 2, 2011
My sympathy and prayers for the Goossen family during these difficult days. May the knowledge that Gregg is now enjoying the company of his Maker and loved ones console you. God and Our Lady's blessings on Gregg and the Goossen families.
Love, Sister Dorothy,rshm {Madame Anthony, rshm St. Frances de Sales School}.
Frank DeCastris
March 2, 2011
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
March 2, 2011
To The Goosen,
As an exceptional Professional athlete,Greg was not only my friend,but an exceptional friend,whom ever would watch him play.Greg you will be certainly missed,the great person you always were on the field,as well as off of the playing field,happy go lucky smile,that I will always remember.The Big "E" and the entire Riebman family send our deepest condolences to all of you in your time of need.
May God Bless all of you,knowing Greg is with Gods Angels,guiding him to everlasting Peace,and being more then welcome in heaven,with all of his loved ones passed.Good bye my friend,a player that I had always admired,and truely loved to watch.
All of our Very Best to The Goosens,
Elliot Riebman and Wife Geraldine Riebman
The Original "BIG" "E" "NO FAME JUST A NAME"
Former Owners:Coatesville Scrap Iron and Metal Company Inc.
Coatesville,Pa.
Rob Hunter
March 2, 2011
Greg was a family man which meant more than any of his other feats. God bless his family and friends during this time of grief.
Bruce Rothschild
March 1, 2011
I was lucky enough to have met Greg & the entire Goosen Family in 1975, what an incredible family...so loving and so loyal to their entire family and friends. You could only hope to have the success in life and family as the Goosen's. I will miss Greg's great laugh and his love of live...We were all so luck to know Greg Goosen...Miss you Bro
March 1, 2011
To the family of Greg Goossen, you have my deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved one. May the God of all comfort strengthen you at this time of grief and sorrow. (Erma L. Davis, Park Forest, IL.)
T. W
March 1, 2011
May the family and friends of Mr.Goosen find comfort in the knowing God feels your pain and he will help you through your loss. He is the "God of all comfort". (1 Cor.1:3,4)"
R Golay
March 1, 2011
To the the family of Greg Goossen - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that Greg will be missed by many.
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