Lucas-Goodhand-Obituary

Lucas Cole Hawk Ellingson Goodhand

Fairbanks, Alaska

1981 – 2000

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Fairbanks, Alaska

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"To reach the port of heaven we must sail,
sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it
– but we must sail, not drift or lie at anchor."

Oliver Wendell Holmes


Lucas Cole Hawk Ellingson Goodhand was born in the middle of an Alaskan winter in Fairbanks on December 26, 1981. He grew from a precocious child into an inspiring young man over the past 18 years. Amidst the boreal forest of Alaska, he grew up in a home he loved, with his parents and brothers, numerous dogs and cats, and a variety of books. He attended West Valley High School and graduated with the class of 2000 in May.

He was active in everything, it seemed. He received awards and recognition for his work in drama, sciences, and public speaking. He was voted Homecoming King/Prince and Prom King by his peers several times. He loved performing in plays and was a lead actor in almost all of them over his 4 years at West. He took first place in the Regional DDF Meet during his senior year in two categories: Extemporaneous Commentary Speaking and Lincoln Douglas Debate. He received a first place at the 1999 Alaska Science and Engineering Fair from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers for his work on Mass Drivers, a project designed for future space travel and living. This past spring, one of his poems was chosen to be published in the American Literacy Council Poetry Anthology. He continually surprised his family and friends with his incredible depth.

Cole was a humble person when it came to his realization of how he touched others. He felt very strongly about his relationships with friends and family and his concern for the freedoms and rights of people. He was extremely patriotic and was admired by those who knew him for the strength of his convictions. He cared deeply about the world.

Cole spent the past nine summers living in Valdez with his family, working in their seasonal charter business. He grew to love Valdez, where he made innumerable friends, who also greatly influenced him. He became an avid snowboarder and could be found tearing down a snowy mountainside in his spare moments every winter. He loved Alaskan winters, his favorite season.

Cole lived life to the fullest and was a wonderful son and brother. He was exceptionally caring and kind. He had high confidence in his abilities to make his way in the world and had many plans for his future. He received several scholarships for colleges this fall, but decided to wait for a year, so he could travel and "perfect his Spanish." He hoped to be a writer.

He died unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 8, 2000, in a car accident in Thompson Pass, returning from the birthday party of a friend. The grief of his passing is immeasurable.

He is survived by his mother and father, Karyn Ellingson and John Goodhand; his brothers, Talon Goodhand and Tommy Settle; his grandmother, Marie Ellingson; his grandfather, C.R. Goodhand; many dear uncles, aunts, cousins, and a beloved niece and new nephew.

Guest Book

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Dearest Cole, Spring is finally upon us. Buds, although tiny, are finally showing up. Your winter season has almost passed
it’s pretty tough for us right now. We are older now, you’d be what- ? 41 !? My precious child, we mourn you still. We see eagles and ravens circling, friends of yours with children growing, all carrying on and still loving you. I can only pray to God that you will be awaiting us. In the big scheme of things, I have so many wishes.
Your little niece Isabella...

Thinking of you, dear Cole, and all the magic you spread in our world... <3 You are often in our hearts and thoughts, even 23 years later, and I am thankful your beautiful soul was my dear friend. :´) We miss you! I know you would have done such giant amazing things as you got older and more experienced in adulthood! Sending huge hugs to you in Heaven and wherever your spirit is on its endless journey!! <3 <3 Peace and love, brother...

The most profound thing I have ever witnessed in my life was the eagle landing at your service. Until we meet again.......

Dear Son, Yesterday it was your brother Talon's birthday. He was 40. How in the world could that be? Well, Honey, you would've been next... now you have been gone longer than the years your feet were planted on Earth. This planet was better for it. Pop and I still talk of you daily. Our home remains your home, you have a presence in it all, every wall, every space, every raven that wings its way over our place in the valley. We mourn you still. And yet, when we speak of you with Talon's young...

Well, dear Son, here I am again. I haven't been here for awhile. I think of you everyday. Every Day. Just sent an old picture out to your brothers the other day, of the 5 of us and Cyndee, together, happy. You were probably about 14 - you had the sappy floppy haircut that you liked for that couple years, middle school, I think. Cyndee posted it on Facebook, so now it is out there, floating around for all to see. Pop and I are visiting Uncle Joe, helping him out. Talon is having a tough time....

Cole, in the grand scheme of things we didn't know each other long, but occasionally I can't help but think about you. Miss you buddy, can't wait to give you a high five and a hug. Thanks for everything

For some reason I was thinking of Cole today, perhaps because it is August again. I searched for his name to see if I could find a picture and found this site. I didn't know him very long, but he had a positive impact on my life. 15 years and I still feel the loss.

You're on my mind lately, well always, but more so lately. I miss you, I miss our talks, our hikes, our silent visits, our time... I still feel like I can just call you and we'll chat for hours. 15 years, in just a few short months it will be 15 years since you were taken from us. I thank God for the time we had and the blessing of having you in my life. We are all truly better people for having met you.

I've been seeing a lot of hawks lately... I miss you Cole, love you.

I hadn't really intended to write at this moment. I was just peeking in on you. Seeing if you left me a message, a thought, a moment. So, how do I turn away without saying hello? I can't. I'll never turn away from a chance to say hello. Hello. I wish I could hear it echo back... hello.... hello.... hello.... always eternal hello... Mom