William Merritt Goodyear

Dear Goodyear family - You did good. Bill was a very very nice person. He will be greatly missed by very many people. I only had the pleasure of meeting and talking with Bill once or twice while I served him a beer at a local Weaverville watering hole. Had no clue who he was or what he did. The thing I remember the most about Bill is what a SINCERE and quick witted person he was. Definitely a person anyone would want to get to know better. Only the good die young. Darn - It will...

I always treasured the little time I spent talking with Bill. The more questions you asked, the more questions you had. He made you think, long after the conversation was over.

I missed him when he left Red Bluff, his corner of the world will always miss him.

Dear Goodyear Family, Although we don't know each other, I knew your Bill. He gave me my freedom, I will never forget him and he is always in my heart. May God Bless and Keep you in your time of sorrow.

Dear Gail and Family -

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. While I had not seen Bill in many years, I have many fond memories of the times we spent together. Bill's quick wit and easy smile had a lasting impact on us all.

My deepest sympathy goes out to the Goodyear family in the recent passing of Bill.
Bill and I first met when we were 5 years old, growing up in a neighborhood that was predominately boys must have been challenging for our parents and I'm sure it became more challanging as we grew up as young men. Anyway, we had lots of fun and good times, not only during our childhood but during our adult lives as well. Growing up, Bill was a lot smarter than most of the guys, in fact, he was smarter...

I came to work for Bill at the Daily News in March of 1993, and it's a wonder our paths ever crossed. Because of circumstances beyond my control (most notably a genetic mutation that causes ALL male members of my family to have zero sense of direction while behind a steering wheel) I showed up nearly an hour late for my job interview, with egg and other assorted food products on my face. I got my first taste of Bill's famous sarcastic wit during our introduction when he, smiling, extended a...

I met Bill at a conference in Fort Smith, Ark. when we were both editors in the Donrey chain, he at Red Bluff and me at Hemet.
He was part of the company's veteran corps of editors and I was one of the younger ones.
He was quick with words of wisdom and always made me laugh.
I was saddened to read of his passing in the CNPA bulletin.
My condolences to his family.

This world isn't going to be nearly as interesting with Bill gone. I learned just about everything important I ever learned in journalism working for Bill from 1988 through 1994. I wouldn't be the journalist I am today -- I wouldn't be the person I am today -- if it wasn't for Bill.

Which compels me to share my favorite Bill story.

It was the first time we met. It was 1988, on one of those obscenely hot late July days, and I was begging for a job. I'd put out about 125 resumes...

My sincere condolences go out to Bill's family. As one of many touched by Bill over the years, I have been reflecting on how much he contributed to and shaped so many, including me, with his friendship.

As many friends and family members have shared in different ways after his passing, with different stories and personal reflections, Bill was personally engaging, presented an infectious smile with every greeting, and took life by the horns. He was clearly passionate about all that he...