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Dennis Goff Obituary
A gathering will be held at 5:30 p.m. today at his home in Hawaii. A second celebration will be at 10 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 21, at the University of Alaska Anchorage's recital hall in Anchorage. His ashes will be divided among his favorite beach, the Chugach Mountains and his family's hometown in Ohio.
Born Aug. 19, 1951, in Toledo, Ohio, he graduated from East Anchorage High School in 1969, and taught voice and English in the Anchorage School District until his retirement in 1994.
After retirement, Dennis continued to tutor students in his home and advocated for their success in the music profession. His was a familiar face at many musical venues throughout the city.
He was a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), Anchorage Community Chorus, Alaska Chamber Singers, Anchorage Festival of Music, Trattoria Singers, Anchorage Opera, Camarato Otto and Waikoloa Outdoor Circle.
One of Dennis's favorite excursions was sharing with friends the beauty of Denali National Park. Another special recreation spot was the Chugach Mountains. It was his desire to move to a sunny climate. That goal was met when he recently relocated to the Big Island of Hawaii.
Warm and good-natured, Dennis was a reliable friend whose sunny smile and quirky humor endeared him to those of us who knew him best. Though he is gone too quickly, he enjoyed every day, especially the last few months in his Hawaiian paradise. The space he left cannot be filled. He cared deeply about us, and has a permanent place in our hearts, where he will always make music.
He was predeceased by his parents, Harvey and Violet (Lemon) Goff, who lived in Port Clinton, Ohio.
Surviving family members include his life partner, Sheldon Meier of Waikoloa Village, Hawaii; his sister, Marsha (James) Elsen and niece Becky Elsen of Croton, Ohio; nephews, Jimmy Elsen of Anderson, Ind., and Scott Elsen of Bay City, Mich.; and many close friends in Anchorage.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in Dennis' memory may be sent to the National Association of Teachers of Singing, Alaska Chapter Student Scholarship fund, 9050 Basher Drive, Anchorage 99507 or to a charity of the donor's choosing.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Goff
Sponsored by Maggie and Hannah Strobbe. Dennis we loved you forever....
Mary M in Alaska
November 6, 2024
I miss Dennis his friendship his smile and laughter! He was a great friend.
Lou Jenks
November 7, 2020
We miss you deeply and think of you every time we are at the cabin. Part of you is there at the tree that you and Sheldon planted. The tree gets bigger every year. You will always be in our heart.
Meier Sheldon
November 6, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. Can’t believe it’s been 10 years, Sheldon
Mary Masters
November 6, 2020
We miss you so much! Your friendship and your smile and laughter. I think of you both may the memories help you through this hard time.
Lou Jenks
November 7, 2019
We miss you deeply especially every time we go out to the cabin and the hours you would play cribbage with Evelyn. We love you always.
Mary Masters
November 6, 2019
Dennis was an amazing friend. I miss his smile and laughter and seeing him working away in his yard every day. I cherish the memories.
Merri Richardson
April 14, 2012
Dennis was my favorite teacher! And I didn't even go to school to see him. I unfortunately did not hear about his passing till much later. He was a huge mentor in my life. I miss our lessons down in his studio. He was so much to sing with and be around. My prayers are with his family.
candace (waldron)brown
April 2, 2012
I was a student of Mr. Goff's from 7th grade to my senior year. He was always my favorite teacher. I remember we used to sing together in the choir room. I will miss him very much and hope to see him again.on the other side.
Carol Lindsay
February 19, 2012
I remember Dennis very well, and I am SO SORRY he is gone! He taught my older brother to fish when he was in the third grade. At the time he was a pudgy little kid, with an infectious giggle!
We met again when I was still in high school. I went to Port Clinton with my parents to visit Harvey and Violet, and I was gloomy and bored, as only a depressed teenager can be! Dennis offered me a tour of the town, and we went zipping off in a little Datsun car. I was not a verbal communicator, but there wasn'y any reason for me to talk, as Dennis kept up a stream of narrative! I even have a vague memory of stopping to throw away the trash from inside that car! Dennis was a couple of years older than me, so he must have been home from college, and he gave me hope that there was life after high school, and that my life would be better some day. Thank you, Dennis Goff, for taking the time to be kind to an ugly high school girl. I hope you are loving the view from heaven.
Caleb Dennis
January 28, 2012
I can't tell you the loss that I feel when I think of Mr. Goff. I feel that I would not have discovered my love for music if he had not pushed me to sing. I owe him for that and wished that I could have told him. Thank you Mr. Goff for the encouragement, and support that you have provided and know that because of you the world is a better place.
sheldon Meier
August 22, 2011
It was Dennis' birthday on Aug. 19th. To all that remembered him on that day- Thank you.
Jacquie Hatton
August 21, 2011
Mr. Goff is the only teacher I remember from my junior high years...i love singing, but don't have a good voice...his encouragement made a huge impact on me and me love for music. So sad to hear of his passing...please know you touched many young people's lives...be easy and peace.
Shannon Sanderson
August 15, 2011
What a wonderful collection of memories returned upon running across this obit. Mr. Goff was an awesome choir teacher and an amazing support while I was in High school at Bartlett. He gave me hope that I still had a future when I thought all was lost as a pregnant teen. My child, born the last year of school spent many of her first few months in his classroom surrounded by the singing students and it warms my heart to recall how willingly he took us all under wing!
Michael Schilmoeller
April 16, 2011
I played french horn with Dennis several years at East Anchorage High School. He was kind, generous, and very bright. He seemed to understand the wisdom of following your dreams and destiny earlier than most of us. I smile when I read Dennis' style described as quirky. I understand and enjoyed that in him. He always impressed me as being very strong and authentic. It has been perhaps thirty years since I've spoken with Dennis, but I am still very moved by his passing. That's the kind of guy he was. My condolences to his partner, family, and other friends.
Phil Richardson
April 5, 2011
I first met Dennis at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. He and I were in the Choir of the North. I think he also played the french horn. He was definitely a perfectionist and there was some conflict there. He was a great guy. It is so tough to finally reconnect in this medium. You were the best Dennis.
Colleen Patrick-Riley
January 8, 2011
I have known Dennis since high school when I was a student at West and he from rival East High, and we both performed in the combined high school musical production of Oklahoma in 1968. We next met when he was recommended as a voice teacher for our son Josh (now 26) in 1998. He taught Josh from ‘98-‘03, superbly helping him develop both his voice and his confidence. So much so that Josh performed in West High musicals, gave a grand recital at the Wilda Marston Theater arranged by Dennis, and then went on to graduate in voice and theater at the University of Miami. Dennis also taught our son Zach (now 23) from ‘02-‘05. Zach too had fun performing in West musicals and then took voice at Lawrence University just for the pleasure of singing. Both continue to love music and sing to this day, a testament to their teacher. Dennis patiently encouraged me to try singing again before his move to Hawaii. With a few pointers I was able to sing at a class reunion last summer and have fun doing it.
That's part of what I remember about Dennis. Not just his teaching, friendship and great gardening talent, but also his capacity to have FUN, sense of humor, genuine compassion and interest in others, ability to inspire and bring out the best in each of us, his zest for life, and his ready smile. Not to mention his glorious singing voice. He brought light into the world and gave so much of himself. He enriched the lives of his students, friends and family. What a big big loss.
I am glad that Dennis and Sheldon were able to move to Hawaii and play and savor each day. I remember well what grand organizational skills the two of you brought to the job of packing and getting ready for the move, and the eagerness you had for the next phase in your lives. I regret that we will not be able to visit Dennis in Hawaii in 2011 as we had planned. I am sorry Sheldon that you have lost your life partner and best friend. I am sorry for Marsha and her family in their loss of a brother, uncle and friend.
Thank you Sheldon for sharing Dennis with all of us. Thank you Dennis for what you taught Josh and Zach. I hope you can play and sing with angels now.
Kent Patrick-Riley
December 29, 2010
Echoing what many others have said, Dennis was indeed a life changer. For 4 years he provided wisdom and bottomless encouragement to my high school sons through their weekly voice lessons. He adroitly helped them begin to realize the music in their voices. What wonderful teacher and person. We will sorely miss him.
Dennis and Sheldon in Hawaii
Ruth Mathes
December 25, 2010
Marsha Elsen
December 22, 2010
To the Anchorage community from Marsha, Jim, Becky, Jim Jr., Scott
My brother lived his life to the fullest. Did what he wanted,
Thanks to a successful career in Alaska Dennis was able to accomplish his goals. Many would envy the quality of life he had up there. He is leaving behind many former students of whom he felt very proud. To his niece Becky he was a special guy who always made her feel at ease and was fun to joke with and talk to. My boys are thankful that Dennis was able to spend quality care time with their grandmother, Violet- (who many of you have met.) she was able to spend 6 years at home with him in Anchorage before passing away with Alzheimer’s disease. He finally met his goal of living on Hawai’i. His time there was short there but he had made fast friends who said they felt like they knew him a long time and he was a good addition to the village. He lives on in the hearts of his students and we thank you all for that. May God Bless you, Marsha & Jim Elsen
Beverlly Brand
December 22, 2010
Michael -Please share my story about Dennis who carried 60-70lb water containers across the gnarly a'a (lava). We are trying to save the endangered Willi-willi from extinction from wild goats, drought, and brush fire. He had to scale the 6-foot fence as I forgot the key for the gate. A lot of plants would have died, or I would have, without his help.
Dennis's spirit lives on in one of the little Willi willi trees I gave him to plant and care for. What could be more fitting? I love it. Beverly Brand, Waikoloa Outdoor Circle.
Elizabeth Eldridge
December 17, 2010
I'm still reeling from learning about Dennis's passing away today. He was my voice teacher for more than ten years, and taught me up until he moved to Hawaii a couple of months ago. We shared a passion for gardening and often swapped plant tips after lessons.He was a funny, generous, and wonderful guy who I will miss dearly. Sheldon, I am so sorry for what you have lost. To Dennis, my teacher and friend: Rest gently.
Mary Masters
December 14, 2010
Sheldon, We are so glad that you allowed us to say are goodbyes to Dennis . That would not of been possible without your caring heart we are so grateful for all you did. It's just not the same without you guys next door. We really miss you! Take care of yourself and hope you will keep in touch. Mary and Doug
Lorrie Jordheim
December 13, 2010
Sheldon,
It was great to see you again, albeit at Dennis' memorial. It is all still too surreal and sad for words. Since you two left our neighborhood we have lost the sense that someone is "taking care of us." Dennis will be especially missed for his ready smile and joyful personality. He was ever-present with his quick wit, laughter, and caring heart. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Take care, my friend.
Fond regards,
Lorrie
Dennis goes wild painting Brenda's cabin
Wayne Toups
November 26, 2010
Dennis and Sheldon hunting fossils
Wayne Toups
November 26, 2010
Sheldon & Dennis in Hawaii
November 26, 2010
Sheldon & Dennis at Anchorage farewell party
November 26, 2010
Dennis relaxing at Trapper Lake
November 26, 2010
co-pilot Dennis on our flight to Fairbanks, Ak
November 26, 2010
Enjoying snacks with friends
November 26, 2010
Den and Sheldon putting together a whirleygig
November 26, 2010
Den & Sheldon on a day hike
November 26, 2010
Lou Jenks & Evelyn Miller
November 26, 2010
We loved the time we spent with Dennis. His laugh was contagious and he always had a smile. We had great trips with Dennis and his life partner, to the Trapper Lake cabin in the summer and winter. It seemed like, during half of our trips, we run into weather situations that caused us delays of getting back to town, like when we flew to Fairbanks, and a summer flight out to the cabin...weather, weather, weather.
Dennis, you are going to be deeply missed.
Shani Pritchard
November 24, 2010
Mr. Goff was truly an inspiration to me in choir. He always had a smile on his face, even when he had a cold. He taught me to have confidence in myself and that I can do and be what ever I want. You are truly loved and missed.
Jon Johnson
November 22, 2010
Mr. Goff as a student of yours I will never forget that contagious smile you wore everyday even when things were tough. I think all of your choir students have a lasting memory of you. You have provided a song for me to sing everyday.
Joanna (Wilson) Blanchard
November 20, 2010
Mr. Goff inspired and taught so many of us. I still remember things he taught me when I sing and music he opened my mind to. I can still sing my "parts" to so many of our choir, musical, and Bear-A-Tone songs! He was a great supporter of the arts at BHS and of so many kids who found their place to belong --The Choir Room.
Leanne McClurg Cambric
November 20, 2010
When I was in the 6th grade the Bear-A-Tones came to my school and preformed. I decided then that I wanted to go to Bartlett High School just so I could be a Bear-A-Tone. Becoming a Bear-A-Tone and being Mr. Goff's student was truly a blessing in my life. As a teacher I believe you teach as you were taught and everyday I teach with laughter just like Mr. Goff. He was joyous, contagious in drive, and a kind inspiration to me throughout my life. A sad loss for all who loved him.
November 20, 2010
Sheldon, we are so very sorry and saddened that Dennis was taken so suddenly. Life can throw us some crazy curve balls. We are glad you both had the chance to experience your dream in Hawaii. If you ever plan a trip to San Diego or back to AK let us know. Jay Schoonmaker and Gerry Sahagun
Jennifer Hall (Rannals)
November 18, 2010
Mr. Goff was my choir teacher at Bartlett from 1989-92. I was not the most talented singer but he always had something positive to say to encourage me to keep improving. His smile and enthusiasm for music were infectious and his heart was made of gold. My condolences go out to Sheldon and the rest of his family.
November 18, 2010
Sheldon,
I am so very sorry to hear about Dennis. Know that I am thinking of you during this extremely sad time.
Mary Jeanne Madden Hvidsten
Steve Gallagher
November 17, 2010
Mr.Goff was my "Bear-a-Tones" teacher at Bartlett High School in the early 80's. He was the first teacher to really push my talents and make me a better musician. It has been decades since I saw him, but I have thought much about my time with him over the years.
May it bring peace to Sheldon and Dennis' family to know he touched so many lives in such a positive way.
Joyce Barlip
November 16, 2010
I remember Mr.Goff from my seventh and eighth grade's at Clark JR.HIGH in about 77 and 78.He was our choir teacher.at the beginning there was several of us that did'nt want to be in that class.by the end of the year most of us signed up again.He taught us how to enjoy music.WE did the HMS Pintafor in 78.so much fun.He let us girl's where tennis shoe's under our long skirt's.i often tell my kid's storie's of choir at clark.MR.GOFF will be missed.
Carrie Karper
November 15, 2010
I am shocked at this news. I went to school with Dennis since the 7th grade and he was always a special friend to me. I am so glad he was at the last class reunion and we were able to catch up. You had a special passion for everything you did in life..heaven recieved a special angel. My thoughts and prayer for your family and Sheldon. love you, my friend.
Carrie
Paula von Gemmingen
November 15, 2010
Mr. Goff was my voice teacher 36 years ago at King's Lake Fine Arts Camp. Although we only had that one summer camp, the song (Summer Place) he taught me to sing as a solo, still resonates in my head. He started me on a love of music that continues today..
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We will miss your smiling face, beautiful voice, and musical way. I have many warm memories of our days with Randall Johnson, and your great support of the Jan Dar shows. It was such a joy to get reacquainted recently through your voice students, and work with NATS. I truly treasured our musical collaborations. Rest in peace, my friend. Janet Carr-Campbell
Carolynn Lancaster
November 14, 2010
Dennis, you were a wonderful friend and traveling companion. The world is a lesser place, missing your voice and your heart. I'm so glad you had your time on Earth's paradise, you so deserved it. With love,
becky elsen
November 13, 2010
i am going to miss my uncle
Barbara Jacobs Dunne
November 13, 2010
How sad to learn that Dennis' voice is stilled - but the song he created in the hearts of students and friends continues. We shared that song together in many Anchorage venues and those memories will remain.
Lisa (Wood) Monvignier
November 13, 2010
I'm deeply saddened to hear of Mr. Goff's passing. I graduated from Bartlett in 1986 and had Mr. Goff as my choir teacher for three years. I'm still singing and even all these years later, I still remember and follow some of the tips he used to give us just before singing a concert. He gave me much more than a few tips, however. The support and caring, and the enthusiasm and encouragement he shared with me, and with his other students every single day was rare in a teacher. I will always be grateful for the influence that he had on my life. May he rest in peace, and during this time of sorrow, may God be with all of those who loved him.
Kathryn Berkowitz
November 13, 2010
I got the opportunity to teach with Dennis for several years at Bartlett High School. He was a delightful and talented colleague who inspired me as well as the students in his classes. I had a wonderful visit with him just before he left for Hawaii, and I am so very sorry he had such a short time there! Please be comforted a little, at least, knowing that so many people loved him and will continue to think of him fondly!
kerry heming
November 13, 2010
Mr. Goff you will be missed by everyone. We are saddened by your loss and know you are in heaven playing music with the best! RIP
Jeanne Santacrose Franklin
November 13, 2010
I have very fond memories of Mr. Goff while I attended Clark middle school. He inspired me to continue singing through out high school. "He beleived in me", and for this I am eternally grateful. You will be missed but not forgotten. Thank you.
Larry Read
November 12, 2010
I still remember the great if not chilly Winter Break vacation we took along the CA coast those many years ago. Teaching with you at Clark and singing with you in the Alaska Chamber Singers - two highlights in my life. You will be missed.
Andy & Toby Tobias-Anderson
November 12, 2010
Sheldon,
Our prayers go out to you. We know you waited a long time to move to Hawaii and was eager to enjoy your young lives in retirement. You were a true friend to Dennis through better or worse. May you be comforted by the Love and prayers of those that care about you at this time.
Theresa Crisel-Rubey
November 12, 2010
I attended Bartlett from 1990-1993, I even earned my choir letter helping clean the choir room after school. Thank you so very much for teaching, you helped me find my voice. You will be greatly missed.
Allison Moore (Smith)
November 12, 2010
Mr. Goff was a wonderful man who taught me to love my voice and the gift I was given. I will forever hold so many special memories of him in my heart. This is truly a loss. Thank you so much for being such an awesome teacher, friend, and man. You will be missed.
Greg Kramer
November 12, 2010
Dennis - you will be sorely missed. Thank you for your years of friendship and brotherhood. I will keep your music in my heart.
Kristina Church
November 12, 2010
Thank you for being one of my first voal coaches, and the one who instilled a lifetime love of choral singing in me. You were a great teacher, a kind human being, and someone I will always keep in my heart.
John Smith
November 12, 2010
I lived down the street from him when he taught at Clark JH and Bartlett HS. He was an amazing man. He tried to teach me to sing, thus proving you really can't teach a pig to sing. More importantly he exposed me to beautiful music and he was always working at his two crafts, teaching and singing.
The world is less today for his loss and more because he gave us his all.
Jenny
November 12, 2010
Dennis, thank you for the four years of voice instruction while I was in high school. You were a wonderful mentor. I think of you every time I sing. You'll not be forgotten. Rest in peace.
Brenda Tudor
November 12, 2010
Dennis was a wonderful & caring person. He touched so many lives and will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.
From FNBA Trust Department
Maggie Strobbe
November 12, 2010
Your generous spirit will live on in the hearts and voices of those you taught.
Theresa Etheridge (Chouinard)
November 12, 2010
I remember Mr. Goff teaching Choir at Clark Middle School. He was hard on us sometimes, but we loved it! We had so much fun! Wonderful memories. Thank you, Mr. Goff.
Maggie Strobbe
November 12, 2010
Dennis, our hearts are broken. I treasure the many wonderful days I sat in your atrium and listened to you bring out the best in Hannah. Aloha and God bless...
Jennifer Word
November 12, 2010
Mr. Goff was a wonderful mentor and friend to me, while I attended Bartlett High School from 1990-1994. I owe part of my accomplishments in life specifically to him. I wrote about Dennis Goff in my blog. It pretty much says everything I can't say here. http://fictionspook.com/?p=762 He will be forever missed and remembered with incredible fondness and love.
Donald Barta
November 12, 2010
I had an opportunity to work with Dennis at Clark Junior High. He was a class act, inspiring teacher and advocate for kids to do their best in all facets of school. I am sadden to learn of his premature passing.
Danielle Haven
November 12, 2010
I had the honor of being a student of Mr. Goff's at Bartlett. He was a warm and caring man who made time for his students! He was not only my FAVORITE teacher but my mentor also! He will be missed dearly! Gone but never forgotten! The choir of angels in heaven will be singing a little sweeter with you in it! Rest In Peace!
Karen Lappi Burnett
November 12, 2010
It's been years since I've seen Dennis, but we knew each other in high school and the early 70's. He was a wonderful person, and will be missed by all who knew him.
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