Gary E. Goodman

June 16, 1947 - January 27, 2025

Gary Edward Goodman, born on June 16, 1947, in Billings, Montana, passed away at home in Bellingham, Washington on January 27, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was 77.

Son of Barbara and Edward Goodman, Gary grew up with his older sister, June (Ron) and young-er brother, Fred (Connie) on a farm along the Yellowstone River before moving into town. Gary's roots in Montana and his family shaped the strong and hardworking man he became. Ex-celling in math, a high school teacher suggested he go into Chemical Engineering. He attended Montana State University where he earned a degree in Chemical Engineering and met and married Connie. He was a loyal and devoted husband throughout their 55 years of marriage. Together, they built a life with their three children: Brandi Dagg (Eric), Niki Rumph (Steve), and Mike Goodman (Jessica). Gary was a proud and loving grandfather to Samantha and Luke Dagg; Kendel, Logan, and Shawna Rumph; and Noah, Cash, and Owen Goodman. Gary poured his love and energy into his children, supporting them in everything they pursued. He was strict but fair and always expected them to do the best they could do in school and in their lives. He had a huge extended family and loved each and every one of them - all his nephews, nieces, godchildren, brothers and sisters-in-law, and parents.

After college graduation, Gary took a job with the Mobil Refinery in Ferndale, beginning and ending his career 37-years later with ConocoPhillips at the same refinery. Offered numerous opportunities, he stayed and held many different jobs at the Ferndale plant. Gary took immense pride in his work, and his dedication and leadership carried him to the role of Refinery Manager. The refinery wasn't just a job to Gary - it was a source of deep satisfaction and a community he cherished. He loved the camaraderie of his colleagues and valued the friendships forged through years of shared challenges and accomplishments. After the completion of the largest turnround in the refinery's 50-year history, Gary retired in 2007.

Throughout his life, Gary loved playing basketball, baseball, playing tiles, helping at church, serving on boards, having dinners with neighbors, hiking, watching his children play sports, skiing, fishing, traveling, his Parkinson's bicycling class, Sunday morning breakfast, Thursday morning coffee, and sharing a meal and a good glass of beer or wine with friends. Gary's friendships meant the world to him.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Church of the Assumption in Bellingham, WA. A reception will follow at the Bellingham Yacht Club.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bellingham YMCA's Bicycling for Parkinson's Class, YMCA's Parkinson's Boxing Class, or Church of the Assumption.

Please share memories at www.westfordfuneralhome.com.

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

Published by Billings Gazette on Feb. 9, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Goodman

Sponsored by Westford Funeral Home & Cremation Service.

16 Entries

Ron Alvord

February 14, 2025

Boy could that guy hit a softball !! I got to know Gary while playing in the mens slow-pitch league in Bellingham in the 1970s and 80s.We played together and against each other on different teams but we always enjoyed being around each other. I have many special memories of tournaments in Chelan and the San Juan Islands. I send my condolences to Connie and family, may Gary rest in peace. Ron Alvord

Rich Bowerman

February 12, 2025

I worked with Gary from 2000-2003, when we engineered and constructed major new facilities for the refinery, a new FCC and an S Zorb unit. We were awarded one of the company's first "spirit" awards for meeting budget, schedule, and safety targets, and Gary proudly displayed the leaded glass award in his office. He was a great sponsor for the project and always supported the project team. Sincere condolences to Connie and family.

Tom Horton

February 10, 2025

Gary and I were classmates way back in high school at Billings West High class of 1965 We had many classes together and had great fun and laughs with our teachers. Gary studied and I had the better time. I am sorry I lost track of Gary after high school because he was a good friend. Rest in peace Gary

Tim Murphy

February 10, 2025

Connie and Family, Janet and I send our heartfelt condolences for your loss of Gary. I crossed paths with Gary at the refinery in the mid 90's and he quickly championed me at work. I was his Production Manager for 6 years and he always had the refinery first in his thoughts and actions. Echoing Steve Burton, there were some very tough years for the facility, and Gary put the plant and employees first and foremost. When there were thoughts of shutting the facility, Gary worked very hard to make the refinery a viable plant and worked tirelessly to get the technical advancements needed to keep it open to this day. He was a great supporter in my career and helped me advance at Ferndale and outside Ferndale. I will always be grateful for that support. Gary my friend go in peace.

Heather Lihou

February 9, 2025

Connie. I'm so sorry to hear about Gary. He was a wonderful man. Working with him was a joy. He always had a smile. He was very kind.

Linda Benson

February 8, 2025

Connie I´m so saddened hearing about the loss of Gary ...such happy memories having the "Goodman" family as neighbors ... embrace the love of family more now than ever before ...

Gayle Sell

February 5, 2025

Connie is a life-long friend and we are so saddened by Gary's passing.
While we did not know Gary well because we always lived states apart, he was clearly a kind and loving husband and father. Our prayers are with the whole family at this difficult time.
Gayle and Dwain Sell

Ron and Norma McGihon

February 2, 2025

Our whole family extends sincere condolences to Connie, Brandi, Niki, and Mike and all their family members. We are keeping them all in our hearts and prayers at this time of great loss.

Ron met Gary at Montana State University when they were both studying to become Chemical Engineers. Later, in the early 1970s, we joined Gary and Connie in Bellingham when Ron also accepted a position at Mobil Oil. We were all young adults just starting out in our lives and shared many good times there. It has often been said that the friends you make in your twenties will be your friends for life, and that is certainly true. We shared all the joys and challenges of refinery experiences as well as the joys and amazing celebrations of the births of our children, who were also "toddler friends" in those early days. We were all originally from Montana, and we shared many holidays together, far from home. Ron and Gary also played softball together on the Gus & Naps team, which added many more adventures! Our memories of Gary over the years have remained the same: recollections of a kind, sincere, and always smiling friend who never wavered in his commitment to excellent work and to his family.

Career choices took Ron and I to other states, but Gary and Connie and their family have remained in our hearts as people we will always cherish and love. We were so blessed to have them all in our lives, and we are grateful for the friendship that remains.

To all of you, we extend our most sincere condolences at this time of great loss, along with prayers for comfort as we all remember Gary with love.

Clyde Young

February 2, 2025

Sorry for your loss. It was always a pleasure to work for him.

Katy Selbe-Fann (Sanderson)

February 1, 2025

Mike , I Am so sorry for the loss of your Dad. My heart goes out to you and your family. I will keep you guys in my thoughts and sending love light and comforting energy to you and your family.

Mark Simpson

February 1, 2025

Meet Gary in Rotary. We shared Billings, Mt as our hometown and Montana grit and kindness.
Truly a very good man, he was supportive of me and a genuine smile and humor.
Condolences to the family, Gary will always be remembered fondly.

Si Simonsen

January 31, 2025

Connie and family
So sorry for your loss. Gary and I really enjoyed our time in college together. He was a great guy.

Lynn "Si" Simonsen

January 31, 2025

Gary was a great friend and classmate during our college days. We enjoyed studying and playing sports together while getting our chemical engineering degrees.

Steve Chronister

January 31, 2025

Mike,
I am so sorry to read of the passing of your Dad. He was a great guy. My thoughts and prayers go out for you and your family.

Loretta Doll

January 31, 2025

Jim and I were so sorry to hear that Gary has passed. He was such a wonderful, genuine friend to us both. He loved to laugh and reminisce about the good old days with his Billings friends over dinner together when he and Connie came to visit. He lived a good glass of wine. Our prayers to Connie and his family. May all those beautiful memories bring closure and comfort to your loss. RIP Gary

Virginia Isom

January 30, 2025

Paul and I have never met a better man or friend than Gary! He stands alone as a humble example of an outstanding human being! Thank you for your beautiful friendship! Rest In Peace, Gary!

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