HAROLD LOUIS GOYETTE

1927 - 2020

GOYETTE, Harold Louis Architect and Planner Harold "Hal" Louis Goyette, AIA, AICP noted architect and planner died on April 10, 2020 at the age of 92 due to complications from pneumonia. He was a founding principal of the award winning firm, Cole and Goyette, Architects and Planners, Inc. 1981-2008; the first Director of the Planning Office at Harvard University 1957-1981; and the creator of DVDs on world architecture 2008-2018. Mr. Goyette was born in Mobile, AL on November 30, 1927 to Elmer Goyette and Pearl (Batiste) Goyette. He was raised in Mobile and Irvington, AL. After graduating from Mobile's Murphy High School in 1945, he received a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Auburn University in 1950 and a Master of Architecture degree in 1954 from Harvard University Graduate School of Design. He then continued with Independent Study in City and Regional Planning at Harvard. In 2016, Goyette received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Auburn University, College of Architecture, Design and Construction. Hal Goyette had continued his interest and support of Auburn during these many years through visits, lectures, and student scholarships. Colleague and friend, Dean Vini Nathan, PhD of the College of Architecture, Design and Construction reflects, "Through a remarkable life that unfolded as an outcome of the convergence of preparation and opportunity at Auburn University, Hal Goyette embodied the quintessential American Dream. As a gifted architect, several of his projects that he co-designed with his wife and partner, Doris Cole, have been celebrated, nationally and internationally. As a man of much intelligence, integrity, and grace, Hal believed in work, hard work; his work spoke for him as an architect, planner, citizen, and Auburn graduate." While at Auburn University he was a member of the Naval ROTC program, became a commissioned officer, and served on destroyers during the Korean War. In 2010, he produced the DVD, Destroyers in Korea 1950, USS Forest B. Royal DD872, which gave the personal view of a young naval officer during these historic events. He was a founding principal of Cole and Goyette, Architects and Planners, Inc. along with Doris Cole, FAIA in 1981 and served as Clerk/Treasurer until they closed the firm in 2008. His award winning projects included public schools, housing, and commercial projects. He received the 2006 MSBA School Building Design Award for Point Webster Middle School in Quincy, MA and numerous other awards and recognitions. His partner, Doris Cole reflects that, "In addition to his architectural talent, Hal was a generous leader to our office staff, and a strong supporter of women and minorities in the profession." In 2008, he began his DVD series on architecture worldwide including The River Rhine, Around My World in 12 Minutes, The River Danube from Passau to Budapest, Greece & The Adriatic from Istanbul to Venice, and many others. His personal and professional papers are part of the Cole and Goyette Collection at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Frances Loeb Library, Special Collections. Prior to establishing Cole and Goyette, he was the first Director of the Planning Office at Harvard University for twenty-two years from 1957 to 1981. Goyette created and directed the first Long Range and Comprehensive Planning Program for Harvard University. Loeb Library Special Collections Archivist Ines Zalduendo explains, "Hal's engagement in the collaboration between town and gown in our city during his time at the Harvard Planning Office was exemplary." During his tenure, Goyette and his staff worked with Harvard administrators, faculty, and outside architects to guide the programming, design, and construction of many notable buildings on the Harvard University campus. These projects included the Carpenter Center by Le Corbusier/Sert, Jackson, Gourley; Gund Hall by Andrews, Anderson, Baldwin; John R. Kennedy School of Government by Architectural Resources; and many others. Ann Whiteside, Librarian and Assistant Dean for Information Services observes, "Hal Goyette's multidimensional association with Harvard University Graduate School of Design began in 1953 when he arrived at the GSD to study architecture and continued for nearly seven decades. He helped give shape and structure to the Harvard campus, and his design influence continues to positively impact campus life to this day. He was an active alumnus who mentored students and brought distinction to our School as a pioneer in campus planning." Concurrently he was a partner at Chapman and Goyette, Architects and Planners from 1960 to 1970 and Director of the RSKU/ERTI Harvard University Planning Task force from 1974 to 1978. Hal Goyette was invited to lecture at various institutions such as the Harvard Club of Boston, Tsinghua University of Beijing, Thames Polytechnic Institute of London, The India International Centre of New Delhi, Auburn University, and elsewhere. His selected publications include the Master Plan: Professional Military Education Center, Air National Guard, McGhee Tyson AFB, Tennessee 1986 and other master plans and planning studies. He was a founding director and president of the Society for College and University Planning, SCUP. In 2015, Goyette received the Distinguished Service Award from the Society for College and University Planning. During his Navy days, Mr. Goyette took up recreational sailing and became a skilled celestial navigator and helmsman. Over the years he won numerous sailing races on his US One Design in Marblehead, MA and his Beneteau 42 in Marion, MA. His wife often commented that she was comfortable only when Hal was at the helm, "Hal was both skilled and responsible. He could sail the boat straight. He could design a course that suited the abilities of our guests and weather conditions." His racing took him north to Nova Scotia and south to Bermuda several times. In 1991, Hal won the Navigator, Marion to Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race Trophy for their short handed crew first place finish. Harold Goyette lived in Cambridge, MA for over sixty years in the historic house that he restored. His first marriage to Patricia Wiggin ended in divorce. In 1979, he married architect Doris Cole, FAIA forming a personal and professional partnership that continued until his death. Over the years, in addition to sailing, his personal time was spent playing tennis in Cambridge and at their home in Concord, MA, photographing historic architectural sites, and traveling extensively with his wife, Doris Cole. He is survived by his wife, nephew Roy Goyette of Citrus Springs, FL, nieces Marie Goyette Pulley of Memphis, TN and Elise Goyette Boyd of Hartsville, SC, cousin Marie Batiste Wilson of Woodland, TX and many other cousins. He was predeceased by his brother E.L. Goyette of Naples, FL. Harold Goyette will be buried in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord, MA. To share a remembrance or to offer a condolence in his online guestbook, visit www.DeeFuneralHome.com