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Michael Goodin Obituary
April 8, 1967 - December 12, 2020
Lexington, Kentucky - Dr. Michael Goodin, beloved father, husband, scientist, artist and professor, passed away suddenly Saturday December 12, 2020. Michael had an intense love of family and is survived by his wife, Angelika, of 21 years, by his daughter Sophia and his son Joshua, his brother, David Goodin and family and aunts Eileen Goodin, Barbara Clarke and Mary Hughes. Dr. Goodin was born in Jamaica April 8, 1967 into a loving and diverse family absorbing much of his love of life, family and experience from the island. In his adolescence he experienced political turmoil in Jamaica and this prompted a move to Canada where he completed high school in Hamilton Ontario and his first degree at Brock University in Saint Catharines, Ontario. He then went on to Penn State University where he earned a PhD in Plant Pathology and then to the University of California at Berkeley for postdoctoral studies. It was at UC Berkeley that he met and married his wife, Angelika Fath. In 2002 he joined the Plant Pathology department at the University of Kentucky and launched a successful academic career. He was an engaging and loved professor who led his students in the Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology Program to embrace both academics and life. Dr. Goodin infused his courses with his varied life experiences and passions for nature, food, music, photography, and human diversity in all its varied experiences, backgrounds and hues. He explored the connections between communities and science through his blog "The Green Orange Cafe". Michael loved people and hosted hundreds of friends old and new in his home for occasions of all sorts. He saw and sought out the best in everyone by reaching them through conversation, coffee, science, food and the arts. Dr. Goodin touched many other friends, students and acquaintances with his passions for life and his exuberant, heartfelt laughter. We all miss you deeply Michael. May you find and rest in peace. A celebration of life will be held for Michael when pandemic conditions permit. Donations to remember and honor Dr. Goodin's life and causes can be made to Doctors Without Borders or the National Park Foundation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Goodin
Sponsored by Lexington Herald-Leader.
Rachel Savané of Savané Silver
October 6, 2021
Dear Angelika,
I want to offer you my condolences for the passing of your lovely husband. I have been thinking of you since I heard the news two months ago and as modern times get confusing, I had been reaching out to common friends on Facebook to try to find your address so that I might send you a card/letter. Just last night a friend told me to look up the obituary. Here I am. The stories of Michael will last forever. For me personally, I picture Michael as a deeply curious guy. Our interactions were concerning Kentucky Agate, the state rock. He wins the prize for a customer of mine being Most Passionate about our state rock!
Through our few emails about his special orders, I noticed and adopted his salutation to wrap up a communication. It is Cheers!
I love that because it exudes optimism and I am one who strives to be optimistic. I felt the need to adapt during the big covid year, so sometimes I left off the ! and eventually I decided on Peace. as my ending salutation. But literally every time I am making that decision on a communication I think of Michael and always will. He showed me a way of being, and I only knew him a little.
May you and your children find strength to move forward and see signs around you that Michael is keeping a keen eye on you.
Peace.
Rachel
Lucca Madeo Cortarelli
January 13, 2021
Dr. Goodin was truly a wonderful professor, and above all, a wonderful human being. I was only able to get to know him for one semester in his ABT (Biotechnology) 101 class, but I enjoyed every second spent in his class. He always commented on my reflections and made me feel special which truly means a lot to me since I knew no one at the University of Kentucky. One time I wrote a reflection and briefly mentioned my grandmother who had passed away when she was visiting me. He commented on it and reassured me that she was surely watching over me. I'm confident that Dr. Goodin is watching over us all, and will continue inspiring all of his students, friends, and family to be amazing scientists, and above all, amazing human beings. Furthermore, I'd like to mention I was not able to talk to him much in person due to the pandemic, however he invited me to participate in his Friendsgiving and it truly meant a lot to me. I had never before been to one, and this simple gesture made me even more certain that he has a one of a kind soul. Being able to meet him and be his student is an honor which I will never forget. My condolences to his family and friends.
Renata Belisario
January 8, 2021
Dr. Goodin was a professor who inspired me since the day I arrived at the Department of Plant Pathology. I admired his love for life and people, his caring and cheerful personality. He opened opportunities for so many Brazilian students, and I am grateful to have met him! He will be dearly missed by many.
Carla Matamoro Small
December 24, 2020
Michael was a brother, and a dear friend to me and my family. His laughter and outa timing dancing will never be forgotten. The Christmas and New Years gathering will never be forgotten and his kindness in the time of needs will always be remembered.
Moriah
December 22, 2020
Like many virologists, I was shocked and dismayed to hear of Michael's passing. He was a wonderful colleague, and a great soul. I remember meeting him at a Virus Evolution workshop, and his input was always a welcome part of the conversation at this and other conferences and panels. He will be dearly missed in the virology community.
Imah
December 22, 2020
His love for science and plant pathology was infectious. Equally so was his love for coffee. As a young scholar when we met, I was inspired. Rest In Peace Michael.
Greg Graves
December 20, 2020
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Caroline Yeo
December 19, 2020
Michael you have always been so full of life and love since we were children in elementary school. After reconnecting I followed you only to realize that you never lost your vibrance and love of people. I know you will be missed by so many. My condolences to your wife, children and the rest of your family. Rest well my friend!!
McKenzie Linder
December 18, 2020
Dr. Goodin was a kind soul. He was one of the most caring and attentive professors I have ever had at the University of Kentucky. Life is short and he lived life to the fullest everyday.
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