Gordon Henry Goff

Gordon Henry Goff September 9, 1922 - March 14, 2009 Resident of Lafayette Gordon Goff passed away March 14th at age 86 due to heart failure. He was a man of remarkable intelligence, strength, and integrity, and was well loved by all who knew him. Born in Walla Walla, WA, Gordon attended U.C. Berkeley, graduating in Chemistry in 1943. His many campus activities included the Cal Band, where he served as senior manager. He met his future wife, Barbara Bush, on campus, and they recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Gordon served for three years in World War II with General Patton's Third Army. Gordon attended Cal Tech, receiving M.S. and Professional Chemical Engineer degrees. He worked for Chevron and later Bechtel as a Chief Process Engineer. Gordon was a member and Fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. Gordon had an intense love of gardening. He was a member of the Oakland Businessmen's Garden Club and of the California Rare Fruit Society. His specialty was raising and exhibiting camellias. He was active in the Northern California Camellia Society. He was recently honored as the Camellia Person of the Year. He is survived by his devoted wife, Barbara; his children Dr. Donald Goff (Bonnie) of Marblehead, MA, and Margi Goff Ely (Mike) of Walnut Creek; his four grandchildren, Amelia and Charlotte Goff, and Sean and Claire Ely; his son-in-law Rocco Crisalli; and his sister, Doris Bergman (Robert) of Berkeley. His daughter, Laurie Goff Crisalli predeceased him. Friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Monday, March 23, at 11:00 A.M. at the Lafayette - Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Dr., Lafayette. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Northern Calif. Camellia Society, c/o Donald Berganini, 2023 Huntridge Court, Martinez, CA 94553, or the Lafayette - Orinda Presbyterian Church Foundation.