Garry Wayne Goddard

Garry Wayne Goddard, of Lansing, passed away on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Sparrow Hospital from complications related to Alzheimer’s disease. He was 82 years old.

Garry was born on July 26, 1943, in Pontiac, MI, the son of Lloyd and Naomi Goddard. He was the fourth of six children. He graduated from DeWitt High School in 1962. Shortly thereafter, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a member of the 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, the first U.S. combat unit to land in Vietnam. His overseas duty lasted 13 months. He was honorably discharged from active duty in 1966, the recipient of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal for his service.

He settled into civilian life in the Lansing area and began his career in Law Enforcement. He worked as a patrol officer and a private investigator while pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University. In 1982, he graduated from Cooley Law School, and was sworn into the Michigan State Bar the following year as a licensed attorney. The majority of his career was spent with the State of Michigan, where he worked as a State Investigator for the Department of the Attorney General and for the Family Independence Agency. He retired from the State in 2007.

Garry was an avid cyclist and rode thousands of miles around Michigan and beyond. When not on his bicycle, he could often be found with a book in his hand, likely of the true crime variety. In retirement, he volunteered as a Blood Transportation Specialist for the American Red Cross and made countless runs to and from hospitals across the state. As Alzheimer's progressed, he enjoyed time spent with family and friends, trips to the casino, card games, and competitive rounds of Farkle, even as his cognition declined. He was full of humor and wit until the end.

Garry is survived by his wife, Susan Pavick; four children, Steve (Christine) Goddard, Amanda Goddard, Nicole (Kyle) Purdy, and Kimberly Karle, and four grandchildren, Steven (Liberty) Goddard, Megan and Hannah Purdy, and Oliver Karle.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Phil and Claude, and two sisters, Phyllis and Diane. His brother, Joe, joined him in Heaven on October 4, 2025.

Honoring his wishes, cremation has taken place, and private services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made on his behalf to the American Red Cross or  St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital.

The family would like to thank the staff at Brookdale Memory Care in Haslett for the thoughtful care they provided Garry prior to his passing.

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006.