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Thomas Goodwin Obituary
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Jim & Kay Thomson
January 26, 2015
Tom's cousin Beverly VanderBoegh called the other day to inform us of Tom's passing. Like Tom, Kay was born in Manhattan, so has known him her entire life. I moved to Manhattan in 1945 and we lived next door to the Goodwins. Tom and I attended school together. In February 1953, Tom, myself, and four other Manhattan young men (making it 1% of the population) enlisted in the Marine Corps. One day while in boot camp the drill instructor came into the barracks. Using profanities that I won't repeat here, Corporal McThurn asked whether anyone wanted to try out for the Marine band. Without hesitation, Pvt. Goodwin stepped forward, and then spent the rest of his enlistment as a drummer for the Marine Corp marching band in Hawaii.
It's always tough losing someone with whom you've shared so many unforgettable events. Our love to Betty.
Michael Gambosi
December 23, 2014
My thoughts & prayers are with the entire Goodwin family. May God give you strength & comfort during your time of sorrow.
December 20, 2014
Condolences Betty and children. Tom and I go way back to His freshman days at J.T. They continued through me as his music man, until his retirement. A chance meeting in 1953 in San Francisco. Tom in Corp on his way to Al. and me there a few days vacation.
December 19, 2014
My prayers go out to Mr. Goodwin's family. I have many fond memories of him being my band director at Oakview school. He was well liked,.
Kathy Seeley Shepherd
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Stuart Erickson
December 19, 2014
Thoughts and Prayers to the Goodwin Family, Mr Goodwin gave most of us our start in music have many fond memories from Oakview band.
Tom Wojnarowski
December 17, 2014
Mrs. Goodwin and family, My sincerest condolences to all of you during this difficult time. You are all in my prayers and thoughts. I hope that you find solace in your fond memories of your dad and father.
Jeff McMillin
December 17, 2014
My condolences to the Goodwin family. Tom was a big influence to the band community and a good friend. R.I.P.
Janet K
December 17, 2014
He'll be missed in the Pops band. Praying for you during this difficult time.
Karen Spear
December 17, 2014
My name is Karen Edburg Spear. I am now 59 years old and living in Tucson, Arizona. My Mum, Elsie Edburg, told me of Mr. Goodwin's passing. Mr. Goodwin taught me percussion from my being 9 years old thru high school. It was from his guidance and teaching that I did so well. I have such good memories from our percussion lessons together. Even though I haven't seen him in years, he is one special person. I am sending my sympathy and condolences to his family from myself and my Mum, Elsie Edburg.
December 17, 2014
We all have fond memories of Tom from those great days with the Legion Band. Our thoughts and prayers are with the you all at this difficult time.
The Austin Family
Kathy Shanahan Baltz
December 17, 2014
Mr. Goodwin... he is part of one of my favorite childhood stories. A story of a little fourth grade girl at Haines school who wanted to play something BIG! I was assigned a baritone. I still remember the combination musty/ metallic smell as I opened the case for the first time. I met with the other baritone players at Oakview Junior High, over the Summer of 1977, to get familiar with the instrument. A new school, Caroline Bentley, and a new instrument, fifth grade seemed a thousand feet tall towering over me! Regular band practices with the entire band were held during school. I didn't have a blue clue but being a clever girl I did what the trumpets in front of me did. They had three valves too...
Then one day Mr. Goodwin announced that he would start at first chair and take all of us individually to a room with a door, that he pointed to, and see how we were progressing. Soon I would be found out. Soon I would have to quit. I just couldn't tell him I couldn't read the notes. How I loved that director, that band, and that baritone. He got three chairs away from me and I'll never forget his puzzled frustration as he tried to get me to stay in.
You can imagine my ELATION when my 10 year old came home from school this year and said he was going to play the tuba!I told my boy the whole Mr. Goodwin story... and yes, he can read the notes. My husband and I even bought him a tuba.
With a heart bigger than a sousaphone, Mr. Goodwin gave opportunity and joy to so many. He will live on in our hearts and stories. Thank you Mr. Goodwin.
December 17, 2014
Mr. Goodwin was another of the Legion Band Legends that I grew up admiring. He and my Dad were in the JT high school and Legion Bands together, and I can still watch him in our home videos. My best to his family at this time.
Bob Shreffler
December 16, 2014
Betty, I am so sorry for your loss. We all know he is in a better place, but we are never ready to lose them. My thoughts, prayers and sympathy are with you and yours.
December 16, 2014
He was a good man and a caring teacher.
Barbara Ranges
December 16, 2014
I worked with Tom for many years and enjoyed his band concerts. He will be missed.
Linda Weaver
Joe Bonucci
December 16, 2014
Sorry for your loss. Mr. Goodwin got us all started in band at Oakview. I will always have fond memories of our time there with him. Oakview Grad 1975
Tricia and Michael McDonnell
December 16, 2014
Dear Dave, Kerry and family,
May the many happy memories you have of your Dad warm you heart for years to come! Sending our thoughts and prayers!
December 16, 2014
So very sorry to hear of your loss Dave and Family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. - Ray and Angela O'Gorman
David Swanson
December 16, 2014
My sympathies to Tom's family. Tom was always so helpful with music contest entries, but most of all he was just a great guy to talk to. He contributed much to the music education of many through his work. He will be missed.
Tom Chudy
December 16, 2014
Sue, so very sorry to hear about your dad. Many years ago I happened to have a short conversation with your parents (at someone's wedding, I think) about a sad old saxophone sitting in my basement collecting dust. I offered it to your dad but your mom put the kabosh on the idea. Apparently he had more instruments than he needed! Just know that Jean and I are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
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