Walter T. Goodwin

Walter Thomas Goodwin of Humarock, Massachusetts and Sebastian, Florida, known to most as Walt, was born on July 30, 1943, in Providence, Rhode Island to Walter Thomas Chalmers and Doris Johnson Chalmers, who predeceased him. At the age of ten, he was adopted by William Goodwin, who proudly raised him as his own and whose name he carried throughout the rest of his life. He grew up to become a man with strong convictions, sharp instincts, and a determination that shaped all 82 years of a life lived fully and unapologetically on his own terms.

Walt never believed in doing things halfway. Though he once joked that he preferred to "do a little, not a lot," the philosophy that inspired the name of W.W. Dolittles on Attitash Mountain, he built a life that was anything but small.

Earlier in life, Walt made his mark in politics. He served as campaign manager for State Senator Jack Quinlan and later chaired the Massachusetts campaign for Richard Nixon under the Massachusetts Republican Party. He loved strategy, debate, and the thrill of a well-fought campaign. He especially loved being right.

After his time in sales at IBM, Walt leaned into entrepreneurship, where his love of independence and making deals could thrive.

He also owned the beloved Grandma's Restaurant and Pie Shop and Grandpa's Tavern in Bourne. The property included a memorable tugboat that operated as an ice cream shop, something that perfectly fit Walt's appreciation for character and charm. He had an eye for places that brought people together, and he loved being at the center of it all.

Later, Walt and his wife of 41 years, Jane Schruender Goodwin, moved to Sebastian, Florida where he founded The Business Brokers Company and built a successful final chapter of his professional life before retiring.

Outside of work, Walt had great loves that defined him. He loved animals, especially cats, and welcomed many into his home over the years. He loved boating and always had a boat. Whether it was a pontoon, his 32 ft. Carver, or something in between, being on the water brought him peace and joy. The beach in Humarock was one of his favorite places in the world.

In Humarock, he created what may have been his proudest personal kingdom, the barn. It was his man cave, his gathering place, his headquarters for storytelling and laughter. The barn was where friends became family, where drinks were poured generously, and where Walt held court on his swing with a story, an opinion, or a perfectly timed laugh.

He followed the motto, "He who dies with the most toys wins." He enjoyed researching the stock market, talking strategy, and keeping a close eye on how things were performing. He was stubborn to the bone and liked things done his way, which he firmly believed was the best way. At the same time, he was a loyal friend who would do anything for the people he loved. He was social, generous, and always ready for a party. If there was laughter nearby, Walt was likely at the center of it.

Above all, he was devoted to his family. He is survived by his wife, Jane; his children, Blake Goodwin-Crooks, married to Jason, and Jillian Nashawaty, married to Thomas; and his four cherished grandchildren, Dylan and Isabel, who lovingly called him Popoff, and Inari and Emilia, who knew him as Grandad. He shared special relationships with many cousins, nieces, and nephews, all of whom experienced his loyalty, humor, and unmistakable presence.

To know Walt was to laugh with him, debate with him, and understand that he would likely have the final word. He built a life full of family, friendships, boats, businesses, beach days, cats, and stories that will be told for years to come.

Services and a celebration of life will take place in Humarock this summer, a fitting setting for a man who loved the water, loved a gathering, and loved having everyone together.

In lieu of flowers, all donations can be made to For The Love of Paws in Indian River County, FL: https://donorbox.org/for-the-love-of-paws-1

Those desiring may leave messages of sympathy and encouragement may go to his tribute page at: https://www.stjohnsfamilyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/walter-goodwin-6/#!/TributeWall.

St. Johns Family Funeral Home of St. Augustine is assisting the family with arrangements.