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BORN
1954
DIED
2021
Cay Goude Obituary
December 7, 1954 - January 7, 2021
Sacramento, California - Passed away peacefully surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer. She was the true meaning of a fighter to all who knew her.
She graduated for UC Davis with her BS in Renewable Natural Resources and received her MS at Sacramento State University in Fisheries Biology. She had a long-lasting successful career that started as a Park Ranger with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and ended at the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Cay was a loved and respected biologist who advocated for the conservation of land and wildlife. She helped with the conservation and protection of thousands of acres around Northern California and was a true conservation champion.
Cay enjoyed walking at the river, traveling, lunch dates, bird watching, painting, speaking up for what is right and most of all spending time with her family. Although, her life was cut short, she made a true and lasting impact on those she touched.
Her story telling was epic and her laugh infectious. She will be deeply missed by her loved ones. Survived by her husband of 44 years Eric, daughter Erica Keller (David Keller), son Leif Goude (Michelle Tovar) and granddaughters Kaylee and Quinn Keller and Sophia and Natalie Goude. Her legacy will carry on through the spirit she passed on to her family, especially her four granddaughters she cherished so much
Due to COVID-19 a celebration of life will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate in her name to a wildlife conservation of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Cay Goude
Earle Cummings
December 16, 2024
Cat and I car-pooled together while she was working at the Corps of Engineers and I was working at Fish and Game, and we both lived on the highway from Sacramento to Jackson, and we sheltered at her house when our home in Sloughhouse was at risk of flooding from the Cosumnes River. We cherished our connections between our children and the Goude kids, and we still gather with them for holidays, and miss Cay so much!
Ruth Pratt
February 1, 2024
I think of Cay often and miss her so much. Her honesty, love, charity and sense of humor were bright spots in my life and she continues to be an inspiration to me even in death. Ruth Pratt
Earle Cummings
February 1, 2022
Cay and I were neighbors, car-pool partners, colleagues in the natural resource conservation profession and friends of immeasurable depth. When our home on the Cosumnes River was at risk of flooding, the Goude´s home was our refuge. When their son celebrated his wedding, our son was his Best Man. We went to the soccer matches of their children and essentially we are family. Cay´s memory is cherished indeed, and I will be donating one of my hand-turned wood salad bowls to a conservation group inscribed with her memory.
Earle Cummings
April 22, 2021
Cay absolutely embodied "Earth Day" and fought through her whole career and life for the environment. Those who knew and loved her are going to keep on working for the protection and healing of our earth.
Christine M Moffitt
April 21, 2021
We worked together for years within the American Fisheries Society for social justice and environmental justice. She was a great leaders.
Carole Thompson
March 7, 2021
It was 2 months today that my sister passed away after her courageous battle with cancer. It should not have been this way as I am 10 years older than Cay. My sister has always been courageous, passionate, kind, and fun. I so deeply miss her and not a day goes by that I am not thinking of her.
Tom Coe
February 21, 2021
I have known Cay for over 30 years. She was a good friend. I will miss her and i will miss the lunch we had planned to have.
Tom Taylor
February 12, 2021
I first met Cay in a fish physiology lab where I was a teaching assistant for Joe Cech at UC Davis in the late 1970s. She stood out as an outspoken student with a quick wit and fun sense of humor, so we immediately became good friends. During my career in fisheries, whether working for the State or in private consulting, I crossed paths with Cay many times. She was always a strong advocate for endangered species, was full of energy and ready to take on any entity in the defense of native animals or their habitat. Later in my career, I even had to opportunity to work with her son, Leif, on several field projects. My deepest sympathy goes out to her family.
Bob Coates
February 8, 2021
Cay is the one who got me through the loss of my own wife, who was one of her best friends, in 2002. Treated me like family and invited me to all the family functions. I will never forget that love and kindness. My deepest sympathy to Eric and the family.
Bob Coates
Becky Goodwin
February 7, 2021
What a wonderful woman! I’m so glad to know more about her’
Earle Cummings
February 7, 2021
A cherished colleague, car-pool partner, refuge for our family when our home was at risk of flooding, mother of the son for whom my son was a wedding Best Man, and champion for endangered species. We pray that her legacy and accomplishments are cherished by all who care for the Earth.
Marilyn Gonzales
February 7, 2021
Cay thank you for all the joyful dinners at your home with Paul and our children Heather and Brian. I remember kids happily running everywhere and the sound of your infectious laugh. You created such a happy life together with Erik and your children. My heart is broken to hear about your battle for life. You made your mark in this world and leave a legacy. Peaceful journey and hug, Marilyn (Kelly) Gonzales
Joe Ross
February 7, 2021
My sincerest condolences to Eric and her family.
David Klinger
February 7, 2021
Toughest defender of wildlife the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ever had.
Karen Shaffer
February 7, 2021
Cay is in my heart forever and thinking of her will always make me smile. Love to all the Goudes and Kellers.
Kristen
February 7, 2021
She was the best team mom a soccer team ever had. She always had something fun or witty to say and made you feel like you were part of the family. Thoughts and prayers to Eric, Erica, Leif and families during this tough time.
Ruth Pratt
February 5, 2021
Beautiful smile; beautiful spirit. Cay was a unique combination of strength and compassion. She was a champion for fish and wildlife habitats and also a dear friend - genuine, sincere and generous. Cay was also such fun, with her clever comments and clear-eyed assessment of the truth. Her spirit will always be with us.
Sharon Moreland
February 2, 2021
I've never met anyone with more courage
Carin High
February 1, 2021
Heartbreaking loss. My heart goes out to her family and what a remarkable, lovely and caring family they are! Cay was such an inspiration to us all. She was part mother bear and cheerleader and she was fierce and tireless in her desire to protect the environment. I miss her. She won't be forgotten.
Colleen Butler
January 30, 2021
Cay Goude was my little sister, eight years younger than me and from the day she was born, I fell in love with her. As we grew older, I came to appreciate her exuberant personality and infectious laughter. She lived by high standards and she , myself and my other sister Carole Thompson enjoyed many "sister" dinners over the years and while we were sisters we were also friends and that made all the difference.
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