Frederick Goode Obituary

Frederick Wilson Goode

Died at home in Berkeley on November 2, 2015. He was born in New York on January 3, 1926. He graduated in 1947 from Princeton with honors and degrees in Art History and Comparative Religion. He served as a Navy Lieutenant in both the Second World War and the Korean War.
Frederick's career as a high school teacher began by chance when he was asked to fill in as a substitute religion teacher at St. George's School in Newport, Rhode Island. He was a gifted and versatile teacher and actor who taught the humanities at college preparatory schools on both coasts. He was well known for his booming voice, humor, mimicry and classroom theatrics, sometimes throwing books or jumping on top of a desk to convey his passion for the subjects he loved.
Frederick will be remembered as the director and cofounder of The School of Arts and Sciences, an experimental high school in San Anselmo, California. Here Frederick and his colleague David Donnelley were able to put into practice their innovative and progressive ideas on education. The school emphasized collaboration rather than competition, and encouraged students to be conscious of social values and the need to protect the environment.
Frederick met his wife, Marilyn Van Hoosear, while she was attending graduate school at New York University. The two were married in 1955 and had a litter of five children: Jennifer, Eric and Christopher who live in New York; and Gregory and Melissa who live in California. Frederick is survived by seven grandchildren.
After retiring in 1989, Frederick lived in Sonoma with Marilyn and kept a small studio in Berkeley. Over the years his paintings were shown in various galleries in Seattle and the San Francisco Bay Area. In 2002, Frederick met his partner Panya Pringchamras, with whom he lived from 2008 until his death.
Frederick loved books, gardens, nature and life. He was a brilliant and complex man who will be missed by his family, his friends, and the many students he inspired.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Dec. 3 to Dec. 6, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Frederick Goode

11 Entries

Fredric "Rick" Matteson

November 27, 2024

Fred was a brilliant soul who along with David E. Donnelley, my brother-in-law, inspired and charmed so many lives and loves.
Thank you Fred & Marilyn.

Japanese Suite/ Frederick Goode/ October 28 thru November 18, 1981/Subra Gallery, LTD. /Seattle

Natasha Hadweh

September 29, 2018

Hello i have found a beautiful piece of art from frederick goode. I would love the learn more about this or maybe find someone who knew him that would like to own it. It is named japanese suite amd was shown in the subra gallery in seattle. Im honored to have such an inspiring piece of art in my home he sounded like an inspiring, brave, and kind man. God bless and RIP

victor novotny

December 25, 2017

By chance I did a google search of Fredrick Goode this Christmas Day. He was my 10th grade english teacher at Rye Country Day School in 1966 as well as head Principle (or co-Principle?) of the school at the time. It is rare to experience someone with such memorable impact. What stays with me is his sincerity and passion. He cared - truly cared - and you felt it. In fact I still feel it 50 years later. Thank you Fred - a rare impassioned man who gave it his all - for the greater good.

August 30, 2017

As a teacher at SAS Fred was always a mentor. I respected and revered him. His wry sense of humor was always a little frightening when directed towards you but always carried an important message that I took to heart. I remember many feasts at SAS organized and catered by Marilyn.

Susan Tait Tureck

Scott Engler

June 20, 2017

Like others, I was deeply affected by Fred's teaching, considering myself very lucky to have attended the School of Arts and Sciences 1971-75. What a gift it was to learn from teachers as collaborators and mentors, and to de-emphasize grades in favor of narrative evaluations and a personal meeting with Fred at the end of the year. I have formed my own values for teaching and relating to others beginning with my experience at SAS and gift credit to Fred and the other fine teachers he gathered around at that time.

Molly Howes Cushman

December 8, 2015

I hold such gratitude to have had the honor being a student of Fred Goode at The School of Arts and Sciences. During that time he taught me many things but I will always remember Fred saying to me I just want to teach you to teach yourself and with this statement and ideal, I have lived and learned and passed this on to my own children. There is no doubt in my mind that Fred's influence will continue to inspire and reach future generations through his many students. To his family and loved ones, I send on my deepest condolences and respect.

~ Molly Howes Cushman

Fredric Matteson

December 6, 2015

I have a deep appreciation for Fred. I have vivid memories of Fred and Marilyn and all of the many turtles kept by all of their many children at their Sonoma "ranch." Fred was a great friend & mentor to my brother-in-law David Donnelley as they launched The School of Arts & Sciences in San Anselmo in the early '70's. I particularly enjoyed Fred's irreverent sense of humor and his actor's voice booming through whatever house we were all in. Dinner with Fred were true learning experiences. His wit was incessant. His kindness deep. His discerning intelligence a gift to behold. I always felt honored to be in his presence. It has been said that a truly good teacher never knows where his influence ends. Such is the legacy of Fred Goode.

Fred, in a typically animated moment; Berkeley 2009.

Steve Hoge

December 6, 2015

Al Evers

December 6, 2015

Fred, Marilyn and their children were an indelible part of my childhood. I thank them all for the gift of their friendship and share the pain of his passing.