MURRAY COWDERY GODDARD

1924 - 2010

Murray Cowdery Goddard, 86, of Anacortes, died on Friday, September 3, 2010, at his home in Anacortes, WA.

He was born on May 14, 1924 in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of Murray & Pearl(Rand) Goddard.

Murray considered himself a very lucky man. In grammar school, he became enchanted with science, and ultimately, physics became his career. As a youth, Murray won a scholarship to attend Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, OH. Murray then earned a scholarship to M.I.T. to study physics but this was interrupted by World War II where he served in the U.S. Army.

On April 27, 1946, Murray married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn (Lynn) Hoffman. They moved to Cambridge, MA, where Murray earned his Bachelor's Degree from M.I.T. Linda was born to Murray and Lynn, and the family moved back to Cleveland where Murray earned his Master's Degree from Case Western Reserve University.

Murray, Lynn, and Linda then moved to Rochester, NY, where Murray worked in research and development for Eastman Kodak Company for more than 30 years. Their children, Laura, Art, and Charlie were born in Rochester.

In 1984, Murray and Lynn moved to Anacortes, WA to pursue their love of cruising on their trawler, Wildcat IV. Through this activity, they made many terrific friends. Murray truly felt lucky to have found a place of great beauty. He frequently marveled each and every time he looked out to the horizon, mountains and water.

Murray believed in giving back to his community. He was a past Commander with the United States Power Squadron where he continued to teach for many years. He also earned his Master's License from the U.S. Coast Guard. He and Lynn greatly enjoyed the Fidalgo Yacht Club where Murray also served as Commodore. He was a proud member of the Rotary Club of Anacortes (and boasted a 100% attendance record). Murray served on the Water Advisory Board, was a Fidalgo Pool Commissioner, a Planning Commissioner and a Port Commissioner. He was an Emeritus Member of the Island Hospital Foundation.

Murray was preceded in death by this wife, Marilyn; his parents; his sisters, Muriel Harris and Jane Tuckerman; his brother, Alfred (Bill); and his son Charles Goddard.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Linda Goddard and Doon Wilkins; his daughter, Laura Goddard; his son and daughter-in-law, Arthur Goddard and Shanti Marie; granddaughter and her husband, Glynnis and Alex Siedule; granddaughter, Erica Manson; great-grandchildren, Amber and Connor Murray Siedule; and friend, Marjorie Martin.

A celebration of Murray's life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 18, 2010, at Flounder Bay Cafe, 2201 Skyline Way, Anacortes, WA.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Anacortes Community Theatre, PO Box 35, Anacortes, WA 98221 or the Fidalgo Pool and Fitness Center, 1603-22nd Ave, Anacortes, WA 98221.

Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel & Crematory of Anacortes. Share memories of Murray and sign the online guest register at www.evanschapel.com.