Delbert G. Goodwin

Delbert G. Goodwin completed life in Eureka, CA on September 21, 2014. He was born in Eureka to Gertrude Janes and Alfred Goodwin on September 19, 1923. He was a descendant of the Janes family (Janes Creek and Janes Road, Arcata). Del grew up on Pleasant Hill, Arcata. He graduated from Arcata Grammar School, Arcata Union High School and Humboldt State College. In his early years, Del enjoyed fishing, hunting, back-packing and camping with companions Ross Roberts, George Paskvan and Peter Ball. Skipper, his pet dog, was a close companion for 17 years. Del enrolled in a two-year start-up wildlife program at Humboldt State College and was one of the first three students to gain vocational experience with the California Division of Fish and Game Farm near Yountville, CA. During World War II, Del volunteered for parachute duty and joined the 511th Parachute Regiment, 11th Airborne Div. This highly trained unit was a tour de force behind the Japanese lines in the Philippines. He "mustered out" as a staff sergeant. Del returned to Pleasant Hill, Arcata and continued his education at H.S.C. Del is survived by his wife Mary (Hurlbutt). They were married in November 1950. Del worked for the Office of Naval Research, California Academy of Sciences, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Steinhart Aquarium in San Francisco. He returned to H.S.C. and earned a secondary teaching credential. He taught science in the Eureka City Schools system for 32 years. Del was one of the original faculty members of Winship Jr. High School. He also taught in the Adult Education and Summer School programs. Del retired in 1987 and enjoyed visits with his and Mary's four children and their families. Their eldest daughter, Ann Kerr, husband Barry and daughter Aimee reside in Scotland. Son Glenn Goodwin and daughter Alyssa reside in Oregon. Glenn's son Vernon, daughter-in-law Danielle, and their children Haylee, Zachary and Elizabeth reside in Connecticut. Daughter Lynn Goodwin resides in Eureka. Daughter Jann Gam and husband Ruben reside in Florida. Their daughter Rachel Gam resides in Colorado. Del and Tim Paxton taught numerous fly tying classes for local organizations, where barbless hooks and the hook-and-release tactics were encouraged. Del created nine original fly patterns which were published in the Western Outdoor magazine. He served twice on the Humboldt Grand Jury. Del and Mary's memorable experiences include kayaking down the Klamath River and camping at 12,000 feet in Popo Agie Wilderness of the Wind River Range, WY, where he enjoyed fly fishing for golden trout. Later years allowed extended trips along rural back roads in the Highlands of Scotland and the Black Hills of South Dakota. Companionship was valued with son Glenn, father-in-law Allan Hurlbutt, Ross and Sue Roberts, Tim and Roxie Paxton, Ben and Laurine Phillips, Matt and Rosemary Kunkler, Susan Fox, and Gene and Lois Anderson. Donations can be made to Miranda's Rescue, 1603 Sandy Prairie Rd., Fortuna, CA 95540 or to a favorite charity. Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com and click on obits.