Joseph Lehman Goff

Joseph Lehman Goff November 8, 1926 December 31, 2014 Wow what a ride! Born at the "Stork's Nest" in Tucson to Flora Bernice Goff, secretary and homemaker, and Seldon David Goff, aspiring cowman and Ice Route owner. Joe and his sister, Bernice started their lives in Tucson. He was a baby photo star, and then went on to attend school in the Mansfield education system. He tried the Cub Scout route, but was dismissed as a tenderfoot for being adventurous! At Mansfield was the start of his sports career, which carried him through Tucson Senior High, the U of A, and then on to harvesting rabbits with rocks and cowboying in general, which is very athletic, in itself. One of his greatest prides was being mentored by Rollin T. Gridly at Tucson High School. Joe was part of a team that were undefeated his entire high school years. Being named All State Football and Track, he acquired the name "Joe the Toe". His running, blocking, after points, field goals, and punting put him in the books! During the depression his father, Seldon, acquired a second Ice Route. In the early 30's he sold both delivery routes to suffice a down payment on a ranch north of Oracle Junction on the old Florence Road (old Hwy 80-89). The entire Goff family pitched in at the earliest of age to help pay the ranch off. Joe, Bernice and Flora all worked at Southern Pacific Railroad, at which Joe learned to pitch pennies and gamble during his high school years. During his school years, he continued to help his Dad dig the well, build the house, barn, corrals and cowherd. Upon graduation from TSHS he received a football scholarship to the U of A. Following graduation, he enlisted in the Navy in 1945. While on the ship, he roped a giant sea turtle, which was celebrated and consumed by the sailors! He was released with an honorable discharge in 1946. This homesick cowboy returned home, and then fulfilled his scholarship, playing for the U of A for two years. During his time in school and the Navy, he continued to slowly raise motherless calves, known as "dogies" from his father's cowherd, and those of neighbors Tump Freeman and Glen Perry. Shortly after his arrival home, his father laughing and crying, told him there was just so much land, and too many cows, and "one of us has to leave, and I'm staying". From this point on, Joe was branched out on his own. He first leased land along the present Tangerine Road from George Pusch, then went on to buy a square mile of flood plain on Brawley Wash, "Santa Patricia". Next he purchased Cactus Hill west of Winkleman, followed by Ope Parker's 6-ranch west of Redington. His father passed away during this time, in which he simultaneously ran the desert home ranch and the 6- for years. In years following, he added leasing the "Borregas" Hillman place, which followed with consecutive purchases of the Goodman, 3C, UO (Circle), Cross Triangle, BHP, and San Maniego. His forest allotment was from Buehman Canyon on East Slope, clean around the mountain range to Cagudero Canyon on the West side; all continuous. The lower country from Willow Springs Road to Mammoth, and south to the west of Redington, which are also continuous. Yes, quite a ride! He leaves son, Charley (Connie) Goff of Oracle and daughter, Susan (Brian) Libby of Tucson; grandchildren, Seldon (Meaghan and great-grandsons, Charlie and Roger) Goff, Marana, Kaylee (Wade Orr) Goff, Polvadera, N.M., Emily Goff, Tucson, Laura Libby, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; sister, Bernice Kyle; nephew, Roy (Kathleen) Kyle; niece, Ruth (Lee) Misovech, all of Tucson; longtime partner, Sally Hansen, Tumacacori, as well as extended family and many good friends. Contributions may be made to the University of Arizona Skin Cancer Institute. Donations are accepted online at azskincancerinstitute.org or by sending a check made payable to UAF/SCI to the Skin Cancer Institute, 1515 N Campbell Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85724 or call at 1-888-724-2749. Arrangements by VISTOSO FUNERAL HOME.