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Walter Goodwin Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Walter Goodwin
lara
July 14, 2022
I had the gift of enjoying being in Mr. Goodwin's class for two out of four years in high school. He was so funny. We would beg him to tell his war stories, partly to get out of having to "learn" whatever we were suppose to for that day....but mostly, he was so good at telling stories, he had our attention, and for that hour, life was good. Thank you Mr. Goodwin for the kindness you gave me.
Laura and Walter, thank you for sharing your dad with us--
Ginny McCright
August 15, 2015
"Does anyone have any pithy comments on the passing scene today?" What a great teacher he was! I remember him often standing on his desk with a big stick. He was passionate about learning and he instilled it in all of his students. He was like our own John Keating from Dead Poets Society. Thank you for all the lives you touched, Mr. Goodwin.
Robert Perrine
January 26, 2015
Influenced me in so many ways. I am grateful for every minute I spent in his classroom. Mr. "Godwin" instilled a love for learning in me that I have never lost. Plus, the exploding dog story was hilarious. I love you Mr. G and I always will.
Jay Tope
January 22, 2015
My deepest condolences. Mr. Goodwin was such a huge influence on me when I was in high school. He showed me the positives about learning, and helped make me a much better person. My most influential teacher. Thanks to God for bringing him into my life. Laura and Walt, God bless you guys.
Marcia Lindley
January 21, 2015
I was lucky enough to have Mr. Goodwin as my World History teacher in his first year of teaching at Douglas High School. He remains one of my favorite teachers and probably had something to do with my earning an undergraduate degree in history. The world needs a whole lot more teachers like him. Thanks for everything, Mr. Goodwin.
James Jaeger
January 21, 2015
Mr. Goodwin was one of my Social Studies teachers at Palo Verde High School in the mid-70's. What a fun and friendly man he was! Everyone liked him and he was so generous and full of laughter. My sincere condolences to Mr. Goodwin's family and many, many friends.
Ken Zenuk
January 17, 2015
My deepest Condolences to the family and friends of what I consider my all time favorite teacher. I still talk about Mr. Goodwin to this day about how fun he made history. So many times, as I watch something to do with history, I remember one of his puns or picture him impersonating some historical figure and it brings a smile to my face. He's why I still love watching and learning anything to do with history. Wish I could see him do his Spartans impression one more time. His memories will always live on through all the students lives that he touched. Rest in peace Mr Goodwin and thank you for the knowledge and memories.
Anna-Marie Gantt
January 16, 2015
My sincere condolences to the Goodwin family. Mr. Goodwin was my favorite teacher at PaloVerde. (You've heard that one many times I'm sure.) He would act out American History and make us laugh. It seemed that everyone couldn't wait to get to Mr. Goodwin's class. I still remember much of what he taught us. I became a teacher, but I will never be anywhere near as great a teacher as Mr. Goodwin. He was an exceptional person. (Class of '76)
Meg Hausknecht
January 15, 2015
Always a lovely person and my favorite teacher.
Joe
January 14, 2015
Thank you for everything Mr. Goodwin. You were a great teacher, great coach, and all around amazing human being. You will be deeply missed but your spirit will live on in all the lives you've touched.
January 14, 2015
Mr. Goodwin has been honored on the National Teachers Hall of Fame's Wall of Fame.
http://www.nthf.org/walter-goodwin-jr
An engraved brick with his name will be on display on the Wall of Fame at the National Teachers Hall of Fame in Emporia, KS. The associated tribute is his Obituary and Guest Book entries and will be updated as entries are added through the end of 2015. Additional entries can be made by contacting the Hall of Fame at [email protected].
Robin and Sean Reddix
January 13, 2015
So very sorry for your family's loss, Laura and Walt. What an impact your dad made on so many young lives...the true meaning of "teacher".
Kerryann Gillooly
January 13, 2015
Thank you Mr. Goodwin you gave so much to so many of us. Rest in peace.
Kerryann Gillooly
January 12, 2015
I had Mr Goodwin my freshman year. I loved this basket "helmets", sticks & pointers as swords. He made learning world history fun. Condolences to the family.
Deanna (Usleber) Gomez
Cheryl Sutter-Streater
January 12, 2015
Me Goodwin, one of my favorite teachers.... Loved his "war stories" before class started. He was a teacher for all the right reasons and it showed in his passion for what he taught. A wonderful man who left me with very fond memories and stories that I tell my children to this day. RIP Mr Goodwin, our education system needs more teachers like you! My deepest sympathies to Laura and her family.
Martha Donaldson-Widney
January 11, 2015
I remember Mr. Goodwin with such fondness! He was my History teacher in 1979. When I got very ill and was away from school for months, Mr. Goodwin helped me catch up so I could graduate. What a remarkable man, and we were all the better for knowing him.
January 11, 2015
Mr Goodwin was my favorite High School teacher. World History came to life in 1971 in the basement classroom at Palo Verde High School. Mr Goodwin inspired and energized. I also had him for a study hall. Lively conversations ensued. He was sincerely interested in all students. Rest in perfect Peace Mr. Walter Goodwin Jr.
Sincere condolences to the family and what a blessing it must be to have his legacy before you. May the memories and kind words bring comfort to all of you.
Warmest regards,
Laura (Wilkens) Roth-Shepherd
Goodwin Jr.
Bill and Gail Jenkins
January 11, 2015
Walter was a big part of your lives, and we know you will miss him. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Melody Foster
January 10, 2015
I had Mr. Goodwin at Alice Vail in 1968. He was the best teacher! THe kids loved him! I loved the stories he told about Laura! And he made learning fun! He was entertaining with his Black comb or his pointer! He respected the kids and in turn, we respected and admired him! WE have many teachers in our lifetime but the great ones hold a special place in your memories. He touched many young lives during his career and we are lucky to have had him as our teacher. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. RIP Mr. Goodwin! Thank you for the memories!
tammy Wilson. (Orosz)
January 9, 2015
Mr Goodwin was by far my favorite teacher, I have thought of him many times over the years. He was funny and made history interesting. He was an awesome teacher!
Bruce Murchison
January 8, 2015
Mr. Goodwin is one of the reasons I went into teaching. He made learning fun and I used many of his teaching techniques with my students. He was a great man and he will be missed.
Gail Gelineau/Hall
January 8, 2015
Mr. Goodwin was my History Teacher at Palo Verde High School and was one of my favorite Teachers. I know he will be greatly missed. Love and Prayers to his family.
Brittney Montoya (Kianfar)
January 7, 2015
I had Mr Goodwin as a teacher at Palo Verde highschool decades ago but, his ways of keeping the attention and interest
in class has never been forgotten. I wish that my
children had teachers as wonderful as him...if only his dedication was found in all educators. My
deepest condolences go
out to his family. May all the positive, loving
memories shared of him brighten your days...
Ericaq Langworthy
January 7, 2015
I was in Mr Goodwin's class at Palo Verde. He was the first teacher to have me interested in History. He also did very funny impressions. He will be missed.
January 6, 2015
I was in Mr Goodwins class at Palo Verde. Best teacher ever. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing.
Peter Diggins
January 6, 2015
Among the finest Teachers I ever had the pleasure of learning from.... Great humor and always inspiring!
Linda and Chuck Kaul
January 5, 2015
Rest in Peace, Mr, Goodwin. Our deepest and sincerest condolences are with you, Walter and Laura. From the utterly amazing words written here about him as a teacher, we regret that we never had the honor of meeting him.
Steve Kellermann
January 5, 2015
A wonderful human being who happened to select teaching as his career path. Thoughts and prayers to Laura and the rest of the Goodwin family.
Kenneth Holbert
January 5, 2015
Mr. Goodwin was a great teacher. He will be missed.
Howard Schenker
January 5, 2015
Im sorry for tour loss. Mr Goodwin was my favorite teacher!!! I will never forget when he accidentally hit me with his big wooden sword. what a great teacher he was!!! im sure you will be missed by many.
Rob Zenuk
January 5, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. I can't tell you how many times my brother and I have wondered how he was doing. At every gathering of high school friends, his name always comes up. Mr. Goodwin was the best teacher many of us ever had. He was engaging, witty, sarcastic, passionate, entertaining and left a very deep impression on us. His style was effective with all students across widely varying academic levels. Everyone walked away with something. Some of my favorite memories are "War Stories", his Hitler impression (hilarious), fencing with his pointer, teaching from on top of the table and last but not least, the day Mr. Stubbs (Vice Principal) came in while he was on top of the table, looked around, didn't see Mr. Goodwin standing on the table, Mr Goodwin put his finger to his lips (quiet), nobody said a word, Mr. Stubbs shrugged, turned around and left. Classic! You are fondly remembered, influenced many lives and are greatly missed.
Jesse Hernandez
January 5, 2015
My sincerest condolences to the Goodwin family and friends. One of the many teachers who devoted their live to teaching kids - those who I admire and have the upmost respect for. May you rest in piece Mr Goodwin.
Scott Wolfe
January 5, 2015
This was an incredible human being. He my coach, teacher and mostly, he was my friend. This is very sad news.
Jennifer Hunnicutt Ferrell
January 5, 2015
Mr. Goodwin was smart, engaging and one sassy teacher! I am so very sorry for your loss and I will keep you in my thoughts.
Steven Charlton
January 5, 2015
Mr Goodwin was truthfully one of my favorite teachers at Palo Verde HS. HIs sense of humor and his clear grasp of and love for the subjects he taught made the classes something to look forward to.
Karen Napier
January 5, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He was a wonderful teacher and it was always interesting. It was quite a shock to see him-after winter break - without his goatee/beard one year. He was able to keep everyone's attention in class. He will be missed!
Jon Klingenfus
January 5, 2015
He was a great teacher and mentor.
Our thoughts and prayers.
Mitty Thurston Spidell
January 5, 2015
I'm so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed having Mr. Goodwin for a teacher at Palo Verde. His class was the highlight of my day.
Babs Woods(Herbert)
January 5, 2015
My condolences to the family. Mr. Goodwin had a great sense of humor and a lot of energy making class more enjoyable.
Lyrae Williams
January 5, 2015
I can still hear his voice as he walked the halls of PV keeping an eye on us. One of the best!
Steven & Gretchen Peckham
January 5, 2015
He made learning History fun and inspirational. May God be with you all.
Noreen Hutchison (Inman)
January 5, 2015
He was one of a kind. Made learning fun. Loved his class. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Erica Mastin
January 5, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss! I had him as a teacher at Palo Verde and loved him! This world is losing a great man.
Phil and Kelley Lyon
January 5, 2015
I am so sorry to hear about Mr Goodwin. He was such a wonderful man. Our thoughts are with you Walt and Laura.
Scott Gardner
January 5, 2015
The best and most influential teacher I ever had. To this day I attribute my love of history to him. My prayers for his family relish in the inspiration he provided to so many. Godspeed Mr. Goodwin
Christy Battaglia
January 5, 2015
He made school (his class) fun!! He had a special way of making every student feel welcome and appreciated. That's a difficult thing to accomplish with so many teenagers. He touched many lives and made us better students and human beings. My heart breaks that you are gone. Hugs and prayers to Laura and the entire family.
Senior Year 1990 Debbie Vollmer
Deborah Vollmer-Hines
January 5, 2015
You touched so many of our lives and truly made a difference. My prayers and condolences go out to your family, especially my classmate Walt.
Holly - class of '87
January 5, 2015
I remember having him as my freshman history teacher. He would plank on his podium with his feet proped on the chalk board! Hands out stretched and "fly" through our classroom. God rest his soul.
Carole Messinger
January 5, 2015
I will never forget Mr. Goodwin. He was one of my favorite teachers at Palo Verde HS. He used to call me Messy because of my last name. I still use that nickname in my e-mail address. The subject he taught was not my favorite but he made his students want to come to class. I wonder if he ever forgave me for dropping my textbook on one of his racing roaches and killing it. He will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. R.I.P. Mr. Goodwin.
January 5, 2015
I'm sad to learn of Mr. Goodwin's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time. Mr. Goodwin was one of my favorite teachers at Palo Verde and his class and lessons were the bright spot of my day!
Dale Higley
January 4, 2015
My condolences to the Goodwin family.
Dottie Goldsby
January 4, 2015
Rest in peace Mr. Goodwin!
Christina Torres
January 4, 2015
Mr. Goodwin was my favorite teacher in high school. He made every moment of learning enjoyable. He was so loved and will be missed. My condolences to Mr. Goodwin's family.
January 4, 2015
Mr. Goodwin was the most popular & beloved teacher at Palo Verde! Many great memories for a whole lot of people focus on this great man!
Kathleen Coleman
January 4, 2015
He was one of those remarkable teachers who inspired a love of learning in his students. He taught through fun and enjoyment and love of subject - I learned so much from him in three short months of summer school, and everything he taught has stayed with me all these years. A remarkable human being, an amazing teacher. The world is lessened with him gone from it.
Angela Kaul
January 4, 2015
In loving memory of a wonderful person who made a difference through education, inspiring and touching the lives of so many people. May Mr. Goodwin rest in peace.
Nancy Turman
January 4, 2015
One of the highlights of my high school years was his teaching! So witty, engaging, and memorable were his classes. I feel so fortunate to have known him.
Susan neal
January 4, 2015
He was an awesome teacher. At Paloverde high in Tucson As. Rip Mr Goodwin jr
Ed Taylor
January 4, 2015
He made learning fun..i will never forget his lizard impression. Priceless. What a great example.
Rendy
January 4, 2015
What great teacher! I have thought of him numerous times over the years. Sorry for your loss, please know your dad was a great teacher and spoke about his great kids often during class.
Karen Kakishita
January 4, 2015
He was by far one of my favorite teachers in high school. He had a special way of connecting with the students he taught, and he made learning fun. He will be missed. My prayers and thoughts are with his family.
Kevin Crabtree
January 4, 2015
He was a great teacher and had a great sense of humor. Best wishes to Laura and Walter. And my favorite quote, "any thoughts, comments, snide remarks?"
Dayna Campbell Gilbert
January 4, 2015
One of my biggest HS regrets was not having a class with him. He was so well loved and respected. My condolences to Laura, Walt, and the rest of the family.
lupita aguiniga (valles)
January 4, 2015
My condolences you and your family Laura. He was a great teacher. He pushed me hard and made me love history to this day.
Lisa (Shaw) Rasmussen
January 4, 2015
Mr. Goodwin was one of those rare teachers that made learning fun! He also had a way of making the students feel special. I loved his classes so much that I ended up with a History minor. Walt and Laura, my prayers are with you and your family. "Pshaw" Palo Verde class of '78
Patty Sarrels Short
January 4, 2015
He had such an impact on so many people. What a legacy he leaves. My condolences, Laura and Walter.
James Shaw
January 4, 2015
One of the true gems of teaching, the puns kept flowing and it made learning fun. Walt and Laura, sorry for your loss.
Jana Paisley-Gee
January 4, 2015
Mr. Goodwin brought the classroom to life. He made the subject easy to retain. He made a difference in many, many lives.
Treisa Taylor
January 4, 2015
Mr. Goodwin was one of my favorite teachers at Palo Verde high school and I always looked forward to his class. He touched many young people's lives and made history come alive for us!
Sandra Duarte
January 4, 2015
So sorry for your loss. Always loved classes with him. My thoughts & prayers are with you.
Ken Fulgenzi
January 4, 2015
Awesome man n teacher. Cultivated my love of history. Thought of him often throughout the years.
Bill Vaughn
January 4, 2015
Teachers like Mr Goodwin are one of a kind. His enthusiasm and energy made learning in his class fun. He will be missed.
Alison Rothwell
January 4, 2015
I was always very fond of Mr. Goodwin. He was funny and caring and made me feel special, like I'm sure he did for many students. Rest well, Mr. Goodwin.
Erin Smith
January 4, 2015
Walt and Laura. I am so sorry for your loss. Your father was a remarkable teacher and touched the lives of many students in such a positive way.
James McConnell
January 4, 2015
Mr. Goodwin was an amazing teacher. He always had a lot of energy and enthusiasm and I admired him immensely. I remember how it would warm my heart when I would see him and Laura jogging together down Kolb Road and I would think how nice it is to have that relationship where they could share meaningful time together. I'm in awe of how many lives he touched. So sorry for your loss.
Tom Rickard
January 4, 2015
Best teach I ever had
Janice Price Davis
January 4, 2015
One of my all time favorite teachers ever. Mr. Goodwin made class fun! Then made it interesting to learn.
Prayers to the family.
cliff scott
January 4, 2015
you will be missed
Tammy Belter
January 4, 2015
By far my favorite teacher at Palo Verde! Coolest guy with the greatest sense of humor. Rest in peace Mr. Goodwin
January 4, 2015
I remember Mr. Goodwin at Alice Vail Jr.
High School. I remember him as a no nonsense kind of guy.
Lawrence Pardo
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