Wendell P. Goring, 77, an inveterate traveler with an unquenchable thirst for new experiences, embarked on his final adventure on March 9 while surrounded by friends, this time to be with the angels.

Wendell was born in Phoenix, Arizona, on February 19, 1948, the only son of Henry and Anna (Miller) Goring, and lived nearly his entire life at the Goring residence in central Phoenix. He graduated from Madison #2 Elementary School in 1962 and Camelback High School in 1966, earned his bachelor's degree in physics in 1970 from Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, California, and after a stint in the U.S. Army at Fort Huachuca, earned a master's degree in optical sciences in 1980 at the University of Arizona in Tucson.

Wendell made a career of providing technical and computer support on University of Arizona projects ranging from the Multiple Mirror Telescope on Mount Hopkins to medical research in Russia, and finally for many years with the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation where he referred to himself as office's "computer dentist."

Forever a Phoenician, Wendell divided his time between Tucson and Phoenix, getting up at "0-dark-thirty" on Mondays to drive to work at the UA, and then packing up Friday evening to spend his weekends back home.

That is when he wasn't flying to New York to prowl along Central Park's Museum Mile, or to San Francisco for the annual Bay-to-Breakers run across town or attending Mass at a Russian Orthodox Church in Miami, Florida, or any number of other vacation venues on a whim. He had an especially gifted knack for finding free or cheap admissions to museums. When he retired from the UA, his beloved maternal aunt, Gertrude Spann, had business cards printed announcing that he was "Home by appointment only."

Wendell was by all accounts generous to a fault. He shared oranges and grapefruit from his yard with friends and neighbors, sat outside on Halloween night to hand out full-size candy bars to trick-or-treaters, and even helped pay for trips for friends on many of his jaunts.

Wendell leaves behind friends literally from all over the world, some of whom were able to stop by his hospice bed to wish him well. His longtime friend Farzi Najmabadi wrote in tribute:

O God of Wisdom and Love,

You have made us as fragile as the flowers of the field,

Yet strong enough to carry on Your will.

Teach us to render Your gifts back to You,

This day and forever.

Amen.

He was a gift to us, now given back to Father.

A celebration of life is scheduled for Monday, May 12, 11:00 a.m. at the St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center, located at 2nd and Cherry Ave on the University of Arizona Campus. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Newman Center.

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

Published by Arizona Daily Star from Apr. 21 to Apr. 27, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Wendell Goring

14 Entries

Edward Rejsa

May 27, 2025

Memorial Day 2025. Forever in our hearts. Rest in Peace.

Tyler yaw

May 13, 2025

Miss you alot, I've learned so much from you. I thank God that he put you in my life. I thank you for your service and everything you have done for me and my family. Rest easy, say hi to papa for me and ill see you again once day. Love ya Wendell godspeed

M Robin Critchell

May 12, 2025

God Speed, Wendell. You are missed

From Robin and Sandie Critchell, and our mom is there now and has the place ready

Valerie Smith

May 9, 2025

I knew Wendell at the MMT where he helped keep the telescope running. He trained the staff in Wordstar on the computer. He was smart, funny (frequently snarky!), and would help people when possible. Since my family lived in the Phoenix area, he would often give me a ride home, and not ask for anything. I would be finishing something up at work and he would come by to see if I wanted to go to dinner. He went through a "blue shirt phase, thinking it would help people recognize him if he always wore a blue shirt! He was friendly to people and loved to travel. So I'm guessing if he were still around, he would have had a front row seat at Pope Francis' funeral because he knew the Vatican observatory astronomers! He's probably talking to him right now, as well as his parents and other family members having a great reunion!

Janna Yaw

May 7, 2025

Growing up next to Wendell's mother meant knowing Wendell my whole life. He wasn't just a neighbor; his actions spoke volumes - always watching out for those around him, readily assisting with tasks like irrigation, and simply being a reliable help whenever and wherever he could.

I'll always remember how wonderful Wendell was with my kids. He took a special interest in my oldest son, mentoring him through school and other projects, and even patiently helping with homework. The fact that he built him a whole computer speaks volumes! He also created a special memory with my younger two, planning a garden and getting them excited about digging in his backyard - a testament to his kind spirit, and I'm sure the hole is still there.

When my dad had a stroke, Wendell's immediate thoughtfulness shone through; he brought over his mother's lift chair, making transfers so much easier for my mom. He became a steadfast companion for my dad, sharing conversations outdoors or pushing his wheelchair on walks. This care extended beyond my dad's passing; Wendell consistently checked in on my mom, selflessly offering to get anything she needed during his bargain-hunting trips, or just providing the comfort of his company and the latest neighborhood updates.

For Wendell, neighbors weren't just neighbors; they were family. We shared a bond of mutual care, looked out for one another, and felt the weight of loss together.

"Though you may be gone from our sight,
You will never be gone from our hearts.
May the winds of heaven whisper your name,
And bring you peace everlasting."

Thank you, Wendell, for the gift of your life in ours; we are all better people because of you. You are truly missed.

Denise Moynihan

May 7, 2025

Wendell was an amazingly smart, kind and compassionate man. I, too, worked with him in the Office of the VP for Research, along with Mary Louise. He was super patient with me when i had 30 tabs open on my web browser, but was also very insistent I reduce the number. His spaghetti was fantastic and made the office smell heavenly. He was so supportive of everyone, and even attended a choral concert I performed in one year - and my wedding. The world has lost a great light. I am sure he will make this new adventure the best yet.

Linda Yaw

May 6, 2025

Wendell was a true friend. We were neighbors for over 50 years and I miss his laugh and quirky ways. He was one of a kind--always willing to help anyone if he could.
I often told him to quit being so cheap when it came to getting repairs done-he would insist on doing them himself even if it took him weeks to get done (if ever). He would work until he could hardly move, but he wasn't about to give up. AND he told me he was not cheap-he was frugal!!
He was very generous and put much thought into the gifts he got for his friends and even his doctors. He would bring his finds over to show me and to get my opinion about them.
Wendell would always come over if he saw a car in my driveway--to either say "hello" or to make sure I was alright. After my husband had a stroke and had to be in a wheelchair, he would come over and take him outside to sit and talk or go for a walk around the block.
Wendell had a difficult time with any change in the neighborhood. When our long-time neighbor's house started to be torn down, he stood out in my yard and cried he was so upset. When I told him I was going to move, he kept trying to talk me out of it. Every time I talked to him, he told me he needed me next door. I miss putting our flags up at the same time, dying red eggs for our neighbor down the street, hearing stories about his cats, our talks out on my front walkway, rotisserie chicken, ham salad, stories about his years working at the UofA and getting post cards from his many trips.
Wendell Goring will never be forgotten.

Mary Louise Roberson

May 1, 2025

Wendell was a true renaissance man. We worked together in the Office of the Vice President for Research at the University of Arizona. He talked me into learning to use the computer; I was bound and determined to keep using my selectric typewriter; I'm forever grateful to him. He taught me to play Free Cell on my lunch hour and I'm still hooked on that, even though I've been retired since 1995! He and I audited the freshman class Engineering & the Humanities one semester on our lunch hour. We sure confused our classmates since we went out of town and missed classes but brought treasures back to our professor. We drove together to Irvine when our VP for Research was inaugurated as Chancellor of UC Irvine ... I scared Wendell with my heavy foot on the accelerator when we were singing along to The King & I. Wendell never drove a mile over the speed limit on his many trips to and from Phoenix. I let him drive the rest of the way to Irvine and all the way home. He'd bring a hot plate or two to the OVPR for special occasions and make spaghetti and meat sauce for us all, sometimes including all the departments that reported to the VP! I miss him every day, but think of him each time I play Free Cell or hear a certain song or go to a museum ... even when going shopping. He often asked me about my purse or a necklace I wore or some other item when he was going to buy a gift for Aunt Gertrude. There will never be another Wendell. I look forward to meeting up with him and his infectious smile when I join him in heaven. My husband Walt was very fond of Wendell, too. They had great conversations.

Glenn Spann

April 29, 2025

Wendell was a good man. I would have liked to have said Fare Well. I'm sure he joins his parents and his Aunt Gertrude in joy and peace. God Bless you as He welcomes you Home.

Stephen DiBianco

April 26, 2025

Miss you my friend.

Edward Rejsa

April 25, 2025

Even as we mourn his passing, we can remember the good times we shared.
And find comfort in those memories that will live on within us. So fine a person, and such a good soul. We celebrate his life, a life well-lived. I will miss you my friend. But I was so blessed to have had you in my life. Peace my friend.

Edward Rejsa

April 25, 2025

Blessed are they that mourn:
for they shall be comforted.
MATTHEW 5:4

Alexander Mattis

April 23, 2025

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Alexander U Mattis

April 23, 2025

My deepest sympathy and condolences for the family. Wendell was an incredible neighbor to my Grandparents on Elm Street for over 50 years. Fly with the angels dear friend.

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