Robert Brown Goodwin

Robert Goodwin Obituary

Robert Brown Goodwin Robert Brown Goodwin (born August 23, 1927), son of Harry and Helen Goodwin, came to California from Texas in 1931 and settled in Long Beach. He spent his lifetime pursuing music and teaching, and inspired many in his work as a singer with the Roger Wagner Chorale and teacher with the Long Beach Unified School District. Many students attribute their careers in music to him. A lifelong Methodist, soloist, and choir director, he contributed to many faith communities over several decades. When asked what his greatest gift was, he replied: "touching a sense of God present within music." He always asked those he directed to go a little deeper into themselves to give voice to the infinite. He will be remembered for his heartfelt and generous ways. He was not a man of many words, or impressed by formalities; he preferred simplicity. He loved swimming in the ocean with friends. He loved to sail with his best friend, Dick Edgar. Once he was asked what they talked about, over the course of their thirty years of sailing together. Both responded, "We don't talk, we enjoy the silence. "He is survived by Phyllis, his wife of 58 years. An accomplished organist and pianist, she was his partner in service to their community and to God through sacred music. He is also survived by his three children: his son, James; and daughters and sons-in-law, Shannon and John Frediani, and Melanie and David Riekena; as well as ten grandchildren: Loren, Rachel, Kate, Lauren, Evan, Marielle, Paul, Emily, Sarah and Joseph; and one great-grandson, Gabriel. He will be sorely missed for his humor, spirited nature and wonderful voice. He had his mother's smile, and light-filled, sparkling eyes and his father's embodied sense of the open space of nature, the ocean, peace, and grace. A memorial service in honor of Robert B. Goodwin will be held at Belmont Heights Methodist Church, (3rd St. and Termino Ave, Long Beach CA) Sunday April 10, 2011 at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please send gifts in Robert B. Goodwin's name, to LBS Financial Credit Union account #5489, which will fund music scholarships and music education programs. Please sign the guest book at www.presstelegram.com/obituaries.

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Published by Whittier Daily News from Apr. 9 to Apr. 10, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Goodwin

10 Entries

Bill Kilpatrick

July 8, 2011

Bob & Phyllis Goodwin were always very welcoming to me in their home. I played in a band with their daughter, Melanie, back in the 70s. Whenever I would visit, there was a sense of calm; he was a gentle man, no doubt the source of the peaceful feeling in his home. My condolences to the Goodwin family.

April 11, 2011

Remembering the good old days at Jefferson. We are praying for you and the family at this most difficult time. So happy to have known Bob and worked with him. Sincere sympathy, Darlene Sanders

April 11, 2011

Dear Phyllis and Family,
When I saw Bob's obituary, it brought back memories of when we taught together. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. I hope that memories of of happy times will sustain you.

Elaine Babbush

April 11, 2011

Mr. Goodwin was my Boys Glee and Drama teacher in 7th-9th. grade 1973-75 Jefferson Jr. High. Mr.Goodwin strived in his students to give their best at all times. He recorded all rehearsals to hear our progress each day. Somedays after school in 1975 Mr. Goodwin would take me surfing in his camper to Seal Beach, he would swim. On the way back one afternoon we went by the Colorado Lagoon and I told him that it was a great place to swim in the afternoons because the water was usually warmer and smoother than the ocean. Mr. Goodwin then started swimming during his lunch break and after school hours.Jefferson Jr. High is only 1 mile away from the Lagoon. He always swam with his fins on, I asked why? He then took me to the Lagoon and put them on and hit the water and I could see that he could swim much faster than I could without fins on. I believe that Mr. Goodwin involved his life more in water after I introduced him to the Colorado Lagoon. I do believe that he did try surfing before though as he did own an old Corky Caroll 10ft. surfboard, it was a step deck model. I remember one christmas program that we were to do at Jefferson Jr. High in 1975 and in it we did one song " We Three Kings Of Orient Are " In this song we had to have a soloist sing the second verse. Mr. Goodwin had alrealy selected 2 students to do this, I beleive it Brad Lopp was one I forget who the other one was but he needed one more for the 3rd. period program which was presented in the auditorium. I asked Mr. Goodwin if I could do this,at first he wasn't sure the other students in the class said " Let his do it!" Mr. Goodwin then let me try out the solo and afterwards said " Ray, you can do it!" I did do that solo in a auditorium filled with my classmates, remember there were no microphones to boost the volume so I had to sing the solo with plenty on strenth. As Mr. Goodwin would say "PROJECT!" Mr. Goodwin would always play his records at the end of class on Fridays, Harry Belafonte was one of his favorites "DAY-O" One day I asked if I could play one of my records on Friday, he said yes, bring it in. Remember this was 1975 and I was 14 years old. I brought in one of my favorites tey I wasn't sure how Mr. Goodwin would like it. The album was Jimi Hendrix "Band Of Gypsys" I put on the second cut from the first side a 12 minute live take "Machine Gun" This is a song that Hendrix wrote about wars, bombs, screaming women etc. He played the song to the class to the end, the class had never heard such music before as the guitar sounded like bombs exploding and Buddy Miles drumming sounding like a machine gun. Towards the end of the song Mr. Goodwin asked me if the record player was going to blow up! I laughed and said " Close to it!" As Jimi played the end making his guitar sould like bombs exploding and people screaming in the distance. I found Mr. Goodwins phone number in the local white pages and called him up about 10 years ago, he remembered who I was as we spoke about old and new times, he asked me if I could get in contact with a former student Steve Rodriguez, I didn't know Steve very well but Mr. Goodwin told me that he heard that he opened a business. I then told Mr. Goodwin that I had been playing my guitar professionally and singing since it was easier to do both than to find a vocalist, I then reminded about that Jimi Hendrix Lp that he played for me in class, I then told him that I had the opportunity to perform with the remaining band members from that band. Buddy Miles drums and vocals. Billy Cox bass. San Diego Ca. Street Scene 25.000 plus in attn. I was to play guitar with these musicians and Buddy Miles was to sing as we rehearsed but as we started the song " All Along The Watchtower" Buddy Miles microphone wasn't working properly, I right then without hesitation sang the song not as planned in front of the 25.000 fans in the audinence. Lie a dream come true, the album that I played on Goodwins phonograph player in class was now happening in real life on a minutes notice. I told Mr. Goodwin that the solo I did in that christmas program helped mr prepare for the vocal performance that I needed when I performed with my musical idols in front of one of the largest crowns I had every seen. I thanked him for his belief in me back then, and he said that he was glad that I continued with my music and thought that the direction in music I choose as a kid was my direction which was best for me. I thanked him for his time and hoped to speak to him again. Saddly I went to his service yesterday, though it wasn't really sad but more of a celebration of a great mans life, a life of serving and giving of himself to all family, friends and students. Bob Goodwin thank you for your caring and sharing of yourself. Yes Mr. Goodwin John 17.....

April 10, 2011

Dear Mr.Goodwin, I can honestly say that you were my favorite teacher throughout my school days. You were very funny. May you Rest in Peace. From one of your many students from Jefferson Junior High School in Long Beach Ca. Mary Ann Cottgias-Kale, Long Beach, California

Sandra Lawler

April 10, 2011

My condolences on the loss of your father.

PATSY (McNALLY) NICHOLSON

April 9, 2011

A VOICE FROM THE DISTANT PAST OFFERING MY HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT THE LOSS OF YOUR HUSBAND.

Robyn Harness

April 9, 2011

Floyd and I are turley sadden with the passing of beloved Bob. You were always a very kind and loving person, always showing compassion for others. You will be turley missed in the neighborhood and in are hearts.We know you are sailing with our beloved lord. Rest in peace our friend you will be truly missed and you will live in our hearts. Our prayers and love go out to Phyllis and family.
Floyd & Robyn Harness

Marilyn Eginton

April 9, 2011

Enjoy the glorious glass, dear Bob...
Love, Marilyn, Mark, and Scott

April 9, 2011

Please accept my sincere condolences. I am truly sorry for the loss of Mr. Goodwin. May you find peace and comfort from God. (2Cor 1:3,4)

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