Obituary: Goodwin, Robert Dennis
He was born in Spokane on July 1, 1931 to Martin and Nell Goodwin.
He was the youngest of their four children.
Dad attended St. Aloysius grade school, and graduated in 1950 from Gonzaga High School where he was a standout all city athlete as a pitcher, and quarterback for the football team when he earned the “Most Inspirational” award.
After a short stint at Gonzaga University, Dad accepted the Army’s offer of service during the Korean War, followed by making the best decision of his life, marrying California girl Mary Long in May of 1954 and starting a family.
Dad and Mom recently celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary.
He completed his education earning his undergrad in Social Work from Eastern Washington and then his Masters in Social Work from the University of Washington (although he was an avid Cougar fan in his later years).
His career in Social Work led him and Mom through a lifelong passion of helping others in need, volunteering for numerous community concerns including House of Charity, Hospice, Habitat for Humanity and the Christmas Bureau.
His early years as a social worker were spent with the State of Washington, then he became Director of Children’s Home Society of Spokane.
Dad was a truly wonderful, loving and gracious person.
He taught many lessons to all of us in his subtle and caring ways.
More than anything he loved the time spent with family, and his beloved dogs, Niki, Greta and Rusty.
He will be dearly missed.
Dad is survived by his wife, Mary, and his seven children Dennis (Jackie), Cathy (Roger), Colleen (Darrell), Tim, Jim, Terry and Mike (Rena); 12 grandchildren and 6 great-grand- children, and his “good guy” Rusty.
Special thanks to the Caregivers at Alderwood Manor.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the House of Charity.
A Rosary and viewing will be held at Hennessey Smith Funeral Home Monday, September 29th, at 7:00pm.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, September 30th, at 10:00am at St. Aloysius.