Richard Bennett Goodin III, 80

Richard Bennett Goodin III, passed away on July 30, 2016, in the comfort of his Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, home with his children by his side. He was 80 years old.

Richard was born on July 18, 1936, in Pendleton, Ore., to Richard Bennett Goodin II and Betty Elfleta Goodin. He graduated from Pendleton High School in 1954 and continued his education at Oregon State University studying business marketing and agriculture. In 1961, Richard married Bonnie Beier, also from Pendleton. They proudly welcomed their son, Kirk, in 1963. Birthdays for Richard and Kirk were extra special as they were both born on the same day in July and shared the same numbers in their birth years.

Richard moved his family to Seattle, Wash., in 1966 and accepted a position at the Boeing Aircraft Company. Living in Seattle also afforded him the opportunity to live closer to his beloved sister, Sally. They shared a wonderful sibling bond and were each fiercely protective of the other. A tragic car accident would take Sally’s life in 1968; she was 34 years old. Richard would never fully recover from the loss of his sister, however, in a genuine show of love, he would adopt Sally’s daughter, Kimberley, and raise her as his own.

In the early 1970s, Richard began working for the Toyota Corporation and later for General Motors as a parts manager and journeyman. He remained in the automotive industry until his retirement in 2001. Richard and Bonnie divorced in 1981, yet remained friends until her death in 2015.

Richard, “Dick” to his friends was a man that everyone loved and was a true friend to all who knew him. Dick was handsome, charming and intelligent. The ladies loved him because he was a true gentleman and a good listener. Friends and family would seek him out for advice on cars, boats, fishing, hunting, camping, you name it…he was eager and willing to help out, but never intrusive. Dick had a true passion for the outdoors. Annual hunting trips for elk and deer in the Washington Cascades were a highlight as were the fishing excursions in Alaska, Washington and Idaho. The lifelong friendships forged and memories made during these trips gave Dick much joy.

Dick was a huge local sports fan. The Seattle Seahawks, the Seattle Mariners, and yes, the Seattle Super Sonics were the teams to root for. He was fortunate enough to attend the Mariners final game in the Kingdome when “the kid” played for the M’s and beat Texas 5-2!

The last decade of Dick’s life was filled with love and adventure. The addition of four beautiful great-grandchildren, two trips to Las Vegas, Cabo San Lucas and a cruise through the inland Passage to Alaska kept him busy. Additionally, Dick would spend much of his time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren while taking advantage of the amazing outdoor opportunities of North Idaho. Camping, boating and fishing in what he referred to as “one of God’s most beautiful places” made him so happy. Dick left a legacy of love, laughter and fond memories that we are all grateful for. His presence is missed deeply.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Betty Goodin; and sister Sally Ann Goodin.

Richard is survived by his daughter, Kimberley Suzanne Wiggins and her husband of Bend, Ore.; son Bennett “Kirk” Goodin of Coeur d’Alene; grandsons Tyler Goodin and his wife, Ashlie, of Coeur d’Alene and Tad Goodin and his wife, Kylie, of Coeur d’Alene; and great-grandchildren, Maddison, Annabella, Jack and Izabella.

A celebration of life event will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21, 2016, at Richard’s home in Coeur d’Alene. Please contact son, Kirk for details.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game in honor of Richard Goodin.