Bill Goodman
Passed: February 01, 2020
Bellingham, WA
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Bill Goodman
Passed: February 01, 2020
Bellingham, WA
Obituary
Bill Goodman, 77, passed away at his home in Bellingham in February 2020. He was born in Seattle, WA to Bill and Beverly Goodman. A true child of the northwest, Bill loved the outdoors. He was an avid skier, seeming to have learned when he was a toddler. He spent many summers and winters on Snoqualmie Pass with his family. Working his way through college as a lift operator at The Summit at Snoqualmie, he found himself featured in a Warren Miller ski film coming down the mountain with his skis on fire, earning him one of many nicknames, Flame Out. He took up scuba diving in Juneau and dove all over the world. Hiking, road biking and traveling kept him busy, when he wasn’t painting This Very Old House on Old Samish Rd.
Bill was quick of wit and always able to break the ice with his irreverent sense of humor. A steadfast friend, he enjoyed the company of many during his life and was always able to find something unique in everyone he knew.
He resided in Bellingham for 43 years after leaving his childhood home for the likes of San Jose, CA; Washington, DC; Juneau, AK; and Atlanta, GA. Bill graduated from Roosevelt High School in Seattle, Central Washington University in Ellensburg and received his MS in Public Health from the University of California Berkeley. He worked for Dept. Of Labor in Alaska and Washington, Georgia Pacific, Heath Techna and Boeing managing Safety and Health programs.
He is survived by his partner and wife of forty-one years, Doris Wunsch; two wonderful children who he was very proud of, Bill (Marie) of Walden, NY and Catherine (Pat) Donnelly of Ravensdale, WA; grandchildren Camille, Ian and Diego; and BDD Bella. He is preceded in death by his parents and both sisters, Sandra Hinton and Kathleen Prather.
Swoosh on Mr. Bill, on the white, powder clouds above us. Bella and I will visit the mountains often, to be closer to you my love.
We are very grateful for the kindness and compassionate care Bill received from Whatcom County Hospice and his personal caregivers this past year. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Whatcom Hospice Foundation.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at a later date.
Celebration of Life
- Date & Time: January 1, 1970 (12:00 AM)
- Venue: A celebration of Bill's life will be held at a later date.
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8 responses to Bill Goodman
Rick Gleason says:
February 8, 2020
Bill was a great man. Some of the funnest work was with Bill at the Department of Labor and Industries. Bill, we will miss you!
Catherine Donnelly says:
February 8, 2020
The message and photos here truly capture the life and times of my wonderful Dad. Thank you Doris for being the most wonderful, loving, patient and caring partner I could ever imagine for my Dad. I will miss him tremendously. He will never be forgotten as he is a part of me and will live in my heart forever.
Howard and Robin says:
February 8, 2020
Bill was a very unique, kind and gentle man with a fabulous sense of humor. He was always so interested in others and just a great conversationalist.
He lived an adventurous life taking in all he could get, and so fun to hear all the wonderful stories and experiences he shared with you, Doris. You were the love of his life, and it was you that kept him hanging on as long as he did.
We both remember him fondly and were so happy to get to know both of you.
Sending our love and condolences.
Mike Hunter says:
February 8, 2020
My late partner Elma and I, we never got round to marrying, had some great times with Doris and Bill, in Edinburgh, France and our house in Tuscany. Sincerest condolences.
Don Quilici says:
February 10, 2020
RIP Bill, really enjoyed knowing you all those years ago. I always think of Bill when i eat crab. Will never forget that time I was working in Juneau and he had me over for dinner and brought out that huge platter of fresh king crab he had just caught in the bay that morning. Hi Doris, hope you are doing ok, seems like yesterday we were at Bunker Hill. Still a crazy world, what a long, strange trip it’s been.