Gerald Neil Goodman was born on April 10, 1933, in Tucson, Arizona, to Neil Nathaniel and Mildred Webb Goodman. He passed away on December 3, 2014, after a valiant and determined fight with renal cancer. He never complained.
He met the love of his life, Lenna Elaine Jackson, while they were attending the University of Arizona. They were married on July 3, 1953, in the Mesa Arizona Temple.
After graduating from the University of Arizona, he attended medical school at the University of Utah.Dr. Goodman loved his work and approached each day enthusiastically. He was a general surgeon at Bryner Clinic and worked alongside medical school classmates Dr. David K. Miller and Dr. Kenneth Nielson. He later started Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians with Dr. Miller and worked there until his retirement. He and Dr. Miller were pioneers in bariatric surgery.
Colonel Goodman served in the armed forces.He was active in the Air Force and lived in California, Texas, Arizona, and Alaska.While in the military, he developed a love of flying planes.He was a reservist in the Army when called to active duty during the Persian Gulf War.
"Doc" Goodman was an optimistic and generous person. He was an avid journalist and kept a daily record.He was a sports fanatic. He enjoyed fast-pitch softball, basketball, diving the legendary "butt buster," snow skiing, water skiing, and boating.He also loved to watch all sports, especially if they involved his children or grandchildren.He could never get enough of scouting and serving the youth in his neighborhood.He received the Boy Scouts of America's Silver Beaver Award.
Gerry and Elaine loved to travel, and Lake Powell was one of their favorite family destinations.They served a medical mission in the North America East Area.Gerry loved the Lord and had a strong testimony that he loved to share.Upon returning from their mission, they moved into their home in Park City, fondly referred to as "the Cabin."
Gerry is survived by his wife, Elaine, and their children Rodney (Kristin) Goodman, Kevin (Jennifer) Goodman, Brenda (Brad) Eichers, Craig Goodman, Karen (Robert) Crofts, Carrie (Brett) Stephens, Susan (Eb) Rose, Cynthia (Jeremy) Grant, 29 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.Gerry is also survived by his sister and brothers:Helen (Bill) Bryant, David Goodman, Nick (Mimi) Goodman, and Chris (Melanie) Goodman.He was preceded in death by his daughter, Amy; his brothers, Webb (Kathleen) Goodman and Wesley (Janice) Goodman; and his parents, Neil and Mildred Goodman.
Elaine was always at Gerry's side through life and his recent health struggles.The family expresses their gratitude to Cynthia and Jeremy Grant, who have cared for and loved Gerry in their home. Gerry was fortunate to have so many who loved him.
Funeral Services will be Monday, December 8, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Mt. Olympus Stake Center, 4176 So. Adonis Dr. (3950 E.) with visitation Sunday 6-8 PM and Monday 10-10:45 AM and interment to follow at Holladay Memorial Park, 4900 So. Memory Lane (2000 E). The family also wishes to thank the staff of CareSource for providing care and comfort to Gerry in his final days. Online condolences at www.larkinmortuary.com
