Jeff was born on September 30th, 1967 in Provo, Utah. He was a vibrant and active member of Provo Boy Scout Troop 51. He graduated from Mountain View High School in 1986, followed by BYU with a Bachelor of Arts in 1994 and a Juris Doctor in 1997.
In 1996, Jeff married Heather Skeen in the Manti Temple. Throughout life, he was passionate about their eternal marriage, and they celebrated their “double” anniversary of 27 years on April 27th of this year. Heather’s hardworking, loyal, caring, and playful demeanor made her a perfect partner and soulmate for Jeff.
He led an esteemed career as a trial lawyer and had a genuine connection and love for his clients and colleagues. Jeff worked for Spence, Moriarity, and Schuster out of Jackson Hole, Wyoming for the first 10 years of his law career. He formed a partnership to create the law firm of Moriarity, Gooch, Badaruddin, and Booke. Later, he went out on his own and created The Gooch Firm. However, Jeff enjoyed the camaraderie and mentorship that a larger firm could bring and so he moved on to Jones Waldo and then briefly Flickinger, Boulton, Gooch, Robson. He enjoyed helping people and his career was a perfect avenue for this skill and characteristic of Jeff’s. Being a catastrophic injury attorney, he was able to comfort those during their worst and darkest times.
He is survived by his wife, Heather, children, Barton and Brooke, and his siblings, Bruce Gooch (Amy), Holly Ray (Dave), and Amy Tanner (Darren). Jeff was very close with his mother-in-law, Joyce Bunderson, whom he adopted as his mother.
He is preceded in death by his most beloved grandmother, Georgette Zubeck whom he lived with the majority of his life including her living with Jeff, Heather, and their two children for the last 15 years of her life.
Jeff lived a happy and healthy life; however, over the past year, he fought a mental health disease that ultimately took his life.
The viewing will be Friday, December 8th at Larkin Mortuary 5-8 p.m., 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy Utah. Another viewing will be held from 9:30-10:45 right before the funeral which will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 11196 South Wasatch Blvd. A brief graveside service will follow at Larkin Cemetery, address above.
Since Jeff had many loved friends and colleagues, we would appreciate you sharing your photos of him with us for a family memory album. Please send your photos to JeffGoochPhotos@gmail.com.
A Zoom link will be available for those unable to attend and a recording of the funeral will be made available after the services.
Jeff’s Eulogy
Jeff lived the majority of his life with his grandmother, Georgette Zubeck. He was raised by a single mother and lived with Grandma along with his brother Bruce throughout his childhood. Grandma was hugely supportive of anything Jeff wanted. She made him feel like all things were possible, giving him the nerve to pursue his career in law. Between 18 and 28 years of age, Jeff lived in grandma's basement. As the years progressed, Grandma moved to live with Jeff, Heather, and little 1-month old Barton.
Jeff adopted people. He had honorary aunts, father-figure mentors, and friends who had become brothers and sisters. He was the fun uncle to those of no family relation. Jeff had the special gift of making friends feel exclusive. You were especially lucky if Jeff created a nickname for you, though some of his nicknames were not super positive and occasionally included profanity. If Jeff teased you, he loved you. He applied his wisdom to guide and give advice in a way that was comforting and if Jeff suggested it, you believed it could happen.
Jeff was large. He was large in body. While only 6 foot 6 inches tall, he used his broad shoulders to hold the burden of others. It was always easy to spot him because he was a full head above the rest. He was large in heart. He had a unique ability to deeply and genuinely care for others. He was large in brain. His memory was incredible. He could recall names, places, and experiences amazing those who lived the story with him. Reminiscing with Jeff was full of color, detail, and emotion, leaving you looking forward to the next opportunity.
Jeff was generous. Money was not the main goal in his work or personal life. Being a trial lawyer naturally funneled his compassion for others. He loved fighting for those who could not fight for themselves. If someone needed a financial loan, he would do it with no questions asked. If a need was identified, Jeff created a solution. He was able to see and appreciate the best qualities in people. He was a unifier, often bringing people together who would not have likely met otherwise.
One day in 1994, while driving home from BYU, Jeff noticed what he thought was a homeless person walking on the street. As he slowed down, he was surprised to discover that it was a girl whom he had gone on a few dates with - Heather. He pulled up and said “Get in”- which she did. Heather was a broke college student whose appearance was not her first priority. At the time, she was wearing shoes with holes where the big toe sock could be seen. Her watch band was half brown and half black. Because it had broken, she cannibalized from another watch to replace the broken side. Her pants were too long and rolled up. Her patchwork coat was warm but aggressively ugly. He immediately drove her to the University Mall and bought her a belt, pants, and a shirt so she had an outfit that both fit properly and was publically presentable.
Jeff loved tools. He was a regular at Speeds on 2100 South in Salt Lake. He had several chainsaws, snow blowers, backpack air blowers, weed-wackers, etc. There was a running joke at the store that when they saw Jeff come in they would call Heather for approval. He always said to “take care of your equipment and it will take care of you” and to “use the right tool for the right job.”
Jeff loved van Gogh, particularly his painting, Starry Night. While on a trip to Amsterdam with his family at Christmas 2016, he toured the Van Gogh Museum and saw the original in New York City on a 2018 trip with Heather.
Jeff had a good sense of style, though this was not necessarily evident in the clothing he wore. He loved the long-sleeved, button-down collared jean shirt look. One day, while living in Sugarhouse between 2000 - 2007, a neighbor came over. While in the downstairs storage room which also doubled as the hanging space for Jeff’s laundered shirts, the neighbor exclaimed, “I thought Jeff wore the same shirt over and over again” as she saw 15 seemingly identical shirts. Every now and then, Jeff would purchase 10 identical items of clothing from J.C. Penney’s big and tall collection. No variety needed.
Jeff did not do things halfway. He lived full force with a “no cheaping out” attitude. He wanted to do things right the first time. If one burger was wanted, three would be purchased. If someone wanted a drink, an extra large would appear. If there was an option between small, medium, and large - the large would always be the default.
Jeff was a lifelong learner, taking every opportunity to learn something new. He actively sought out mentorship throughout his life. Bill Barton became his father figure during his undergraduate years and thankfully he was able to connect with Bill many times throughout his life. As recently as last September, he and Heather stayed in his home in Newport, Oregon for a wonderful 4 days. Jeff loved working for Gerry Spence and enjoyed the mentorship of those who had “been there and done that.” While there are countless examples of Jeff learning from others, one that stands out is during Brooke’s birth. Brooke presented posterior during delivery and Heather was experiencing intense labor pains. While the epidural was being administered, Jeff had already made friends with the anesthesiologist on duty and had asked him to explain the process, why he was applying it at the specific location, and other details of the procedure. This new friend returned to enjoy pizza in the delivery room after his shift was over.
Jeff loved the Sundance Resort. As a young boy, he learned to ski and later took Heather to the tree room for dinner on their first date. He frequently wore Sundance shirts and hats. During the first three years of marriage, Jeff would successfully tempt Heather to miss church with a delicious Sunday brunch at his favorite place. He loved the mountains and knew their terrain well, hiking to Stewart Falls countless times.
Jeff liked to party. He hosted parties at the Pepperwood home where over 300 people would gather to listen to live music provided by Joy & Eric, eat pulled pork sandwiches made by cooking the whole pig in an enormous rotisserie, and socializing with old and new friends.
Jeff was fiercely protective of his wife and children. He was a proud provider to his family. When Heather started working part-time at Jordan High School, Jeff delivered Barton and Brooke with acoustic music on the radio with a calm and reassuring manner. He wanted their day to start out nice. Heather worked every other day at that time, so on the days she did not work, Jeff would insist on coming along in the car for school drop-off as it was his “favorite part of the day.” If Heather started a stressful conversation, like events of the day or things for the kids to remember, Jeff would kindly correct her and reset the tone for the morning. Instead of taking turns getting a chore done, Jeff was able to look at these times as an opportunity to experience life together.
Jeff loved music and going to concerts. His music taste ranged from John Denver, James Taylor, and other folk singers/songwriters, to KISS, Def Leppard, and all things 80’s. When he got into an artist that is all he listened to for a while. This was annoying to his family as the monotony was challenging to withstand. In 2018 - 2019 he had his “Postie” era (Post Malone) which was accompanied by “Tay Tay” (Taylor Swift). This trait was noticed early on and during the brief Ska Boom in 1999 and too much of the Mighty-Mighty Bosstones.
Jeff was the most amazing husband and father. He supported his family in their pursuits and desires. Jeff “held down the fort” when Heather wanted to complete a full-length Ironman triathlon and during her Master’s degree. While Heather was busy getting her Master’s degree and teaching a graduate-level Urban Stream course at the University of Utah, Jeff took the opportunity to make it fun and created “Wing Wednesdays” by taking Barton and Brooke to the Wing Coop in Olympus Cove for dinner. When Barton wanted to learn the guitar, Jeff hired Ted Sablay (guitarist for the Killers) to teach. He actively attended Brooke’s club volleyball games, swim meets, and educational achievement ceremonies. Jeff wanted his children to know they are perfect just the way they were. This concept permeated into some interesting places including his adamance that they were not to use the temporary tattoos. He didn’t want them changed, even if it lasted only a day or two.
In loving Jeff, we have had the opportunity to embrace a dynamic person. We are honored that he was able to be a part of each of our lives.
Bruce
At a time like this, we have no words, but we are thinking and praying for you and your family that there is comfort to be found in the words of our Lord.
... Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27
Mike and Denise McHugh
Dear Heather and family... I was so heartbroken to hear of Jeff's passing. He was such a big part of my legal trial in 1999, after an accident that required several surgeries. His goodness and kindness to me and my family during that difficult time will never be forgotten. With love and gratitude... Allyson
The Eulogy was beautiful. Jeff was larger than life and he will never know how much of an impact he made on me. He was the one person I would turn to when needing advice and he was always spot on. I always admired his charismatic personality and his compassion toward others. My heart hurts and I miss him dearly.
We are truely sorry for your loss.
I know that nothing I can say will help with your loss. If there is anything I can do to help please don't hesitate to ask.
Love, Phil and family.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Gooch was such an amazing person and there truly is no one else like him. My thoughts are with your family at this time.
Mrs. Gooch, im so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband. I wish you peace and comfort at this time.
Sincerely, Hermana Brooks
(Your former student)
We were so excited to have Jeff and Bruce, Amy and Holly join the family. Finally we had cousins our age. Jeff and Bruce would tease us in the best way. This sad news breaks my heart for all those who know and love him. There is just really no one like Jeff Gooch.
I miss my best friend.
Heather and family,
I am so sorry for your profound loss. Jeff was my attorney and I trusted his judgment and legal mind completely. But more than that, Jeff was my friend. I always enjoyed our conversations, which ran the gamut from law firm politics to Bitcoin to cattle ranches and she-sheds, before eventually circling back to my case. In every conversation though it was apparent that Jeff's main focus and interest was his family and his amazing wife Heather. He always worked in something about how lucky he was that Heather had agreed to marry him and he told me more than once that he had really "married up."
Jeff was an amazing person with a good heart. I will miss him.
Jeff I will never forget the day you called me brother. You will be missed way more than what can be imagined. RIP my brother
I will miss this big guy. I am so sorry for your loss. Gooch was one in a million. He was someone we all looked up to, and enjoyed visiting with.
Tod Wilson
I am so, so sorry for your loss. He was such a force of nature; it's hard to believe he's gone. You say he "had a genuine connection and love for his clients and colleagues." We wholeheartedly agree, as we received exactly that. He represented us against the families of kids who bought drugs from China that killed our 13 year old son. "Gooch," as we called him, was compassionate, funny and incredibly intelligent. He was a fierce adversary, but to us he was a big, sweet teddy bear. The world has lost a good man :(
Our most heartfelt condolences for your incredible loss.
Valerio & Suzanne
Heather, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your dear husband. There are no words I can say to make this any better for you. Know that you will see him again and he will be right by your side always. If you need anything at all please don’t hesitate to ask. Prayers and love coming your way. 🩷🙏🏻🩷🙏🏻
Such a tragic loss of a great person. He was a giant with a giant's heart ❤ He loved unconditionally and had intense concern for all humanity, especially those that needed justice. He never just stopped caring even after he finished his business. We have a giant void for a giant of a man. Our hearts 💕 are broken with his passing. Good bye our friend 😢 We send our greatest sympathy to his family, his extended family and his friends!
We are very sorry for your loss. May Jeff's memory bring in time laughter and joy. As time passes, may your pain lessen, and your smiles increase as you think of him.
Heather & Family, I am so, so sorry. Heather, thank you so much for all of the great conversations we had while working together. When you talked of Jeff, your eyes would always light up and you always spoke in such a positive light about him. It was such a great example to me about honoring your spouse. Whenever you were together at school activities, you and Jeff had the best vibe and always, always a twinkle in your eyes. Watching you together was so admirable. My thoughts, prayers, and hopes are being sent your way. Thank you to you and your children for providing so much fun and laughter while at school. Wishing you all the love and strength as you navigate this new road in life.
I am so very sorry for your tremendous loss. I didn’t know you guys well but do remember Jeff being a kind a funny guy. I am so very sorry and will keep you all in my prayers. May God wrap his arms around all of you and see you through this….
My heart goes out to the Gooch family. Jeff will be missed. He’ll forever live in your hearts and memories. I look forward to hearing more stories about him.
My deepest sympathy. Jeff was a friend, mentor, and one of the brightest minds I have ever known
As the week has gone on I find it hard to imagine that the news of your passing is real. From getting the opportunity to work hand in hand with this giant teddy bear, to also have him represent me in medical malpractice to also having him as a friend who helped my family thru their own struggles with the best advice. His hugs and over the top personality was like no other. He always talked highly of you heather said you were the best god could offer and every day knew he was doing what he did for you and your beautiful children. You guys have an army behind you and his loving caring compassion will live on for you guys thru friends and people he touched. He’s always right by your side in all u do. We all love u.
Our hearts are broken. So many stories, so many memories, too many to write. Jeff was truly one of a kind and the Gooch’s were our family. To know Jeff is to love and adore him, as he loved so many of us.
We will miss you tremendously Jeff and I pray that you are resting peacefully.
Love, Bill and Jen
My heart is saddened by the loss of Jeffrey. He was there for me and my children and helped me fight for justice. His personality and words are something I will always remember. My deepest sympathies to Jeffery’s family and may God wrap his loving arms around you to give you comfort and peace through your difficult loss and times ahead. Blessings to you and your family.
I will forever be grateful to Jeff for the help he gave my daughter when her husband was killed in Wyoming. He went beyond a lawyers duties and helped her through a very difficult time for her. My prayers are for the Savior’s comfort and peace for your family and beautiful memories to sustain you.
Hi Mrs Gooch! I was a student of yours. So so sorry for your loss. Sending love and prayers your way ❤️
Jeff was a very gifted lawyer and a loyal friend. He represented his clients and supported his friends with the same zeal. He adored Heather and his children. Everyone who came into contact with him was better for it.
Jeffrey was indeed a giant of a man; in stature and mostly in the way he cared about people. He genuinely cared about everyone. He was a huge advocate for everyone he shared a relationship with. He was a joy to talk with, I loved our conversations! He believed in me and I trusted him, from the start of our initial consultation, that says it all.
To Mrs Gooch and your family, you are in my prayers, may our Savior comfort you during this extremely difficult time.
Jeff was a great lawyer and more importantly a great person. I will miss him and his big personality. It is hard to believe he is gone. Heather, my heart reaches out to you and the kid. You have all my love, support, and friendship. Jeff will always hold a special place in my heart.
Heather,
We are so saddened by Jeff's passing. We will truly miss his bigger than life personality. What a character he was, never a dull moment. His capacity to wax philosophical on so many esoteric topics was beyond impressive. We will indeed miss his many one-liners. It was a privilege to know him on both a personal and professional level. Obviously, we are at a loss for words. It is our sincere hope that you, Brooke and Barton can find some solace and comfort in the many happy memories created with Jeff. With love and sincere condolences,
Dave & Marilyn Ference
Funny. 6'7''. Cheerfully irreverent. Supremely gifted. Deliciously Profane. Incapable of being boring. Fiercely kind. Committed to the cause of justice and accountability. Jeff is like Halley's Comet: big, beautiful, and rare. We won't see the likes of him again. Heaven Help the poor guy who has to fit Jeff with wings.
God Bless You Jeff
Dear Gooch family,
I was deeply saddened to learn of Jeff’s passing. He and I were always opposing attorneys, but I thoroughly enjoyed working with him. He was bright, witty, a compassionate and pragmatic advocate for his clients.
He spoke often of his family, especially his grandmother. I was touched by openness and sincerity. I am so sorry for your loss. He will be missed in our legal community but especially by his friends, of which I consider myself one. I am so sorry for your loss.
Rest in peace my friend and thank you for the memories. 🙏
I am heartbroken for you - Heather, Barton and Brooke. I am stunned at the loss of my larger than life friend and mentor. Gooch taught me that the true value of being a lawyer is to be in a position to help those who cannot help themselves. Gooch truly cared about people. Even though he was often the smartest guy in the room, he was one of the most endearing and personable people you could hope to speak with. The void left in the Gooch Tribe can only be eased by him who will wipe away all tears - the Savior of the World. I pray that His peace may attend you in this most difficult time.
Our family is so sorry for your loss. Jeff was larger than life and I always appreciated his funny sense of humor. He was very perceptive and saw the intricacies and complexities of life that are lost on most. I remember when he flew us out from Nebraska to go to the U2 concert; we were blown away by his generosity. I was also impressed by the loving way he cared for his grandmother through the years.
We wish you the best as you navigate this difficult time. He will be missed.
I remember "Gooch" from high school. He was always very well liked. I don't think I knew a single person who didn't like Gooch. I remember him always being friendly and kind to everyone.
So grateful for the Savior and the sealing powers of the temple.
Good bye ol' buddy. You were a prince of a man and a gentleman. You were a hell of a lawyer and brilliant you were. You will be missed my friend. Rest in Peace!
I am devastated. I barely know what to say, except I miss my best and most adventurous friend.
He’s also survived by many law students and young attorneys that he mentored and clearly their families (me). Gooch was always bigger than life and it was such a privilege to know you, him, your kids when they were tiny and of course “Grandma.” Thank you for always opening your home to us. I’m so sorry for you loss. Holding you, Brooke and Barton in my heart. It’s been a minute so I don’t know how relationships worked out but love to Carlyn as well. She was absolutely stellar when Justin still worked there. Peace be with you all.
Dear Heather, Barton, and Brooke.
I am so very sorry for your devastating loss. I found out about Jeff last Thursday as I was driving home to St. George from Salt Lake, and it has taken me a week to process such a huge loss! Jeff was the first attorney to hire me as an expert witness 24 years ago, and we became fast friends. He has been my friend, mentor, sounding board, and colleague since that time, and we have helped each other through some tough cases, frustrating depositions and trials, and momentous life events. I am struggling to grasp the fact that I can't just pick up the phone and talk to him! I can truly attest to the fact that Jeff loved people! He cared deeply for his clients, coworkers, experts, and most of all, his beautiful wife and children. While at times he had a mouth on him, and would spend much of our conversation apologizing for his language with a smile on his face, he had a huge heart and a great capacity for Christ-like love, compassion, and caring. He fought hard for the underdog and the victimized, and he was, and still is, an awesome attorney and man. I will always hold our friendship close to my heart.
Heather, you and the children are in my thoughts and prayers. Gooch, until we meet again my friend! I love ya'
Sheryl
I am so sorry to hear this news. He was everybody’s cheerleader and always brought positive energy to the day. Rest in peace.
I am so sorry to hear about Jeff’s passing! He was very influential in helping me deal with the aftermath of a car accident that left me without half of my family. He was compassionate, empathetic, and became an unexpected friend. He will be dearly missed! My heartfelt love and prayers go out to you. God bless each of you sweet family!
It's hard to believe that Gooch is no longer a phone call away. There is no way that I can put into words what he has meant to me the last 16 years; or how much I will miss his wisdom, humor, and just him. He was a special man who cannot ever be forgotten. Rest in peace my friend.
I love Gooch. His energy, his humor, his keen intellect. He had a fierceness that made him succeed at anything he did, but his generous gentle heart was what made him special.
He leaves an imprint on our lives. The space where he was can not be filled but will be celebrated by us. We are sending all of our love to Heather and his amazing kids.
Seth and Lace Riddle
Dearest Heather and family,
I am so deeply saddened by Jeff's tragic passing. I love him very much and will miss him at lot. I cannot imagine the grief and loss you all feel. Jeff was so much fun -- always-- and loved to tease me. His intellect was always on display; he was two steps ahead of the competition, but also inviting and encouraging others to catch up to him. We always left each other smiling, often laughing, and promising to catch up soon. Please know of our profound sadness and sincerest condolences. Blessings to y
I was a student of Mrs Gooch last year and I remember how we would call Mr Gooch and just have fun chats for 5 minutes during our lesson. He always seemed like an amazing guy. Of course his wife Heather Gooch is one of the best teachers I have ever had. This is terrible news and I hope that the family will be safe and well.
Jeff was a good friend. He was passionate, funny, and kind. Great qualities for a man, a lawyer, and a friend. I will miss you Jeff.
Thinking of Jeff's family. I worked with Jeff in the Lehi office of Jones Waldo. He brought fun and energy to the office. I appreciate how friendly he was. He hated injustice and inefficiencies and we had several great conversations around those topics. One thing I remember was how highly he talked of his wife and mother-in-law. On multiple occasions, he said how wonderful and talented both were and how much he appreciated them. I will miss Jeff. Sending love to the family.
Jeff, I’ll miss knowing there’s an honest and real gentle giant on the lookout, protecting us from ruffians and encouraging everybody with your ready smile and thumbs-up. I’ll trust you’re still on the lookout, from beyond, for anyone who needs that giant Gooch heart that went with that big frame.
Your friend, Mark