Jerry Lynn Goodfellow, known as Goofy, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love and in his own bed after a long courageous battle with cancer on November 27th 2018. He was born November 9th, 1939, to Gordon Lynn Goodfellow and Dorathy Ruth (Hemingway), in Oakland, CA. He was the eldest of 3 boys.
Dad was supposed to graduate from West High School in 1958, but the sea was calling him and he enlisted in the Navy in October 1957, a few weeks before turning 18. He served on the USS Bennington, getting his GED and travelling the world, but never making it down to Australia where he always wanted to travel.
Dad liked fishing, golfing, camping, and many activities where he got to spend time with his family, but he especially loved bowling. Dad continued to bowl up until this last summer. His “Yo” echoes in many alleys across the state.
Dad worked at Kennecott until his retirement in 1985. He was a welder/boilermaker. He was always the jokester replacing welding rods with sparklers or hitting a pipe with hammer making others jump.
Dad lived such a full life, although gone to soon in our eyes, he always had advice from personal experience on anything you asked and sometimes when you didn’t ask. It’s hard to convey into words someone as amazing as Dad. We’re so thankful for all the memories, advice, and wisdom he passed onto us. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Dad is preceded in death by his parents, his son Kyle and too many friends and loved ones.
Dad is survived by his brothers Denny (Rita) and Ron (Sher) His children Carrie (Ken), Jerry, Rodney (Mandy), Wendi (Brett), and Portia (Cody), 19 amazing Grandchildren, 7 Great Grandchildren and 4 crazy ex-wives.
In honor of Dad’s wishes, he did not want a funeral or viewing and is being cremated. Please join us at the wake and share memories of Dad.
Wake will be at Bonwood Bowl 2500 S Main St on Sunday December 16th from 11AM-2PM.
