Lt. Col. John Winston Goodrich
Lt. Col. John Winston Goodrich died quietly at home May 1, 2013.
He was the son of Julian O. Goodrich and Helen L. Ryle, born in Montpelier on June 2, 1922.
He attended St. Michael's grade and high schools, graduating in 1940.
He married Ruth von Ette in 1942, beginning a 71-year adventure.
He graduated from the University of Vermont in 1947 with a degree in mechanical engineering, after serving in the Air Force during World War II. He flew 64 missions in the Italian theater and received the Distinguished Flying Cross and many other awards for his service there. He returned to the service in 1950 and flew 57 missions in Korea. He stayed in the Air Force and graduated from the Air Force Institute of Technology and the Air Force Staff and Command School. His last active duty assignment was at the Air Force Ballistic Missile Division. He was a command pilot, and he retired as a lieutenant colonel. He joined Julian Goodrich Architect Inc. in 1960 when he returned to Vermont. He joined ARAMCO in 1976 and worked in Saudi Arabia for 10 years, retiring in 1986.
He was passionate from his adolescence about World War I aircraft and flying. He built models of planes from this era throughout his life, winning many awards for historical accuracy, with several of his models on exhibit in museums. He loved playing cards, especially bridge. He learned how to play several instruments by ear and filled his home with beautiful clarinet and piano music. He enjoyed traveling.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth, and their eight children: Anne Low (Dr. Paul Low), Dr. John Goodrich (Elizabeth), Deborah Lavigne (Michael), Pamela Goodrich, Ellen Goodrich, David Goodrich (Alice), Steven Goodrich (Doreen) and Christine Neuhardt; and 20 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild (so far). All of these descendants are unique and wonderful, and we thank God for his blessings in them.
Visiting hours will be held at the Ready Funeral Home South Chapel, 261 Shelburne Road, Burlington, on Thursday, May 9, from 4 to 6 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. John Vianney Church, South Burlington, Friday, May 10, at 11 a.m. Burial will be on Friday at 2 p.m. in St. Augustine Cemetery, Montpelier.
No flowers, please. Please pray for God's blessings on John's family. We thank the VNA home care ladies and the hospice nurses for their good care, Father Bernard Gaudreau for his caring help, and the Ready Funeral Home for their assistance.