Ervin H Goodman

On Easter Sunday, April 4th, 2010, my grandpa, Ervin Goodman, passed away. I think my cousin Mindy said it best -

"I mourn my Grandpa Goodmans passing but celebrate his life and progeny. I know him better by his wonderful children, and best of all my dad." (For me, it would be my mom!) "My father, aunts and uncles are some of the most warm and caring people I know. To me, that speaks to who my grandpa was."

I have felt so lucky that I am in my 30s, and this is my first grandparent to pass away. I am so happy that Abbi got to meet him, even if she won't remember later in life. One of my favorite recent memories of him was when Abbi was blessed. He stood in the circle, and I was told afterward that he was smiling and making faces at her the whole time. He loved babies and always lit up when one would come around.

I feel blessed to have been there the last few days of his life. I was truly touched to see how much family he always had by his side. That was such a powerful thing to me - seeing how much he was loved, and how much everyone loves my grandma to be there for her. I can only hope that I can raise a family like that.

I'm glad that I was able to be in the room as he passed away. It was sad to see the suffering of those around him, but it was also a testament that there is life after death. I didn't see his eyes open most of the time that I was at the hospital in those last few days, but in the minutes before his death, his eyes were open, and I believe that he saw someone there, welcoming him home. I know that he is now where he feels no more pain and no more restrictions from an aged body. And I know that I will be able to see him again one day.

Josh, Abbi & I at the hospital with grandpa a few days before he passed away

I stole this picture from my aunt who emailed it out. I can't help but get teary when I see this picture of my grandma and grandpa.

Ervin Howard Goodman

1923 - 2010

Ervin Howard Goodman, our beloved husband, father, grand-father, and great-grandfather left this earth on April 4, 2010 surrounded by his loving wife and family. He was born June 13, 1923 in St. David, Arizona to Ella Cardon and Howard Arthur Goodman. He married Delores LaVanda Lee in the Mesa Temple on May 31, 1949. After nearly 61 years of marriage, his posterity includes 9 children, 34 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Delores; seven children: Rosalie (Jay) Burnham; Eva Jo (Tom) Mitchell; Carl (Kris) Goodman; Jeannine (Rick) Henage; Howard (Debbie) Goodman; John (Holly) Goodman; Steve (Shery) Goodman; his brother Tom (Milda) Goodman; and his sisters Erma (Don) Ausburn, and Alice (Marvin) Christensen. He was preceded in death by his parents, twin daughters, a grandson, a brother Clyde, and a sister Geneva (Palmer). He was a graduate of Farmington High and a veteran of WWII. He was a commercial building contractor in Farmington for many years and then was the San Juan County Assessor and worked for the Assessor’s office until he retired. He was active in the LDS church and served a mission to the Central States. Among his many callings, he served as a Bishop, in bishoprics, high councils, and as an ordained temple worker in Albuquerque with his wife. He loved reading, working crosswords, gardening, word working, camping, and being with family.

A viewing will be held on Friday, April 9, 2010 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Brewer Lee & Larkin, 103 E Ute, Farmington, NM. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 10, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Farmington 1^st Ward, 1310 East 25^th Street (Knudsen Building), Farmington, NM with a viewing an hour and one-half prior to the service.