Gary E. Goodman

Gary Edward Goodman, born on June 16, 1947, in Billings, Montana, passed away at home in Bellingham, Washington on January 27, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was 77.

Son of Barbara and Edward Goodman, Gary grew up with his older sister, June (Ron) and younger brother, Fred (Connie) on a farm along the Yellowstone River before moving into town. Gary’s roots in Montana and his family shaped the strong and hardworking man he became. Excelling in math, a high school teacher suggested he go into Chemical Engineering. He attended Montana State University where he earned a degree in Chemical Engineering and met and married Connie. He was a loyal and devoted husband throughout their 55 years of marriage. Together, they built a life with their three children: Brandi Dagg (Eric), Niki Rumph (Steve), and Mike Goodman (Jessica). Gary was a proud and loving grandfather to Samantha and Luke Dagg; Kendel, Logan, and Shawna Rumph; and Noah, Cash, and Owen Goodman. Gary poured his love and energy into his children, supporting them in everything they pursued. He was strict but fair and always expected them to do the best they could do in school and in their lives. He had a huge extended family and loved each and every one of them - all his nephews, nieces, godchildren, brothers and sisters-in-law, and parents.

After college graduation, Gary took a job with the Mobil Refinery in Ferndale, beginning and ending his career 37-years later with ConocoPhillips at the same refinery. Offered numerous opportunities, he stayed and held many different jobs at the Ferndale plant. Gary took immense pride in his work, and his dedication and leadership carried him to the role of Refinery Manager. The refinery wasn’t just a job to Gary - it was a source of deep satisfaction and a community he cherished. He loved the camaraderie of his colleagues and valued the friendships forged through years of shared challenges and accomplishments. After the completion of the largest turnround in the refinery’s 50-year history, Gary retired in 2007.

Throughout his life, Gary loved playing basketball, baseball, playing tiles, helping at church, serving on boards, having dinners with neighbors, hiking, watching his children play sports, skiing, fishing, traveling, his Parkinson’s bicycling class, Sunday morning breakfast, Thursday morning coffee, and sharing a meal and a good glass of beer or wine with friends. Gary’s friendships meant the world to him.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025 at 10:30 am at Church of the Assumption. A reception will follow at the Bellingham Yacht Club.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bellingham YMCA’s Bicycling for Parkinson’s Class, YMCA’s Parkinson’s Boxing Class, or Church of the Assumption.