John Minta Goodman

John Minta Goodman, 90, passed away Friday, June 14, 2023, in his beloved Lake Samish home. John was born in Bellingham to Harry and Bernice Goodman on November 28, 1932. He graduated from Bellingham High School and enlisted in the United States Navy, becoming a proud Seabee in the Korean War. Before earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Education at Western Washington University, he worked for Uniflite and Shell Oil Refinery in Anacortes. Upon graduation, John began his teaching career at Bellingham High School, later becoming the Dean of Students at the newly opened Sehome High School. Later he added Athletic Director to his title.

John married the love of his life and adventure partner, Lucie Schell, on July 27, 1957. They were the perfect match who enjoyed snow and waterskiing and attending as many high school sporting events as humanly possible. He was a member of the Mount Baker Ski Patrol for 63 years and National Ski Patrol for 60 years. He was the pillar of competition water skiing in the Pacific Northwest. John founded the Peace Arch Waterski Club on Lake Samish and dug the first and only private waterski lake in Whatcom County, Borderline Lake. He was an American Waterski Association board of director, senior boat driver, and judge. As a promo team member for Ski Nautique for 46 years, he drove numerous local, regional, and national tournaments. John was the first person in the country to be the chief boat driver and chief judge at the National Waterski Tournament.

John was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Bernice, and brother Don. He is survived by his wife Lucie, son Terry (wife Julie) and their children Cole and Emily, son Ron, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A celebration of life at Borderline Lake in Blaine will be announced later.