Patrick Lawrence Gooden

Patrick Lawrence Gooden, dear husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend was welcomed into heaven by his beloved wife, Christine Gooden and his brother, Michael Anthony Gooden and his sister Betty Gale Hill on Thursday, February 17, 2022, at the age of 73. There is no doubt that he was overjoyed to be reunited with Christine, his brother, his sister, parents and a host of other family and friends, gone but not forgotten. Patrick was born on March 17, 1948, and was the “honorary St. Patrick’s baby to all his family and friends.” He was born in Long Beach, California to proud parents, Elwood, and Evelyn Gooden. He was the youngest of four children. After high school, Patrick enlisted in the United States Air Force serving during the Vietnam conflict. Patrick’s dear brother, Michael Anthony Gooden, was serving in the Marines. Michael was serving on a mission in Quang Tri, Vietnam, when his helicopter was shot down by enemy fire and Michael perished. Patrick was honorably discharged from the Air Force as the sole surviving son, to care for his mother who was having a difficult time with the loss of her son, Michael. Patrick came back to Long Beach, California to care for his mother. Patrick was a dutiful son, hard worker and a man with an incredible work ethic. As a young man, Patrick always put his family first. Patrick’s first jobs were at a gas station and working at Catalina Air. He began working at Douglas Aircraft, where he met a man named, William Irvin, who would someday become his brother-in-law. William Irvin introduced Patrick to Christine and after several years of dating, Christine and Patrick were married on June 28, 1970. Patrick began working for Rancho County hospital serving as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Christine and Patrick soon started a family and their first child, a daughter, Carol Lynette was born. They were then blessed to purchase their first home in Long Beach, California. This was a proud accomplishment for both Patrick and Christine. Soon they were blessed with a son, Matthew Lawrence and then a daughter, Racheal London. Patrick enjoyed nature so much and his sweet baby daughter, Racheal, was named after his favorite authors, Jack London, and Rachel Carson. Patrick was overjoyed to have a son and enjoyed sharing his love of nature with Matthew. Patrick was so proud of Matthew, Racheal and Carol for pursuing their college degrees. He enjoyed bragging about his children’s accomplishments and he was so tremendously proud of his son, Matthew, for continuing the family tradition of serving our country in the military. Patrick worked hard to provide for his family and during the evenings he attended night school at Long Beach City College, where he obtained his Associates degree. School never came easy to Patrick and so his graduation with his degree was a proud accomplishment. Patrick then applied and was accepted as the Supervisor of the Environmental Services Department of Bixby Elementary working for the Long Beach School District. Patrick met many friends and enjoyed his time at Bixby. Every summer, Patrick planned a camping vacation to the mountains and to Jack London’s home and John Muir’s home, two people Patrick admired. John Muir famously stated, “The Mountains are calling, and I must go.” Patrick and Christine were able to pursue a lifelong dream of moving to Oregon to be close to the ocean and mountains. Patrick was able to accept an early retirement from the Long Beach School District. Several years after moving to Oregon, Patrick was blessed with his first grandchild, a baby girl named Jessica Christine. As Patrick was retired, he began providing care for Jessica. Jessica and Patrick were like “peanut butter and jelly,” and they did everything together. They explored Coos Bay, making friends with the seals and sea lions on the cliffs of the cape, fishing, playing at the park or watching a movie. Life was good for Patrick, and he enjoyed retirement, spending time with his family and pursuing his interests. Patrick came out of retirement to pursue a career at the Wyoming State Department of Corrections. He worked as a Kitchen Supervisor and enjoyed his work. Patrick was a Christian and believed in forgiveness and second chances. He believed strongly in the Departments values and treatment of inmates. He believed that incarceration was their punishment, and he was hopeful for each and every inmates ability to change their life for the better. Christine passed away at an early age from Pancreatic Cancer. Patrick was fortunate to meet several good friends over his life. He met a wonderful partner, Carol Jo Brookens and together they traveled to many places exploring Patrick’s many interests. Patrick enjoyed history, traveling, the sea and the mountains. In his second retirement, Patrick enjoyed traveling all over the United States and Canada. He even went on an Alaskan cruise. Patrick lived a full and happy life. He considered everyone he met to be a friend. He would give you the shirt off his back. Patrick served for many years as Santa Clause for the annual foster care Christmas party. Patrick loved his family and was so blessed with three children, Carol (Larry) of Torrington, Wyoming, Matthew (Jennifer) of Katy, Texas, and Racheal (David) of Duncan Oklahoma. He loved his siblings and was a loving brother to his sister Tona Killingworth (Don) of Lakewood, California, Betty Hill (deceased), Michael Gooden (deceased). He married the love of his life, Christine, and enjoyed many happy years with her until her passing. He was by her side as she took her last breath. He loved his partner, Carol Jo, with all his heart. He treasured his grandchildren: Jessica Christine Phillips (Nicholas), Anthony Michael Kearbey, Daniel Robert Kearbey, Donald Vernon Witherell, Maci Louise Gooden, Sean Patrick Rice, Christian Alexander Rice, Tia Chantal Rice and Michael Robert Rice. He shared with his grandchildren his love of travel, trees, the ocean, the mountains, history, movies, and love of family. Patrick will be remembered for his strong Christian faith. Patrick enjoyed attending other churches during his travels and sharing his Christian faith with various denominations. Patrick, you have fought a gallant fight and have finished the race as a noble man of character! A celebration of life will be held at Colyer Funeral Home Chapel, 2935 Main Street, Torrington, Wyoming at 1:00 p.m. on 2-22-22 with Pastor Cody Dyer officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Black Hills Cemetery in Sturgis, South Dakota with full military honors. The family would like to thank Larry Adams for providing exceptional end-of-life care, Carol Jo Brookens for standing by her enduring love of Patrick, Regional West Hospice, and the Cheyenne Veterans Hospital. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to the Lewy Body Dementia (lbda.org).

Patrick Lawrence Gooden

March 17, 1948 - February 17, 2022