Thomas Goodwin

Thomas E. Goodwin, age 76, of Kalamazoo, MI. There is, indeed, a time for all things under heaven. And for all the great rites of passage: Weddings and funerals, graduations and retirements. A time for anniversaries and reunions. For sunrise and sunset, for rain and snow, for moon and stars. A time for his first breath on January 8, 1940, and his last breath on June 28, 2016. But between those two dates, there are the infinite moments that attempt to enfold the essence of him - A time to walk his dogs, to ride his horses. To be on "Tom time" in the barn at the end of the day. To ride his tractor and spread the horse manure. To take his grandson, Griffin, on a begged-for tractor ride and make him feel safe. To take his granddaughters, Annelise and Fiona, to the barn and talk to them about the horses. Making them laugh when he greeted them. A time to "back up to the asskicking machine" (a Tom-ism) and get his Bachelor of Science from WMU School of Engineering when he was 32, working three jobs while taking a full course load and supporting his family. A time to help his granddaughter, Zoe, move into her first dorm room, then her first apartment, and then help her move out to start her next steps post-college. A time to make sure his wife, Barb, felt she and her birthday were special with a sweet gift that wasn't a household item. To be over-the-top proud of his sons, Jay and Rob, and grateful for them. A time to spend with his daughter-in-law, Sabine, as she patiently explained how to do Sudoku or use the computer. And those awesome times with wonderful friends to share good food, laughs, stories, and experiences. A time to be on the road selling to customers in his territory and feeling a sense of accomplishment providing for his family. Time to build muscle and endurance at the gym. A time to be an elder at Westminster Presbyterian Church, serve lunch at Ministry with Community, and deliver Meals on Wheels. A time to help homeless dogs find homes through the SPCA of Southwest Michigan. And a time to stop and smell the bee balm and feed the hummingbirds. Tom's family acknowledges and is grateful for the respectful and wonderful care he received at New Friends Memory Care facility. They thank Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan for providing comfort and support and Adult Day Services at the Oakland Centre that understands the essential value of each person. These are worthy organizations if you wish to donate in Tom's memory. There will be a celebration of his life and sharing of stories at a later date to be announced. You are my beloved, with you I am well pleased.