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Walter Goodrich

March 27, 2019
Kalamazoo, MI

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Passed away peacefully at his home on March 27, 2019. Walt was born on January 13th, 1940 in Seattle, Washington to the late Frank and Hildegarde ("Pete") Goodrich. He was preceded in death by his brother Frank Goodrich Jr. He is survived by his sister Elizabeth Goodrich of Chelsea, MI; his three children Anna (Kim) Moss of Kalamazoo, MI, Pete (Andrea) Goodrich of East Grand Rapids, MI, and Austin Goodrich of Portage, MI; along with four grandchildren Issac, Clara, Megan and Allie. Walt was a graduate of Milton College in Wisconsin and then went on to the University of Wisconsin, Madison to earn a master's degree in social work. After college, Walter spent 5 years at the YMCA in Janesville, WI as a Program Director and another 5 years as the Psychotherapist at Lad Lake Treatment Center in Dousman, WI. In 1978 Walt returned to his home town of Kalamazoo, MI as Chief Social Worker at the Elizabeth Upjohn Community Healing Center (formerly The Kalamazoo Child Guidance Clinic). He spent the next 30 years working at the Guidance Clinic helping children, adults and families. Walt dedicated his life to his family, helping others, volunteering and fitness; competing in the Mr. Wisconsin Bodybuilding Contest, running marathons and most recently winning multiple gold medals for power lifting in the Michigan Senior Olympics in 2015. Walt volunteered his time at the West Michigan Cancer Center, Ministry with Community and on the board of directors of the YMCA in Kalamazoo. A celebration of Walt's life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, Goodrich Family Scholarship Fund, 402 E. Michigan Ave. Kalamazoo, MI 49007-3888; or a charity of your choice. Arrangements were made by the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. www.langelands.com.