Harold Goodrich

Known for his strong work ethic and his drive to provide, there was nothing that was more important to Harold Goodrich than caring for the family he loved above all else. He had the best sarcastic sense of humor and never could resist a good practical joke, yet he could also be so passionate when involved in a conversation he felt strongly about. A well known man in the community he called home throughout the majority of his life, Harold worked tirelessly to bring the city of Ovid to life for the generations of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Life will never be the same without Harold here, but we will be forever changed for having been touched by such a remarkable man.

The Great Depression of the thirties brought America some of the most trying days our nation has ever seen, and the year 1933 is often recalled as one of the years that was hit the hardest. The unemployment rate peaked at over 25 percent and to make matters worse, a severe drought in our nation’s heartland only strangled the life out of our already crippled agricultural industry. Despite these times of great hardship, a young family from Fowlerville, Michigan, couldn’t contain the joy they felt to welcome a baby boy into their hearts and home on February 26th of that same year.

Harold was the fourth of five children born to his parents, Lewis and Helena (Louth) Goodrich, and was raised in the family home alongside his sisters, Betty and Sarah, and his brothers, Lewis and Paul. During his youngest years his father was a farmer while his mother was a homemaker, but while Harold was still a young boy his father took a job at the Ovid Creamery. The job change relocated their bustling family to Ovid where Harold easily adapted to his new surroundings. He attended local schools where he excelled in spelling. During his high school years Harold strove to succeed in athletics as he played on the football, basketball, and baseball teams.

After graduating from high school Harold had plans to go on to college, but all those plans came to a halt when he and a friend were in a serious car accident on their way to register for classes. It was actually a collision with a train that caused injuries that were so severe that Harold was left for dead. Miraculously, a rescue worker took the extra step to check for a pulse only to find that Harold was indeed still alive. The recovery that followed was a long and difficult one for him, and he never did register for college.

With his recovery behind him, Harold was introduced to the young woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Roberta Grey and after dating for a year, they decided to make their love official. The lovebirds ran off to Angola, Indiana, to get married as they didn’t need the permission of Roberta’s parents to get married in Indiana. They exchanged their vows on January 29, 1955, marking the beginning of a new chapter in a love story that would span more than 50 years.

The newlyweds soon returned to Michigan where they settled into a mobile home next to Harold’s parents’ home. He and his father ran the gas station on M-21 and Main Street for a time. Harold also raced cars at the Owosso Speedway during this time. He later secured employment at Autolite, which eventually became Johnson Controls. While working Harold also went to trade school to become a master electrician.

Together Harold and Roberta were blessed with their daughter, Tamara, and their three sons, Dean, Doug, and Todd. As a father Harold was actively involved in the lives of his children throughout his life. He instilled within his children timeless skills that have served them well including having a positive attitude in everything and how to be a bit stubborn when it comes to things they feel passionate about. Now that Harold’s children have grown older they treasure his advice and wisdom, and they have also learned so much about raising their own children through the example he set.

As a longtime resident of Ovid, Harold loved his community. He played an instrumental role in the annual Carriage Days, and he also helped tirelessly with the Ovid Historical Society. Harold was also president of his union for a time, a longtime member of the Masonic Lodge #105, and became a member of his local Shriners as well as their Jesters and their Model A Club. For many years Harold also coached Little League in Ovid.

There were so many things that Harold loved throughout his life. He was a sports enthusiast who would watch any sport that was on, but was also partial to watching the Spartans play. Harold enjoyed cooking at deer camp near North Branch and as a proud Democrat, he loved arguing politics with anyone who was willing to engage. His dogs were always an important part of his life and beloved companions that were like members of his family. As much he loved all these things in his life, there was nothing that made him laugh like his grandchildren.

Through the life of Harold Goodrich we learn what it means to live a life of integrity, of hard work, and of unending love for others. He continuously gave of himself to make a difference in the community he loved, and he fully devoted himself to providing for the family he adored. Harold wasn’t afraid to speak his mind when needed and was a firm believer in the notion that anything worth doing was worth doing well. He leaves behind a brilliant mosaic of memories that will remain forever near and dear to the hearts of those he leaves behind. Harold will be deeply missed.

"Albert Einstein said 'Our death is not an end if we can live on in our children and the younger generation. For they are us, our bodies are only wilted leaves on the tree of life.' Harold Goodrich was many things, but above all a family man. He loved his family and he continues to live on in us."

Harold K. Goodrich died on November 1, 2011. Harold’s family includes his wife, Roberta; daughter, Tamara Goodrich; sons, Dean (Marissa), Doug and Todd (Joann) Goodrich; 11 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; sisters, Betty Morden, Sarah (Ron) Woodruff; brother, Paul (Dee) Goodrich; and sister-in-law, Thelma Goodrich. Harold was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lewis Goodrich, Jr.; sister-in-law, Bonnie Goodrich; and brother-in-law, Virgil Morden. Memorial Services will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 5, 2011, in Ovid at the Houghton Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes, with Pastor Dickenson officiating. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Friday evening, November 4th. Sympathy may be expressed in the form of memorial contributions to the Ovid Little League or the Ovid Historical Society. Please visit Harold’s personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/75040 , where you can share a memory or photo and sign his memory book. The family was served by the Osgood Funeral Homes.