Obituary of William Harrison Goodwin

Born May 23, 1943 in Moncton, New Brunswick to Nan Margaret and William Harrison, Sr., Dad’s was a life well lived. Growing up, Dad split his time between the family’s homes on the Lewisville Road; Daytona Beach, Florida; and Shediac Cape. At age 10, Dad was sent to boarding school at Rothesay Collegiate, where he would make lifelong friends. From there to Acadia University for his undergraduate degree, then to Dalhousie University to study Law, Dad’s schooling came to an abrupt halt when due to his own father’s passing, he had to take the reins of the family’s Moncton-based real estate company, Midland Estates. It was then when he met the love of his life, Elizabeth. Mom was working at the bank across from the family law offices. One day while trying to cross the street with an armload of papers Dad arranged to "accidentally" bump into her. With papers flying everywhere, a dramatic apology was in order. Ever the gentleman, Dad offered a full amends that included a dinner date. Sometimes the best laid plans, even the devious ones, run afoul because Dad had forgotten that he had already committed to a property renovation that required a whole lot of painting. Thankfully, Mom took pity on the devilishly handsome, convertible-driving man of mystery, and their first date was take-out Chinese food…and a whole lot of painting. Six weeks later they were married. Growing the family real estate and appraisal businesses, testifying as an expert witness (usually fighting for the little guy in some weird and wonderful expropriation case) and redeveloping real estate such as the Queen Court condominium complex, Dad worked an 80-hour week on a regular basis. In his spare time, he ran the sailing school in Shediac for a few years, spent time with his Freemason brothers (Luxor Temple), and acted as a professional arbitrator. Our lives together were full of adventure with sailing and cottage life in Shediac Cape; family ski trips to Squaw Mountain, Sugarloaf, and Chamonix; and fishing at McFadden Lake and at the Maple Leaf Club on the mighty Miramichi River. Dad was also a helluva cook. Weekends of big breakfasts, exotic recipes and delicious comfort food were staples in our home, giving us the energy to get up and go. With three boys to keep busy in all manner of lessons (from martial arts to music), Mom and Dad were constantly on the move. Dad earned a black belt in Taekwondo and risked a heart attack every day at 5 pm to work out with his boys. In 1980, our family faced its biggest challenge when Dad’s youngest son, Aaron, was diagnosed with leukemia. Aaron, Mom and Dad spent considerable time in Halifax at the IWK Health Centre, with many family and friends helping us to survive this great difficulty. Dad developed strong bonds with other families going through the same challenges, and he decided to devote his considerable energy to the Friends of Children Atlantic-Ronald MacDonald House, where he served as a Director for 12 years before becoming President from 1993-1995. Mom had her own challenges with breast cancer, and after a courageous 10-year battle of her own, passed away in 1999. Elizabeth remained the love of Dad’s life until his last moment. It was also in 1999 when Dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Dad fought bravely for the next 22 years with surgeries, radiation treatments and chemotherapy. All the while, he ran the businesses, arbitrated cases and testified before the courts. He retired only a few a short years ago, working and staying in his own home until his last day. He leaves behind three grateful sons, Jake (Sheryl), Damon (Cynthia) and Aaron (Pam); seven wonderful grandchildren, Kayla, Jordan (Ed), Amelia (William), Elias, Madeleine, Preston and William; and a great-grandchild expected in September 2021. Additionally, he leaves behind his sister Georgie Lee Taylor (Ralph) and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. We wish to thank the terrific staff of the Moncton Hospital, Dr. Georges L. Dumont Hospital, Kindred Home Care, and in particular his oncologist, Dr. Mahmoud Abdelsalam and the care team at the Dr. Sheldon Rubin Oncology Clinic. We thank them not only for their expert care, but for their incredible patience while Dad instructed them on the finer points of the "Ludwig von Mises School of Economics" and his studied opinions on US politics gleaned from his focused and constant attention to Fox News. Thank you. Arrangements have been entrusted to Tuttle Brothers & Riverview Funeral Home in Riverview, NB, www.tuttlefuneralhome.ca. A service and celebration of life will take place at a St. Martin's in the Wood Anglican Church on Tuesday, August 31st at 2:00pm. There will be a reception held at the church hall. Donations to the Friends of the Moncton Hospital Foundation or Ronald MacDonald House Charities Atlantic are most welcome. Dad was larger than life. He accomplished so much and taught us the importance of having a strong work ethic, doing the right thing, taking a stand and fighting (figuratively and literally) when needed, and balancing life with fun and adventure. Most of all, he taught us how to love with reckless abandon. "A good time was had by all!" That’s how Dad signed off every logbook, fishing or sailing. For those of us who knew and loved him, that is how we will remember him. A good time was had by all. Service Information Tuesday, August 31, 2021 2:00pm St. Martin's in the Wood Anglican Church Burial Information Aug 31, 2021 3:00pm St. Martin's in the Wood Cemetery, Shediac Cape Requested Charity Friends of the Moncton Hospital Foundation or Ronald MacDonald House Charities Atlantic