William E. Good 1930-2013

William E. Good died unexpectedly in Scottsdale, Arizona, on July 17. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, on October 16, 1930 to James and Marion Good.

His formative years were spent in Downers Grove, Illinois, with his brothers Bob, Tom and Ralph and his little sister Sarah. He engaged in the normal adventures of a young man growing up in the '30s and '40s and when he came of age, he served his country as a Military Policeman (MP) and in the Judge Advocate Division in Okinawa, Japan.

He matriculated at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, earning his undergraduate and law degrees and meeting his future bride of 58 years, Marlene (nee McGrath).

His law career was robust and varied. During his corporate law career he represented American Home Products, Ekco Products, and later served as General Counsel for Brach Candy in Chicago. Additionally, he spent 20 years serving the citizens of Arizona as an administrative law judge.

His talents and interests outside of work were varied and numerous. In part, they included: Growing his own vegetable garden; Canning his own pickles, apple butter and jam; Baking fresh bread; Making wine from his own little vineyard ; Repairing almost anything with a motor; Building his own structures (benches, playhouses for kids, and even mini-ice rinks in the backyard); Acting and singing in musicals with his wife at Techny Theater twice a year; Golfing; Cross-country skiing; Umpiring Little League games; Participating in YMCA Indian Guides, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts (this was before it was de-rigor for dads to "be involved"); Attending regular "Chester Keeper" group meetings in a variety of settings, most notably Lake Shishebogama; Serving his church as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister of Care; Volunteering at the botanical garden (sometimes as "Sammy Saguaro," greeting visitors young and old); Sailing his sloop "Ondine"; Painting; Travelling close to home, and to destinations such as France, Ireland, Canada, the Mediterranean and beyond.

Bill lived a long and good life. As in any long and good life, there are joys and pains, accomplishments and disappointments, challenges and times when it is just plain easy. He experienced all of these, and was made richer by the fullness and completeness of the life he led. The love of siblings, children, grandkids, and friends-- in Illinois, Texas, and Arizona---was a treasure to Bill, but nothing was more treasured to him than the love of his life, Marlene. Her love, her attention --and her persistence--- kept him on track and gave him the knowledge that, no matter what, someone else on this planet knew how and what he was feeling… and loved him for it. Their bond continues in the memories they will always share, and in their children and grand children that live on today.

Bill is survived by his wife Marlene, sons Anthony (CoCo) and Michael (Kim), brothers Tom (Nancy) and Bob, grandchildren Shannon, Connor, Emma, Blake, Emmet and Katie, and many nieces and nephews. If you agree Bill was a Renaissance Man, and you'd like to make a gift in his memory, please consider the Justa Center (www.justacenter.org) ,1001 W. Jefferson, Phoenix, AZ 85007, or any other charitable organization that promotes richness in life and improves the experience of others in the world.

Posted on August 8, 2013 by Chris Bonjean
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