Paul Goodrich

Paul Eugene Goodrich passed away peacefully in Spring Lake Michigan on May 19, 2025. He was 87.

Paul was born March 30, 1938 in Walton New York to parents Louis and Dorothy. He grew up on the family farm in Franklin, New York with his brothers Tom and Don, and sisters Lynda and Sonya. He graduated from Franklin Central High School in 1956. He and his younger brother Don loved aviation and both took flying lessons.

In 1957 he joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in El Centro California where he continued flying lessons. In 1958 he married Celia Lopez. Soon after the wedding Paul was transferred to Wiesbaden Germany where he and Celia had 2 children Kathy and Daniel. The family returned to the states and lived in Colorado and New York. In 1965 he served in Vietnam and was awarded a Bronze Star for meritorious service. After Vietnam the family was stationed in California. In 1970 they moved to Elmendorf Air Force Base near Anchorage, Alaska.

Paul loved the idea of bringing his family to the last frontier. By this time, Paul had his private pilots license and instructor rating. He owned a small airplane and flew the family around exploring Alaska. The family loved the adventure and embraced camping, fishing, snow machining, skiing, and other outdoor activities. Paul retired from the Air Force in 1977 and moved back to New York to live on the family farm he had purchased from his parents. Paul hired on with the FAA in 1978 as a flight service specialist and the family moved back to Alaska.

In 2005 he married his second wife Ok Son and moved to Michigan to be near her family. Paul loved Michigan because it reminded him of his hometown Franklin. He also enjoyed many good times with Ok Son and her family.

Paul was preceded in death by his son Daniel, his parents Louis and Dorothy, and his brothers Tom and Don, his niece Nannette, and nephew Greg.

He is survived by his sisters Lynda and Sonja from Franklin, NY. Sisters-in-law Margo from Franklin, NY and Annette from Rochester, NY. His daughter Kathy and first wife Celia of San Diego, CA. His granddaughter Kristin and her husband Derek, and great grandchildren Ember, Nova, and Orion from Huntsville, AL. His Grandson Daniel and his fiancée Arrow of Anchorage AK. His second wife Ok Son from Spring Lake MI, and her children Michelle, Chris, Mark, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Saturday August 16th 11:00 am at the Ouleout Valley Cemetery in Franklin . Food and fellowship at the Franklin Community Bible Church to follow graveside service.