Obituary: Tom Goodrich, May 21, 1948-May 2, 2011

Tom D. Goodrich, 62, passed away at home on May 2, 2011. He was born in Vernal, Utah, on May 21, 1948, the oldest of five children born to Dallas and Norma Merkley Goodrich. He grew up on Piceance Creek, attending school in Rifle and Meeker.
He was graduated from Meeker High School in 1966. Soon after he volunteered for the draft and spent a year in Vietnam. He was very patriotic and proud of his service to his country. He was married to Rhonda Kay Easley Goodrich for 30 years.
They have four children and three grandchildren who were the joy of his life. He is survived by his wife, Rhonda; children, Kimberly (Brent) Shiflett, Megan Green, Jessica Goodrich and Dallas Goodrich; grandchildren Kyler Shiflett, Payton Green and Ava Hope Shiflett; siblings, Kathy (Don) Cheshire, Brent (Barb) Goodrich, Julia (John) Morgan, and many nieces, nephews and great friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Raymond Goodrich and grandson Kolby Shiflett.
He began his career in construction while serving in Vietnam. He owned Goodrich Construction since moving back to Vernal in 1975. He specialized in commercial and industrial construction, and built the occasional custom home. He loved building and was a self-professed workaholic.
Tom never had a bad word to say about anyone and was loved by all who knew him. His passing will leave a space in all our hearts that we will never be able to fill.
Funeral services will be held at the Vernal Christian Church at 11 a.m., on Friday, May 6. Visitation at the mortuary from 6-8 p.m., on Thursday, May 5.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association are requested.