Rick Goodrow, 76, of Shelby, passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Trinity Health Hospital in Muskegon. He was born May 19, 1949, to Francis and Gladys (Guilford) Goodrow in Hale, Michigan.
Rick graduated from Hale High School in 1967 and then attended Alma College for four years before joining the U.S. Air Force. On September 20, 1970, he married Sue Slosser, the love of his life.
They found a footing in Illinois, but Rick’s work in the Air Force quickly took him around the world. He retired in 1991 as a Senior Master Sergeant.
After retiring, Rick and Sue moved back to Michigan. Along with rescuing and raising countless cats, Rick’s hobbies included reading, selling tools and cast iron, documenting genealogy and listening to the Detroit Tigers (if the game was on television, it was muted for the radio). Rick enjoyed traveling with his family, with New Zealand being his favorite destination. Rick was also quite the handyman, providing his knowledge and a helpful hand on countless house-flipping projects throughout his life with his son.
Rick is survived: by his wife, Sue Goodrow of Shelby; children, Chris Goodrow and his wife, Amy, of Urbana, Illinois, and Noel Goodrow and his wife, Laura, of Rothbury, Michigan; grandchildren, Zoe Kuntze of Madison, Wisconsin, and Zack Goodrow of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; siblings: Francis Goodrow, Garlin Sage, Jerilyn Plummer and Jewell Smith.
Rick was a man of integrity who led by example, always thinking of others, especially the less fortunate. He was not a material man. He spent his last days surrounded by family, sharing stories and laughter. He insisted on having fun. His family was paramount in his life.
In accordance with Rick’s wishes, he requested no memorial services.
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.
www.beaconfh.com
