Passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at the age of 81. Beloved husband of Joanna (Andrews) Gooder. Cherished father of Jane Gooder (Roger Lucier), and Kevin (Tammy) Gooder. Adored grandfather of Jenna and Grace. Fondly remembered by his brother’s Jack (Evelyn, deceased 2022) and Gerry (Linda), and their families.
Robert was a dedicated high school teacher at Laurier SS and Montcalm SS for 35 years total. He also coached football and hockey as well he running the outdoor club for fishing enthusiasts and the chess club. He was also a coach of the London Beefeaters Football Club and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2022.
Robert loved life and was a man of all seasons!!! He played or watched every sport going, and did so with the greatest of enthusiasm! His sports passion was the New York Yankees and he always dreamed of being called up to spring training!
He was a free spirit who marched to his own drum!
Special thanks to all of those that sent messages of love and appreciation. He was a large presence in so many peoples lives. He will be greatly missed.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers donations to the Mission Services of London would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 6 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Grand Bend, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $3/km (one way travel only).
Bob was a great man. He honored my father after his passing by checking in on me multiple times and having us out to his home. Being a boy who just lost his father that mattered and gave me comfort and I have carried that with me. I’m sorry for the families loss and know Dad is going to be very happy to see his friend again. Rest in peace Bob.
Joanne, and children, brother Jerry, so sorry to here of your loss. I grew up hearing his name through one family member or another over the years, I know you will miss him terribly and you are in my thoughts today. Best wishes to all the family, gone but not forgotten.
To Coach Gooder’s family, please accept my heartfelt condolences. I played against Bob’s powerhouse North London Kiwanis teams in the London Minor Football Association and played for Coach Gooder at Laurier (my last year was the fall of 1973). He was a great coach and teacher, but an even better person. He had a great influence on my life.
Tim Kumagai
Tokyo, Japan
Sorry to hear about your loss
I first knew Bob as the fiery catcher for Gerry on London’s entry in the MFL. I came to know him again recently as the frank, funny sports fan and consummate organizer that I wished I’d know longer and better. My condolences to Joanna and the entire family.
Mr Gooder had the unique ability to always make you feel good after talking with him. His honesty as a coach was what made you love him. One of a kind and one of the true good guys…..so many memories for soo many people. Legend!
RIP SIR!!!
Joanna and family, Bob will surely be missed, spent lots of yrs hunting together ,sharing stories, wisdom and enjoying the November hunt at the cabin every year with all the hunting group family. Will not be the same without Bob, but happy he was part of my life! Sending hugs Joanna
Very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing…known and coached against him since I was 12. In high school he was best friends with my neighbor Bill Whitfield and married Jane’s mom. We both taught geography as well…
Very sorry to hear the passing of Coach Goods. Not only was he such an amazing coach but a good friend and mentor to his young players. Proud to say I was able to play for him with the Beefeaters.
Cheers to our Coach!