Richard V. "Rick" Goodwin

Rick Goodwin, 42, died in his sleep Monday, April 21, 2014. He was born in Bristol, Tenn., the son of Linda and Roy Goodwin, Jr., both of Lynn, Massachusetts. He was raised in Lynn and graduated from Lynn English High School.

Rick devoted his life to public service and enjoyed working with all kinds of people. He lived in Montana for nine years and worked for Missoula County, first as a dispatcher at 911, then in District Court and was most recently a judicial aide in Justice Court. He was formerly a volunteer at the Arlee Fire Department. He brought much joy and laughter to our lives with his wry humor, jokes and encouragement. He would always tease us about buying him food and we discovered quite a cache of goodies in his desk. He loved chocolate any time of the day.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his former wife, Tia Espinoza; and his two children, Paley, 7, and Finn, 4. He kept close ties with Tia and they were proud of their respectful and cooperative parenting. He was a kind, devoted and loving father and took great pride in his children. Paley and Finn loved biking, swimming at Currents and shopping at the Dollar Store with their father.

He is also survived by his sister Michele Meltzer and husband Adam of Salem, Mass.; his brother Christopher Goodwin of Los Angeles, as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.

There will be a gathering of friends and family at Nordic Pines, 5795 U.S. Highway 93 S. Missoula, on Friday, May 9 from 6 to 10 p.m. Please bring a beverage and a plate to share and a story about your good times with Rick
Read Richard Goodwin's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.