Richard Goodale R.I.P.

[John Kavanaugh]

Overall we seem to be a healthy bunch. I've been here 20 years or so and the losses don't reflect the number I see in real life. Must be all that exercise we get walking. Or the booze.

[Jay Mickle]

Ran and Fritz's wedding. Oct 2016





To lose a spouse is to lose both past and future. Our thoughts are with you.



Jay and Kate

[Malcolm Mckinnon]

Stanford University Business School flagpoles all stand at half mast!


A miasmic fog of sadness hugs all suburban New York.


So sorry to hear this!

[David_Tepper]

There will be a celebration of Rich's life Tuesday, August 6 at 1:15pm at the Dunfermline Crematorium.

[John Mayhugh]

Though I didn't know him well, I can agree that Rich was a fascinating guy who clearly shared this interest (obsession?) in golf course architecture. It's been good to read the various memories and tributes about him. In doing so, gratitude has been foremost in my thoughts.


Look at the number of friends that Rich made around the world thanks (at least to a large extent) to this discussion group. Bob Huntley referred to it as "Freemasonry of golf," and reactions to Rich's passing (along with Bob, Bill, and other friends we have lost) do much to affirm that. The losses are made more poignant by the fact that guys like Rich got around - attending many events and meeting loads of people. I think I first met him at a Buda, but for others it was somewhere else.

This discussion group is like social media in general. There's loads of information out there and it's fun to interact with people that share your interests. But it's so much better when you can actually share experiences. Sure, it hurts more when you lose someone that you knew in the "real world," but think about how lucky we have been to get the chance. It's the rare GCA poster who isn't better in person!


Just looking at this thread, nearly 70 people have posted on it. Since my first GCA event at Longshadow in 2007, I've met well over 200 people from the site, including about 3/4 of those that posted on this thread. I'm grateful to have met so many of you and for the time spent together. So on this sad occasion, I'm also reminded to say thanks to Ran for GCA, and thanks to all of the people who go to the trouble of organizing events. Those gave me the chance to meet Rich, and I'm better for it.

[Mark Bourgeois]

Does anyone have the lyrics to his “Macallan”? A beautiful moment, once experienced not to be lost in time.


A man who touched not only my life but my family’s.



“Few heads with knowledge so inform’d.”

[Eric Smith]

My heart goes out to Josie and the girls, their family, friends and my fellow GCAers. I'll miss Rich. Over the years I count at least five different times I have been fortunate to be in his company, from Scotland, to England; Nebraska to South Carolina. He always put up with my greeting him as Mr. Shatner or Captain (Kirk) and would return the favo(u)r? by throwing up the Vulcan salute. Rich was my kind of guy.


Here's a photo from 3 years ago in the Dunvegan, where Rich and Josie stopped by to say hello to our group visiting St Andrews:



L to R: John K., Rich, Josie


May he rest in peace.

[Jack_Marr]

RIP


I always enjoyed his posts.

[RJ_Daley]

Regretfully this late Sunday eve, I am 6 days past the first news of Rich's passing.  Oddly, the news comes to me on a day of some certain odd coincidences, reflections and feelings of a blend of nostalgia, and feelings of friendship through connections with the grand golf community I have been fortunate to have made here on GCA.com and here at home in Green Bay.

Today, I went our to my home course to intercept my long time 4some in Men's Club partner, "Steve the Marine" whom I have described to some of you.  He is now 88yrs old, and had a widowmaker artery occlusion stent placed 2 1/2 weeks ago.  He walks and carries his bag at least twice a week.  He has been under treatments for prostate cancer for about 5 years by V.A. with recognition it is attributed to 'agent orange', with bouts of radiation and chemo.  Yet, he trucks on incredibly.  As some of you know, due to freakish occurrences of separate injuries, I can no longer swing a golf club.  But, I go out on Men's Club day to walk along and chat with the guys, rake bunkers, help find lost balls, etc.  Steve showed up 4 days after the stent was placed two weeks ago on a 90 degree day, to walk and carry!  He pooped out on 14 and I carried his bag to the house.  He entered the Men's Club annual championship that was contested this weekend in high 80s to 90 degree weather, and I was concerned about his stamina.  So, I went along and again took his bag from 14 on to the house today. 

As we were in the clubhouse, I sort of looked at him and got that uneasy feeling we all do arrive at, concerning the realisation of "last rounds".   We all will get there... 

And, it was at that nostalgic and coincidental moment I thought that I ought to look in on that thread that Lou D., started some two weeks ago, informing us of Rich's grave condition.  Thus, 6 days past the actual sad notification, I have come to know that Rich has left us.
I started internet chatting with Rich via e-mail and then GCA.com PMs way back at the beginning for many of us.  I felt like I knew him before I actually met him at KP I.  Like many of you have recounted, I reconnected with him in person at several Dixie Cups, KPs, 5th Major, and that final meeting at Buda 2016. Rich had during that time made that transfer from Cali to Scotland, and I followed up many times with messages and questions not always golf related, but in his professional bailiwick.  He always was very kind and informative, and never left me in doubt of his thoughts on this and that.  Of course he would also tell me of Dornoch, and I do regret I never made it there, given how much he expressed his love for the course.  But, I do cherish the last golf gathering at Buda 2016 with him and Josie.  I was fortunate to sit across from him one nice dinner evening at Carne, along with Ulrich and his wife, and Rich Shefichik and his wife, and we all had a splendid evening of conversation and good fellowship. 

I really couldn't say more that our long time GCA.com friends haven't already expressed.  Thanks for all your supporting and respectful reflections about Rich.

So.... Rich has played through....  But, I think I see him up there by the Pro shop waiting for us to finish.  At least try to make par on the last hole...  Riposa In Pace amico.

[John Kavanaugh]

Dick,


You had Rich six more days than most of us. If not for these damn internet eulogies I'd still have an in at Cypress Point.

[Dan Kelly]

Oh, this is such terrible, terrible news.


The sum total of human intelligence and decency rarely drops dramatically with the death of any one of us. That is not the case this time. The word "brilliant" is overused nowadays -- but it is the only word that fits the good Mr. Goodale. "Brains," indeed!


Years ago, when Rihc and I both spent too much time on this website, we exchanged hundreds of emails -- about both this site and various of its members, and about other matters of greater import. In 2005, he sent me a copy of "Experience Royal Dornoch" with this inscription: "To Dan ... The best friend I have never met! Rich." I was, of course, honored, though I was certain, then and now, that he had dozens of other best friends, met and unmet.


In 2014, finally, I invited him to be my partner at the 5th Major, in Nebraska. We met for dinner at my home in Hopkins, Minnesota. Then Rich headed west, to visit the three states he had never seen: South Dakota, North Dakota and Montana. He made it to two of the three before running out of time (missed Montana or North Dakota; I can't remember which) and heading to Dismal River.


We both played like mutts, but really enjoyed our time together.


I am sorry to say that our correspondence dropped off in the past couple of years. I was just planning to write him for advice on a golf trip I owe my younger daughter. I was hoping we could Experience Royal Dornoch with him. Alas.


My sincerest condolences to Josie and the girls. He treasured you all.


Dan


P.S. I don't know if anyone has posted this, so I will:


[size=78%]https://www.si.com/vault/issue/43633/119[/size]


Here's to our friend Richie Goodale -- who stood out in any crowd.

[Dan Kelly]

 I just remembered a funny Rich story:


In the early years of the century, Doug Wright came to the Twin Cities every year for a gathering of his law firm.  We got into the habit of playing some local course during his visits, usually in the company of Rick Shefchik.


Doug was another of those best friends Rich had never met. I let him know that Doug and I were going to play golf, and he asked for a report.


I got it in mind to play a little prank on Rich. Doug and I agreed to send him false reports  about each other. Doug wrote to Rich to say that I was the most tiresome person ever met, and that I wouldn’t shut up about the buckthorn infestation around my home. (True enough!) I told Rich that Doug was the most full-of-himself guy I had ever met, constantly bragging about his law practice and about all of the fancy golf courses he had played all over the world.


Rich bought it all hook, line, and sinker. So brilliant, yes, yet at times a wee bit gullible.

[Garland Bayley]

...
https://www.si.com/vault/issue/43633/119


Here's to our friend Richie Goodale -- who stood out in any crowd.

So we have been typing it wrong all these years. It is Rihcei, not Rihc.

[Mike Sweeney]

Today, I went our to my home course to intercept my long time 4some in Men's Club partner, "Steve the Marine" whom I have described to some of you.  He is now 88yrs old, and had a widowmaker artery occlusion stent placed 2 1/2 weeks ago.  He walks and carries his bag at least twice a week.  He has been under treatments for prostate cancer for about 5 years by V.A. with recognition it is attributed to 'agent orange', with bouts of radiation and chemo.  Yet, he trucks on incredibly.

Dick,


Thanks for chiming in. Many of us played with "Steve the Marine" and you back at Wild Horse: http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,18698.msg331778.html#msg331778 Unfortunately the picture is gone but the memory is not. Best to you and Steve.


Semper Fi

[Pete_Pittock]

published in the last few hours

https://www.heraldscotland.com/announcements/deaths/deaths/17802792.Richard_Goodale/

Richard Goodale

GOODALE RICHARD. Peacefully after a short illness, at The Queen Margaret Hospice, Dunfermline on Monday, 22nd July 2019, surrounded by his family. Richard Goodale, aged 72. Beloved husband of Josie, much loved dad of Caitlin, Melissa and the late Lindsay, dear brother to Susie and Jonathan and cherished uncle, brother-in-law and son-in-law, sadly missed by family and friends on both sides of the Atlantic. A celebration of Richard's life will be held at Dunfermline Crematorium on Tuesday, 6th August at 1.15pm, to which all friends and neighbours are respectfully invited. A reception will be held afterwards at Garvock House Hotel, at Richard's request, there will also be drinks at Aberdour Golf Club from 6pm in the evening to which all are cordially invited. Family flowers only, please. Donations to Cancer Research UK or Maggie's Centre on retiral, if desired. Please feel free to wear whichever colours you prefer.

 
 Published in the HeraldScotland on 5 hrs ago63 views
 
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[Doug Wright]

 I just remembered a funny Rich story:


In the early years of the century, Doug Wright came to the Twin Cities every year for a gathering of his law firm.  We got into the habit of playing some local course during his visits, usually in the company of Rick Shefchik.


Doug was another of those best friends Rich had never met. I let him know that Doug and I were going to play golf, and he asked for a report.


I got it in mind to play a little prank on Rich. Doug and I agreed to send him false reports  about each other. Doug wrote to Rich to say that I was the most tiresome person ever met, and that I wouldn’t shut up about the buckthorn infestation around my home. (True enough!) I told Rich that Doug was the most full-of-himself guy I had ever met, constantly bragging about his law practice and about all of the fancy golf courses he had played all over the world.


Rich bought it all hook, line, and sinker. So brilliant, yes, yet at times a wee bit gullible.

"Oh No!" That was my reaction a short while ago when I returned to GolfClubAtlas after a couple weeks' hiatus to this very, very sad news. Rihc was one of the first GCAer I recall corresponding with on and off this site 19 or so years ago. His wry sense of humour and keen knowledge of golf courses and architecture were priceless. I enjoyed every interaction I ever had with him, including the prank Dan and I pulled on him that Dan chronicles above--he loved it. Alas, I never met Rihc in person, coming oh so close a few years back when he was going to meet us at Elie but just couldn't get there that day. However, like he did with so many others, Rihc made me feel like one of his closest friends even though we never played together or shared a pint.


Ran, GolfClubAtlas is a wonderful place. Thank you for creating and curating it so I had the opportunity to get to know a terrific man, Rihc* Goodale.


*PS George Pazin's recollection of the genesis of Rihc is correct, I believe. He and Dan Kelly hated tyops in posts...

[archie_struthers]

 


When you lose someone too soon it gives you pause. Do an act of unsolicited  charity. Say hello to strangers. Suffer fools gladly and enjoy the blessings  of life. Sounds like Rich got it, RIP

[Steve Salmen]

I only met Rich twice.  The first time was at an outing near Edinburgh, the second at the 2009 Carnegie Shield.  I was lucky to get nine holes with him.  If memory serves, he was aware that my wife and I were spending the summer in Dornoch and he wanted to hear all about it.  We shared a mutual love of Dornoch and had some mutual friends there.


Three years ago Rich found out I was in Dornoch and left a message for me to meet him at the Links House.  When I arrived, he could not be located and I never saw him again.  Sad.


Last week I was scheduled to return home July 22 from a trip to Dornoch, Rich's day of passing.  As fate would have it, the Inverness Airport workers staged a strike, giving me the chance to play 36 extra holes at RD.  I will always consider that extra day of golf a gift from Rich.


I really wish I had been able to play a round at Dornoch with him.  I will remember him as a really nice man.

[Lou_Duran]

I had the good fortune of spending some time this week in Dornoch with Josie, her daughters, family and friends.  Richard is very much in everyone's mind, and as he would have insisted, the gathering went on with good cheer, warmth, and fellowship.  My take is that Richard was an uncommonly blessed man.  What he and his clan have had at Royal Dornoch for the better part of 40 years is what many of us long for- close family ties, long term, enduring friendships, and a game as it should be enjoyed on a world-class golf course.

Josie is back home preparing for Tuesday's Celebration of Life in Fife.  The following weeks will be challenging.  Let's keep the family in our thoughts and prayers.

At some point in time Josie will look in on the site and express her thoughts.   In a recent text she writes "I'd love to know more about Richard's 'golf life' whenever we can find time.  He didn't share much of that with me! ".   Perhaps we can all help her with that.

[Colin Macqueen]

Gentlemen,


I came across this web link in a dusty corner of my computer. Upon seeing it I remembered that I went to it initially as Rihc had mentioned in an email to me that he had a blog.  Upon visiting it the other day I found it once again rewarding. I think it provides a good sense of our fellow traveller and his writings, musings, insight and wit are there to be savoured. Thank you Rihc.


http://richmusings.blogspot.com


Colin

[Lou_Duran]

Colin, thanks for bringing this thread back and for the link.


I was hoping that Rich's friends would share some of their more interesting experiences with our friend here as Josie indicated an interest in learning more about that aspect of her husband's life.  Perhaps some of you are doing so directly, and that works just as well.


Two memorable experiences come readily to mind.  Shortly after the first King Putter in 2002 where I first met Rich in person, we both got an invitation from our dear friend Bob Huntley to play CPC.  Shivas (David Schmidt) and David Moriarty rounded out our foursome on a Chamber of Commerce day.


I was assigned Barry as my caddie who was also carrying for Moriarty (I think).  I thought about posting about Barry on the caddie thread, but he was the most unusual caddie I have ever been around as he refused to give me distances and would only hand me a club with instructions on how hard to hit it.  Barry saw heavy action in Nam and clearly suffered greatly from the experience (he'd been a caddie at CPC for nearly 20 years, the only job he ever had post Nam).  To say he was surly would be an understatement.  On the second hole after a shot from the fairway he says to me "Lou, if you're gonna make me chase your divots all day long, we ain't gonna get along".  OK, that's reasonable, I thought.


I am a numbers guy.  I told Barry two or three times that the only information I wanted was the distance to the center of the green and # of steps the hole is short or long from there.  Each time he looked at me with disdain and said nothing.  The guys and the other caddie laughed their asses off.  Rich thought that maybe we should send him back, but Barry wasn't his caddie and things were proceeding well enough.


I was probably a 2 then, but after 13 holes, I am -4 from the back tees.  On 14 I wanted to lay back, but Barry hands me a driver and I over-hooked it on the left of the bottle, my only chances are to wedge back to the fairways and get it up and down.  Barry wouldn't have it- he hands me a 5-iron and tells me to punch hook it around the trees, which I did, but over-cooked it left of the green-side bunker.  I hit a great flop shot that barely stayed on the green, made bogie, and Barry is clearly upset with me.  Shivas and Rich are again having a good laugh, but the best is yet to come.


As was customary, Bob shows up to walk the last 4 holes with his guests.  We get to the 15th tee and Barry hands me a 9 iron.  I said I thought the wedge was better, but he tells me to go light on the 9.  I fly it 20 yards over the green into an impossible lie.  Up and down out of the question, a 4 was a good score.  Now Barry is really pissed and all the guys are having a good time.


On 16 Shivas pulls out some flatware, a 1 or 2 iron and proceeds to knock two or three balls into the ocean right.  I want a 5-wood but Barry hands me the 3 and tells me to take something off of it- I hook it across the front of the green and into the cove, 3 times.  Moriarty lays up left; Rich hits a driver to the back of the green.  My first and second balls are playable on the beach to the left of the green, but Barry has my clubs and he is tending to his other player.  By the time he gets to me, a small wave came up and took my ball out to sea.  So now I play my second ball, and two putt for triple (Shivas has an X, Moriarty either 4 or 5, Rich knocks a monster putt next to the hole for the only par).


Now that I am 1 over, Barry refuses to talk to me.  I hit driver, short club to a foot on 17 for birdie and he says nothing.  A bogie on 18 after hanging my approach in the trees right and the other caddie identifying my ball, I posted a 73 and lost a bet, or so I remember.


For years, Rich would remind folks of the time he and I shot 64 best ball at CPC.  Yes, he was a couple over, and we covered each other up on our bad holes (his par on 16 alone saved 3 strokes).  But i am pretty sure that it was Shivas and not Rich who was my partner.  It was a good memory and but for the drinks I bought after the round, maybe his recollection was better than mine.


Rich was a very good player, specially in competitions.  His swing was much closer to a Moe Norman than a Tom Weiskopf, which probably made it easy to underestimate him.  He was tenacious and able to control his attention span.  A better partner and golf companion could not be found.
   

[Jason Topp]

Getting excited for the BUDA revived a good memory of Rich.


My first BUDA was the one held at Lundin Links and Elie.  I had a series of wonderful playing partners that weekend.  It was a truly special weekend.  At the closing Dinner Rich presented a book by Malcom Campbell to give away.  Rich gave a very thoughtful short speech to the effect that the most important aspect of the event was showing up.  He gave the book to me because I had traveled the longest distance to the event.  I was touched.


I already had a copy of the book but it is a treasured possession because of that memory.