Leigh Goodrich
March 01, 1922 - June 18, 2010
Obituary
Leigh Elroy Goodrich, born March 1, 1922 in Ismay, Montana, was the seventh of eight children born to Leigh and Edith Goodrich. After his fathers death in an oil field accident in eastern Montana in 1931, Edith moved the family to Richland and, ultimately, Stevensville. Leigh graduated from Stevensville High School in 1940. Following his childhood dream, Leigh earned a pilots license and an Aeronautics and Engines Certificate from the Helena Aeronautics School.In 1942, Leigh married Cecelia and joined the Army Air Corps hoping to be a pilot; however, the glut of pilots made his singular abilities as a mechanic more valuable to the war effort. He and his new bride were posted to various stateside locations to both oversee military airplane repair and maintenance and train and qualify Air Force pilots on aircraft including the C46 cargo plane.Leigh and Cecelia eventually settled in Missoula and Billings, raising three children and Leigh enjoying a career with Burlington Northern Railroad. In retirement, they lived in Big Fork, returning to Billings in 2004. Cecelia died April 26, 2006 and Leigh passed away June 18, 2010.Survivors include daughters, Cheri (Lane) Basso and Patricia (Kim) Hunter; son, Leigh (Cathy) Goodrich, Jr.; seven grandchildren, Traver Hunter, Korey Hunter, Jana Crouse, Michelle Basso, Abby Rzegocki, Caitlin Goodrich, Christine Goodrich; and seven great-grandchildren.Leigh lived 88 years and never lost his sense of humor, his joy, or the deep affection of his family.Cremation arrangements are in the care of Dahl Funeral Chapel. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com
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MG
Maurice Guay
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Thank you for the obituarie in the Missoulian. Lee built the house next to ours in Wapakia. He was very capable at a lot of things.He got things done in a hurry. It was good to have knowen him. Maury
CK
Clinton H. Kammerer
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Cheri: To you and your sister and brother, I offer you me sincere sympathy for the loss of your Father. I remember him well from years ago, when you and your family lived on Agnes in Missoula. I recall your Dad and Mother both being two of the finest people imaginable. I have no doubt that neither changed in the last 50 years, since you and your family has been gone from Missoula. Off and on I have wondered what became of you folks, and I truly hope life has been kind to all of you. I do kind of recall that your Mother came into my office some 20 to 30 years ago. I don't recall the nature of her questions, and since I did not open a file, she may have been seeking an answer or directions on something. It is possible that it was not her, who I recall, however whoever it was came in with another woman. At any rate, my sincere condolences. Clinton H. Kammerer