Final Salute

Ronald Albert Goodwin “Ronnie Rabbit” passed away on December 6, 2024 at his home in Carlsbad, CA. He was 86 years old when JESUS took him to his eternal home. He indicated that he looked forward to “taking God’s hand” when he got to heaven.

Ron was born on October 24, 1938 to Thomas Albert Goodwin (sheet metal mechanic) and Elizabeth Jane Mims (housewife) in Washington, DC at the Columbia Hospital for Women. He was the oldest of seven siblings, helping to raise them: Ron, Louise, Dolores, Philip and Joann (who were twins), Mary Jane and Bonnie. After Ron received his GED from the US Armed Forces Institute, Madison, WI in 1957, he entered the United States Navy.

His active, and reserves Navy career spanned five decades primarily serving the Seabees. During this time he rose in rank from Seaman Recruit to Master Chief Construction Mechanic (CUCM) – E9 and retired in 1991.

In 1976 he moved the family to Oceanside, CA and begin helping to build and maintain the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, San Onofre, CA until he retired as a Maintenance Supervisor from Southern California Edison, in 2004.

Ron was married twice. His first marriage was to Joyce in 1960. They divorced in 1984. They had three girls and one boy; Karen, Sherry, Lisa, and David. His second marriage was to Emma. They married in 1986 and Emma died in 2015. Ron had three step-daughters from Emma’s previous marriage: Maria, Martha, and Priscilla.

He was predeceased by Thomas (1970), Elizabeth (), Louise (2004), Dolores (2019), Philip (2006), Joann (2006), Karen (2020), and Sam Engel, son of Martha and David (2024).

He is survived by his biological children: David Goodwin of Dover, PA; Sherry LeNoble of Wrightwood, CA; and Lisa Goodwin of Carlsbad, CA and four grand and four great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by step children: Maria LeMay of Oxnard, CA; Martha Engel of San Marcos, CA; and Priscilla Davis of Carlsbad, CA and six grandchildren. Some recent favorite hobbies and activities included: attending Bible study (North Coast Church, Carlsbad Men’s), watching Kansas City Chiefs Football, golfing, fishing, and traveling (especially to Europe, Costa Rica, and Israel),. In Maryland he loved camping at the Ranch Club, boating and crabbing on the Chesapeake Bay, helping his son David rebuild a Nova/ Chevelle, building a carport at the family home in Davidsonville, MD. In Oceanside he loved watching NASCAR, camping and four-wheeling in Ocotillo Wells with the family. He was also enjoyed bowling in leagues.

His pet peeve was to “keep his car clean”; favorite book is the Bible; movie is the “The King and I“; song is “Stand by your man”; flower is the Rose; and saying is “You better believe it”

His parting words to his children to live by are, “Live honestly and with character.”