— from the International Order of Odd Fellows Mt. Constitution Lodge #88, Orcas Island —
When the Oddfellows came and sang to him, it was the most precious of precious gifts. John Sumrall, on the guitar, is Joe’s best friend. Photo: Courtesy of Elaine Goodrich
Back in 1988, there were only five active members of Mt. Constitution Lodge. Knowing that the lodge could close down, as had hundreds of lodges throughout the country, the members reached out to Joe Goodrich, a long time Orcas Island resident, and asked if he knew of any gentlemen who would like to join the order. In fact, Joe did have a men’s group that was forming, and did show interest in the ideals of Friendship, Love, and Truth, as well as Elevating the Character of Humankind. Soon enough, dozens of men were initiated, and the tradition of Odd Fellowship continued on the island.
Joe Goodrich embodied the virtues of Odd Fellowship. He had an inspiring level of generosity, the practice of cultivating and deepening connections among the brothers, creativity expressed with kindness, the amazing ability to ever more deeply appreciate and enjoy life, and the ability to have deeply held beliefs, but realize and live the fact that there are much deeper ties than thought and beliefs that hold us together.
Joe worked with endless energy at our work parties that benefit the community. He inspired us with his dignity, integrity, humor, wisdom, and his ability to love his brothers deeply. This dignified man had a sensitive way in which he led our circle, He spoke of “softening the need to be right, speaking from our listening place, and loosening the reins of judgment.” We was a true gentle man. A good man.
Joe passed away peacefully on June 11, 2014. The brothers were there for Joe throughout his process of passing. We came together and learned about transcending our fears to be of service to him as he was to us. We supported his family and cared for Joe so that he could pass from this life peacefully at home in his bed.
Brothers created his casket, as he wanted it to be, a colorful barge that included the three circles of F, L, & T. He was buried with a beautiful paddle made by a brother. The graveside ceremony was truly inspiring and worthy of this honorable Odd Fellow brother.
It is in large part because of Joe Goodrich that the Odd Fellows on Orcas Island exist and that we are able to be of service to the community and for each other. We will take a piece of who Joe was and continue to share the virtues of Friendship, Love, and Truth, while doing our share to continue his legacy of Elevating the Character of Humankind.
What a loving tribute and memory of a very special man.
Joe Goodrich was such a kind man. I will always love him and be there for his family and this community representing him in spirit. He was truly a great man. In the process of helping him pass, I learned about putting aside my fears to be available for love. I learned so much from this great man! He was a dear friend.
Joe always had a smile and a gentle attitude which was a valuable inspiration to me. It’s been a pleasure knowing and working with him all these years. God Bless his Family and Loved Ones.
We have such fond memories of Joe: his friendship, kindness and humor will shine in those memories forever. We send our hugs and love to Elaine and his family.
So sad for Joe’s passing – hugs and prayers for Elaine and rest of family and his beloved Odd Fellows. A great tribute and a great loss.
Joe has always had a special smile & open heart to all! He will always be a loving angel in my heart!Lots of love to his family!<3
I am deeply touched by the beauty of this tribute. It reminds me of the incalculable contribution that the Oddfellows make to the life of this community – a contribution they make without any kind of fanfare or ostentation. I am sorry for their loss of this loved man and in awe of the beauty and kindness with which they serve our community.
Thank you for this sweet tribute.My heart is full and I am far beyond grateful to all of you dear island friends and family.Dad loved his brothers/tribe and friends more than anyone I have ever known.He loved life with the enthusiasm of a child and patience…of a …saint. Thank each of you for every kindness you extended to dad and Elaine and all of us.From your smiles,prayers,time and help you gave him what he honestly refered to as the best three years of his life.Knowing you are all out there keeps him alive in a very special way to me. I love each of you and appreciate your wonderful hearts.Thank you.
Thus passes the most naturally noble man I have ever known. May his way of being be unbound and spread throughout the community he loved for all to share in and make us all wiser and gentler for it.
What a fitting and beautiful tribute to a man who always had a smile and calm and kindness to share, though the trials he was handed were hard. He shined, beamed anyway. He laughed often. He knew he was loved, and he WAS love – and he will always be in our hearts and memories. Thank you Oddfellow Brothers, for being there for him and his loved ones in life and beyond