Richard James Goodwin

Richard James Goodwin of Happy Camp, California, was found deceased in his home on Friday, October 25th. His death was unexpected. Richard is survived by his daughter, Donna Leah Goodwin of Happy Camp, and his grandson, Eugene James Goodwin who resided with his grandfather; his mother, Donna Rae Hays of Grants Pass, Oregon, his brother Douglas Goodwin, of Happy Camp; sisters, Lorraine McGorry of Roseville, Denise Backen of Sacramento, and Laura Goodwin of Davis, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Oliver Richard Goodwin, his uncle Douglas Goodwin, Sr, a brother, Benjamin Goodwin, and sister, Julia Rae Goodwin. The U.S. Forest Service employed Richard for 20 years in the Klamath National Forest, Happy Camp Ranger District and the Supervisors Office in Yreka; and the Tahoe National Forest in Nevada City, California. No matter where he lived, Happy Camp was always his home. A proud and active member of the Karuk Tribe, Richard served as a board member of the Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance committee. In the last few years, Richard continued to give back to his community, working when needed as a Cultural Monitor for the tribe. An active outdoorsman, Richard fished the Klamath River with his grandson and other extended family. He and his brother Doug took a memorable Alaskan trip, fishing west of Juneau, Alaska. Richard joined the family in camping and fishing out of Brookings, Oregon. He hunted every fall with his grandson and brother. While driving down a mountain road on a hunting trip, Richard was known to roll down the window and call out, "Here, buck, buck, buck." Well known for his smoked salmon and deer jerky, Richard shared his bounty with family and friends. He also organized and held Goodwin family reunions in 2016 and 2017. Richard, a kind and generous man, supported many causes in the Happy Camp community. He will be sorely missed by his family and community. A traditional Karuk burial service will be held at the Happy Camp District Cemetery at 12 p.m. on Sunday, November 3, 2024. A social gathering will follow at the old gym across from the People's Center at the Karuk Tribal Administrative Complex on Second Street in Happy Camp, California.

Richard James Goodwin

December 14, 1960 - October 25, 2024