REMEMBRANCE
Have you heard the old Hollywood adage “Always have the hero and heroine meet cute?” That means you should have them bump into each other and spill the groceries they’re carrying or take an instant dislike to each other due to a misunderstanding, only to wind up falling into each other’s arms at the end of the movie.
That’s what happened in real life to Steve Goodman. A bridge expert who attained the title of ruby grand master, he was competing in a tournament when he spotted another player named Carol Frana doing something that he thought was a violation of the rules, and he duly reported her to the tournament director. They were married four years later.
Though severe spinal problems, resulting in multiple surgeries and years of struggles with his legs, forced him to give up some of the things he loved, like golf, swimming, and roller coasters, he still was able to enjoy music, dinner theater, and fine dining, all of which he shared with his children.
Steve died peacefully in his sleep on May 8, after a multi-year battle with cancer. He, Carol, and their kids, Terri and Scott, spent his last days singing his favorite folk songs together almost until the very end.
“I met Steve during the first few days of freshman year,” recalls George Lazarus. “We were both in Bingham tower. Steve was ‘the old man,’ with experience to share with us newcomers. He had begun freshman year in 1962 but had to leave a month or so later due to appendicitis. Steve told us what to expect starting at Yale and taught us the alma mater, although I don’t think he was a great singer.
“Steve was proud to be from Kansas City, and he remained passionate about and loyal to his hometown all his life. He was also loyal to Yale and his classmates, attending most if not all reunions despite worsening problems with mobility. Even in a motorized wheelchair, Steve was there for our 50th. And he was unflappable; he was always cheerful and upbeat. In fact, I don’t remember ever seeing Steve angry or hearing him raise his voice. He was the epitome of calm and reason. I was proud to be Steve’s friend, and we were lucky that he joined our class unexpectedly due to the appendicitis! I will miss Steve.”
OBITUARY
Steven H. Goodman, 74, of Overland Park, Kansas, died peacefully in his sleep on May 8, 2019, after a multi-year battle with cancer.
Steve was born on Nov. 24, 1944, to Shale H. Goodman and Ann Frances Goodman in Kansas City, Missouri. Steve and brother Fredric E. Goodman grew up in a happy home near Gregory and Ward Parkway, where they hosted frequent gatherings with friends and family. During high school, Steve met his first wife of 19 years, Vicki L. Passer. They married in 1967 and had two children. He married his second wife, Edith S. Davis, in 1989.
After graduating second in his class from Southwest High School, Steve attended Yale University where he graduated with a degree in economics in 1967. In 1970, he graduated cum laude with a juris doctorate from the University of Michigan School of Law. His lifelong interest in math, economics and law paved the way for his successful career as a tax and securities attorney, first at Morris, Larsen, King, Stamper & Bold, and then at Shughart, Thompson & Kilroy.
He was loved by so many and is survived by his wife, Carol E. Frana; his children, Terri L. Steele and Scott H. Goodman; son-in-law James D. Steele and daughter-in-law Jennifer L. Collins-Goodman; stepsons, Joseph C. Frana and Jeffrey E. Frana; stepdaughter Jacquelyn C. Carrothers; his grandchildren, Hannah L. Goodman, Shelby H. Goodman and Zahara L. Howard; five step-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; his brother Fredric E. Goodman and sister-in-law Roz Goodman; his uncle Marvin W. Goodman; his nieces and nephews; and his second wife Edith S. Davis.
Steve’s interests included politics, history, genealogy and, first and foremost, the game of bridge. He was an avid and successful bridge player and earned the title of Ruby Life Master. He met his wife Carol while playing at a bridge tournament. They became interested in one another when Steve called the bridge director to report that Carol had broken one of the bridge rules. The rest was history. They began dating in 2010 and married in 2016.
When Steve was younger, he enjoyed golf, swimming and roller coasters. These hobbies faded as he developed severe issues with his spine, resulting in multiple surgeries and years of struggle with his legs.
He was a member of and served on the boards of several organizations, including Native Sons of Kansas City, the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and Kansas City Consensus. He frequently donated his time and talent to draft bylaws for various organizations including Bridge Club and Kansas City Consensus. He was honored to serve on the Native Sons and Daughters of Kansas City committee that assisted in the plans to renovate both Union Station and the Liberty Memorial. He was also a lifetime Mensa member. Steve has been a lifelong member of The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah and was active in Temple Youth Group during high school.
Steve was a devoted father and regularly shared the finer things in life with his children, including music, live theater and fine dining. The family has fond memories of swimming at Oakwood Country Club and attending Starlight Theatre during the summers. Among the many gifts he bequeathed
to his children were the value of a good education, lifelong learning and the virtue of hard work. Steve and his children continued to sing folk songs together until the very last days of his life.
Memorial services were held on Sunday, May 12, 2019, at Louis Memorial Chapel, followed by the burial service at Rosehill Cemetery.
The family would like to thank Kansas City Hospice and Okelani Home Healthcare for their care and support during Steve’s illness.
Mourners may consider donating memorial funds to The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah, Native Sons & Daughters of Kansas City, Yale University or the University of Michigan.
Online condolences may be shared at louismemorialchapel.com.
Arrangements by The Louis Memorial Chapel, 816-361-5211.
A warm remembrance of Steve is in our Alumni Notes of September/October 2019.