Brian Patrick Goodman passed from this life on November 21, 2019. He had just returned from 4 days in New York City, where despite his two year battle with ALS, saw two Broadway shows and met the cast, toured MOMA and Central Park and enjoyed time with his two best pals, Kathy Cecchin of LA and Jim Fischer of Bangkok, who flew in to join him. Brian was born June 18, 1962 in Portland, Michigan to a large and loving family. He attended Hope College , majoring in theatre and performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. He moved to Chicago, acting and waiting tables until he helped to found the About Face Youth Theatre Program, helping LGBTQ youth find their voice. In Chicago, Brian met Mike Maliszewski, his partner and husband of 31 years. Together they traveled extensively, in both the USA and the world: Spain, Italy, France, Mexico, Canada, Thailand, Australia, Cambodia and Peru. Brian became an executive assistant for several prestigious non-for profit organizations until his diagnosis in November of 2017 of ALS. After his diagnosis, he continued to live life more fully than most and was an inspiration to everyone he met. His kindness and smile will be sorely missed.
Brian is survived by his husband. He is also survived by his father, Al Goodman and his mother, Carol (Seal) Goodman; brothers Greg (Sue) Goodman, Kirk (Renee) Goodman, Mark Goodman, Todd (Josette) Goodman and Chad (Jamie) Goodman; sisters Pam (Brian) Grapentiem and Dana (Andy) Linebaugh. Brian has 18 nieces and nephews. A memorial celebration will be held Saturday, December 7th starting at 4 pm at the Grand River Conservation Club in Portland, Michigan. A second memorial will be held in the spring in Chicago. Memorial donations may be given to the Lehman Funeral Home (www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com) 210 Bridge St, Portland, MI, where they will be distributed to organizations important to Brian: The Portland Civic Players, The Portland High School Drama Department and the Les Turner ALS Foundation.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18