Budd Retan Goodwin

Budd Retan Goodwin passed away May 10, 2016, after a lengthy illness. He will be remembered for his honesty, integrity, humility, and, above all, his wonderful sense of humor. Budd was born July 23, 1927 in Adrian, Michigan, son of Budd Albert and Elinor (Retan) Goodwin. He attended St. Mary’s School in Adrian, and Georgia Military Academy in College Park, Georgia. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in WWII in the Pacific. After the war, Budd returned to Michigan, attending Adrian College and then Michigan State University, where he met the love of his life, Patricia “Patty” (nee Malloy). They married on June 17, 1950. They traveled the world together and were true partners in all they did. Budd and Pat enjoyed 52 years of marriage until her passing in 2003.

Budd found love and companionship again with Rosemary (Byrnes) Campbell. They married in 2005. Rosemary passed in 2006. Professionally, Budd began his career in retail with the J.C. Penney Company. Budd left this company in the late 1950s to start his own business – Goodwin’s Fabrics. Budd used his creativity and business skills to open an innovative store that earned local and national recognition. He also served as chairman of East Lansing’s retail promotion for six years, establishing the East Lansing Sidewalk Art Show. In 1966, Budd left retail to become the State Secretary for the Lions Clubs of Michigan. Through Budd’s leadership, Lions of Michigan led the United States in the formation of new clubs, with 243 new Lions Clubs in Michigan. Under Budd’s direction, Michigan Lions membership grew to 600 Lions Clubs and nearly 24,000 members. Budd played a major role in the development of many programs and services geared toward helping others, including the Lions of Michigan Service Foundation, Michigan Braille Transcribing, the Lions Mints fundraising program, and the Lions of Michigan All State Band. He was appointed by Governor William Milliken as Service Club Chairman for “Jobs for Youth.” He also worked with the White House and First Lady Nancy Reagan as Lions Club International’s coordinator for the “War on Drugs.” For his work with Lions Clubs, Budd received the highest awards given by Lions of Michigan and Lions Clubs International. He was a Melvin Jones Fellow, and received the Ambassador of Goodwill Award, the S.A. Dodge Distinguished Service Award, and twelve Lions International Presidential awards. He was inducted into the Lions of Michigan Hall of Fame in 2012.Above all, Budd was a people person. He loved meeting people, and loved making people laugh. Budd continued to bring smiles and laughter to others until his final days. Budd’s favorite place on earth was his cottage at Devil’s Lake in Addison, Michigan. He loved the lake, the people, his pontoon boat, and the memorable family get-togethers. In addition to his spouses, Budd was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Burns. He is survived by his children: J. Thomas (Cheryl), Mary Jenkins (Bob), William (Beth), Janet Link (Jim), and grandchildren Carly, Claire, Katie, John, Joey, Jayme, and Sarah, and three great-grandchildren. Special thanks to all the wonderful staff of St. Croix Hospice who helped care for Budd during his final months, and the loving care givers at Oak Park Senior Living in Oak Park Heights, MN. A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, May 26th at 11:00 AM at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 955 Alton Rd., East Lansing. A visitation will be held at the church beginning at 10:00 AM. Prior to the visitation and Mass a rosary will be held at 9:00 AM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing Chapel, 1730 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing. The family requests that donations are preferred to either the Lions of Michigan Service Foundation, 5730 Executive Drive, Lansing, MI 48911; or St. Croix Hospice Foundation, 7200 Hudson Blvd, #230, Oakdale, MN 55128. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing Chapel.