Gerald A. Goding

Gerald (Gerry) Almon Goding of Auburn was called to heaven early in the morning on Saturday, January 22 while asleep in his "Poppy chair."He was born June 22, 1947 in Lewiston to the late Omar A. Goding and Barbara Gesner Damon Goding. He was raised in Auburn with his half-sister Tena Damon. Educated in Auburn schools, he graduated from Edward Little in 1965. He was married to Ruth Major on July 13,1968 and together they raised a wonderful son and daughter. They always had room for another person (or six) at the meal table or for a sleep-over.He began working at Morin Brick Company when it was managed by his father and also at his dad's brick yard in Sydney, Maine. After high school he worked at Smith Garage in Auburn for many years and completed his career as a mechanic in 2008 after working 35 years on the Country Kitchen/F. R. LePage Bakery fleet of vehicles. He was a tremendous diagnostician and used his creativity fashioning parts to fit and work when the part he needed could not be bought.He spent many hours teaching others how to repair their own vehicles, working on stock cars or at the races. Gerry especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends at the cottage on Mirror Pond in Oxford or in the yard at their home. He and Ruth traveled to many different states to be with family or friends for a visit or because someone needed them 'to be there' in a time of need or celebration. His favorite trips were to Israel in 1999 and the 'grandsons week' at Cooperstown NY in 2008. He was at Fenway Park on many memorable occasions - among them Yaz's broken rib, 400th home-run and retirement games; clinching the wild-card in 2003 and both Ted Williams Day and Carlton Fisk Day as well as many cherished games with family and friends.Gerry was an Elder at East Auburn Baptist Church. He has touched many lives through his leadership and teaching Sunday School there and previously at both Marston's Comer Baptist Church and South Auburn Baptist Church. We will not know how many people's lives were changed by Gerry's strong character, stable and quiet demeanor until we see him again in heaven as he was prevalent presence everywhere he went. He always had time to listen to or help others.He loved to attend any activity his beloved grandboys were involved in. He has sat silently watching water pistol fights, villages being built in the yard at camp, and many of the basketball, football and baseball games played on teams and in the yard. His absence will be felt by many this summer both at camp and at Auburn Suburban fields.He is survived by his wife of 42 years; his daughter Carin Lenardis and husband George and son Matthew Omar and wife Cheryl all of Auburn. "Poppy" will be greatly missed by grandsons Peter and Christopher Lenardis and Josiah Goding whom he loved beyond words. He also leaves several cousins; a large extended Major family and many 'adopted' children and grandchildren from his years of ministry. GODING died in Auburn, January 22, 2011, Mr.. Gerald "Gerry" A. Goding age 63 years a resident of Auburn.Memorial services honoring Gerry's life will be held THURSDAY 11:00AM at the East Auburn Baptist Church with Pastor Roger Cousineau officiating.Memorial donations in Gerry's memory may be made to the East Auburn Baptist Church Building Fund 560 Park Ave., Auburn, ME 04210 or to World Vision PO Box 70359 Tacoma, Washington 98481-0359Family and friends are invited to visit Wednesday 2-4 & 7-9PM at the PINETTE & LYNCH FUNERAL HOME 305 Alfred Plourde Parkway Lewiston, 784-4023