David Robert Goyette

David Robert Goyette, 75, peacefully parted the Earth on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at his residence in Amarillo, TX. David was born October 31, 1947, in Lubbock, TX, to Robert Leo "Bob" and Alice Leona "Lee" Goyette. In mid 1947, shortly before David was born, the young family returned to Lubbock after a brief period in Ripon, Wisconsin, and settled into a home on 3rd St and Ave V. A few years later, in May, 1956, the family moved to the beloved house on 58th St where David spent the rest of his childhood. David attended Monterey High School and graduated in 1966.

Upon graduation, David took courses at Texas Tech University. He was dating Nancy Ruth Moore, and married her on September 1, 1967. David's studies were temporarily halted when in 1967 he enlisted in the Navy. He was active duty from 1968 to 1970, first going to San Diego, CA, for training, and then moving with Nancy to work as a Navy yoeman at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station, near Washington, D.C. David's first son, Glynn Lincoln Goyette, was born there in Maryland in September, 1969. The family returned to Lubbock in February, 1970, and David resumed courses at Texas Tech University. In June, 1971, David joined Hugo Reed and Associates, a civil engineering and land surveying firm, where he ended up holding a long tenure. In April, 1976, the family moved to their first home on 57th St, and shortly after in July his second son, Jeremiah Shane Goyette, was born.

At Hugo Reed and Associates, David grew over time from being a draftsman and office manager to being one of the three owning partners of the business. David became well known in the Lubbock community, as he often attended Lubbock City Council meetings, and regularly coordinated with local groups, such as the Planning and Zoning Commission and the West Texas Home Builders Association, on land development projects. Visitors may remember the iconic M.C. Escher portraits on the walls of his office.

In the early 1990's, David discovered massage therapy and took courses to become a certified practitioner. After some time he left Hugo Reed and Associates to practice massage full-time, officially leaving the company in 2000. In 1996, with the kids grown up, David and Nancy divorced. Shortly after, David established a massage school, the Healing Arts Institute, which became one of the prominent schools in the panhandle. On May 20, 2000, David married Donna Brackman, a fellow massage therapist and healer.

Over the course of his life, David battled alcoholism. In 2006 it finally consumed him. He sought shelter in Amarillo, TX, with the help of the Veterans Affairs, and by 2008 he refound sobriety. He then spent the rest of his days in Amarillo, living out a new life helping others find sobriety and peace within themselves.

David was an expert at the things he did. He had incredible natural talent with wood, and was capable of building a house from the foundation up. He loved to fish and often went out in his boat early in the morning for what likely were near religious experiences. He had an abundance of patience and he enjoyed his work. But above all, David loved to help others. That is what brought him true happiness.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Alice Goyette, his son, Glynn Goyette, and his grandson, Spencer Goyette.

David is survived by his sisters, Barbara Gradel and husband Bernie of Lubbock, TX, Karen Monaghan and husband Michael of Dripping Springs, TX, Susan Walker and husband Randy of Conroe, TX; son, Jeremiah Goyette and wife Kristi of Austin, TX; granddaughter, Sophie Goyette of Austin, TX.

The family would like to give special thanks to Kevin McKnight, and especially Keith Burns, for their continual assistance and unshakable friendship. Thank you.