Hunter Graham Goodman

The world grew a bit dimmer on Tuesday; April 16, 2019 with the passing of Hunter Graham Goodman. Hunter died peacefully at home, where he most wanted to be, surrounded by his loving family. He never gave up his Trojan “Fight On” spirit, battling until the end - the warrior all knew him to be.

Hunter was born December 29, 1969 in Los Angeles, CA to John Frederick “Rick” and Diane Goodman. He liked to say that he won the lottery in 1999 when he married Sarah Hultquist and the light of his life was their son Grayson. Hunter is survived by Sarah and Grayson as well as his mother, Diane, brother, Peter (Beth), nieces Audrey and Caroline and a large and loving extended family.

Hunter was an accomplished man; a graduate of USC (“Fight On”) and Seattle University Law School; He served as the Secretary of the Washington State Senate, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Washington State Attorney General, Assistant Attorney General and Director of Governmental Affairs, on the Board of many charitable organizations and was honored with many accolades. But what set him apart was the genuine interest he showed in others and his innate ability to forge relationships with just about anyone. He always knew everyone by name - from the janitors to the lunchroom and security staff – and was always more interested in their news than his own. He was always that way.

If you were lucky enough to really know Hunter you will recall the twinkle in his eye, his ability to spin a good story, his big belly laugh and how he smiled with his whole face. You will also remember his deep intellect, how he loved the law and that he was religious about both Jeopardy! and Trojan football.

But these accomplishments are just a footnote to Hunter’s life. The true measure of Hunter’s success lies in the imprint he made in other’s hearts and minds and by this standard, more than any other, Hunter was quite a marvel. And so, the following quote from Emerson is offered instead of the usual list of bygone achievements: “To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure… To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”

Hunter’s success, the legacy he leaves behind, is not what he did but the force of his example. His pain is gone, but his laughter will always be with us. Hunter’s life, while well-lived was cut too short. With his passing the world has lost a great public servant who always focused on what is right rather than who is right. May the example of his character inspire us all to always FIGHT ON!

In Hunter’s honor, please donate to Cancer Pathways (www.cancerpathways.org) or Bloodworks Northwest (www.bloodworksnw.org). Also, please consider giving blood and plasma to Bloodworks Northwest.