Past Commodore David L. Goodman January 29, 1942 to December 8, 2003

We are all saddened by the loss of our Past Commodore David L. Goodman on December 8, 2003. Dave put a new found breath of life in the PRYCA during some lean years.

Dave was raised in Arma, Kansas, where he graduated from high school in 1960. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Oklahoma City University. He served 25 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a major. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, the Bronze Star, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Army Commendations and Meritorious Service Medals. He was Program Manager on disability leave from CACI at the time of his death.

Dave was active in many local organizations. He was serving as President of the National Boating Federation (NBF), was sworn in as CBYCA Rear Commodore just three weeks before his death, and was a Past Commodore of his own Aquia Harbour Yacht Club (AHYC). Working with Joe Orth of the National Potomac Yacht Club (NPYC), he brought the International Order of the Blue Gavel to the Mid-Atlantic area, where AHYC was the second chapter and Dave served as its first Chapter President. Dave, a Pilot in the Unities States Power Squadrons (USPS), was influential in the formation of the newest squadron in District 5, the Mid-Potomac Power Squadron. He was also a member of the Chesapeake Commodores Club, a life member of the American Legion of Arma, Kansas, and a member of the Occoquan Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Dave's enthusiasm for life, passion for boating, and pride and honor of serving his beloved country as well as what Dave considered the ultimate privilege of being a United States citizen, will continue to be an inspiration to us all as a lasting memory. Considering all of Dave's outstanding accomplishments, those who knew him best credit his intense involvement with anything he undertook as the ingredient for his success. Dave's love of the water and of boating etiquette will never be surpassed. As the Army was so much a part of Dave's life with established rules and procedures, he brought that same discipline to proper uniform attire, radio communication, and practice of safe boating procedures on the water.

Dave was enthusiastically looking forward to one of CBYCA's most challenging activities, the responsibility of putting together the annual Roster Book publication. As NBF President, he chaired a very successful fall meeting at Capital Yacht Club just five weeks before his death. He was so happy with his new boat, which he brought up to Capital Yacht Club for the weekend. He seemed to be doing so well. It's hard to believe he could leave us so soon afterwards. He led us in an exploration of and renewed dedication to NBF's mission and goals. Dave was also instrumental in establishing youth participation in his home club, AHYC. Dave will be truly missed but never forgotten. He will continue to be "First on the Water" in the hearts of his fellow boaters.

Dave is survived by his wife Judy, three daughters, three grandchildren, one sister, one uncle, and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Lodge, American Cancer Society, 636 West Lexington Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201. Dave stayed at Hope Lodge during his radiation and chemo treatments at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Note from P/C Penny Orth: I want to thank PRYCA Past Commodore John Hancock for help with this tribute to President Dave Goodman. Personally, Dave's passing has left me with a great sadness. I have worked with Dave in three boating organizations, PRYCA, CBYCA, and NBF. He was always great to lead your team or to just have on your team. I will miss him.