Leslie "Les" Earl Goodrich

Leslie “Les” Earl Goodrich, 90, of Boise, Idaho, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on June 24, 1935, Les was the son of Franklin Earl and Florence Irene Goodrich. He was baptized on October 5, 1941—an early expression of the faith that would shape his life. He graduated from Mount Lebanon High School in 1953. Les earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1957, where he was a member of the Chi Psi Fraternity, forging friendships and memories that stayed with him throughout his life. He later completed one semester of graduate school at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville before joining the U.S. Army.

Les proudly served his country from 1958 to 1960, spending those two years stationed in Germany. During his time there he enjoyed traveling, playing baseball, and spending time with his cousin, Jim Irwin who was also stationed there.

Les began his career in Pittsburgh as a sales representative for Dravo Corporation selling heavy industrial equipment throughout the country. He had a deep love for people and conversation, which made him an excellent salesman. When he moved to Boise he started his own business as a real estate broker, specializing in commercial properties. He also did marketing consulting for several years, traveling around the region and making lifelong friends in the process.

Les moved to Idaho in 1968, persuaded by a friend who told him he could hunt in short sleeves in February—a selling point that appealed instantly to his love of the outdoors. He made the cross-country drive from Pittsburgh to Boise with his dear cousin, Greg Goodrich, a trip filled with stories and laughter that became some of Les’s favorite lifelong memories. He remained closely connected to friends in Pittsburgh, speaking to them often, up until a few days before his passing.

Before moving to Boise, Les had known Jan’s parents. In 1970, while back in Pittsburgh on business, he stopped by to visit them and met Jan. A long-distance relationship followed, and on November 13, 1971, they were married in a small ceremony at Les’s parents’ home in Scottsdale, Arizona. This began a partnership marked by deep love, devotion, shared faith, and nearly 54 years of marriage.

After almost ten years of marriage – years spent caring for others’ children, coaching youth sports and watching friends around them expand their families - Les and Jan joyfully adopted their beloved daughter Susan Leigh in January of 1981. Nearly three years later they welcomed their most precious surprise, a son, Matthew David, in December of 1983.

When Les was 80, he received the promotion to “Papa” he had been patiently waiting for with the arrival of Blake Anna Garvin. Shortly after turning 87, he received a second promotion with the birth of Lua Maria Maciel Goodrich. Les was captivated by both girls, cherishing the times he watched cartoons and football with Blake and snuggling and reading with Lua. Les deeply loved his son-in-law, Dan, and his daughter-in-law, Karine, and looked forward to being with them whenever possible.

A man of a thousand interests and passions, Les was fascinated by anything with a motor–riding motorcycles as a young man, fixing up old cars, collecting model trains, flying in small airplanes with friends and operating radio-controlled aircraft. He could fix anything, and his curiosity extended well beyond mechanics; he was equally devoted to learning about history. Les spent much of his free time in the Idaho foothills bird hunting with close friends and his many German shorthaired pointer hunting dogs. A master gunsmith, he took great joy in repairing firearms for his friends, a passion that ultimately transformed his hobby of restoring antique guns into meaningful work later in life.

His relationship with God was his highest priority, and his faith guided him throughout his adult life. Les was an active member of his church community for over 50 years, where he generously shared his warmth, wisdom, and steady devotion. Alongside Jan, he co-led the Young Marrieds group and served on the Elder Board for many years.

Les was preceded in death by his parents, Franklin and Florence Goodrich, brother-in-law, Jarl Gustafson, and several members of his extended family.

Les is survived by his beloved wife, Jan Goodrich; daughter Susan (Dan) Garvin of Fort Collins, CO; son Matthew Goodrich (Karine Arroxellas) of Queens, NY; his treasured granddaughters, Blake and Lua; sisters-in-law, Judy Gustafson and Marilyn (Don) Jackson; dearly loved nieces and nephews; cousin, Greg (Dory) Goodrich and cherished extended family cousins.

Les will be remembered for his unwavering faith, deep love for his family and friends, and kindness he shared with everyone who knew him.

A celebration of Les’s life will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Living Stones Church, 8775 Ustick Road, Boise, Idaho. A reception will follow in the Fireside Room. The service will also be live streamed for those unable to attend in person, and a link will be provided.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to a mission established by his dear friend Allan Matamoros:

ETHNE International Development – Global Fellowship https://globalfellowship.org/project/ethne-international-development 

OR

Send checks made out to: Global Fellowship with “ETHNE International” on the memo line and mail to: Global Fellowship, P.O. Box 1, Meadow Vista, CA 95722