Obituary of Robert "Lloyd" Goodrich

Robert (Lloyd) Goodrich was born February 10, 1934 near Byers, Colorado.  He was the third child of Robert (Bob) Goodrich and Orpha Jensen-Goodrich.  Less than a year after his birth his oldest sibling Dolores pass away from what was known as “dust pneumonia.”  Times were tough, and in 1940 his family relocated to Flagler, Colorado where Bob had found a steady job working for the county.

The family bought a tiny home on Pawnee Street where Lloyd, his older brother Gerald, and younger brother Harold were all raised.  Lloyd had a happy childhood.  He particularly enjoyed cars and football.  The Flagler High School burned down during his senior year.  Lloyd, none the less, graduated in 1952 after attending classes that were held at the Flagler American Legion.

Lloyd’s high school sweetheart, Billie Kliewer, had graduated in 1951 and was working AT Williams Pharmacy while she waited for him to graduate.  Upon gradation they married in August 1952.  They started college in La Junta, Colorado where Lloyd was going to play football.  After a short time in college (and a broken leg from playing football), Lloyd and Billie returned to Flagler where he worked for Billie’s dad, Will Kliewer, in his hardware store.  In early 1954 Lloyd was drafted.  He did is basic training in Fort Leonardwood, MO.  Billie joined him after basic training and they lived in Maryland for a short time.  Lloyd then went to Japan and was honorably discharged in March of 1956.

Lloyd then took a job in Deer Trail working for Port of Entry.  Soon after, the couple were expecting their first child and moved back “home” to Flagler.  In December of 1957, their only child Tami was born.  Lloyd got a job with the Soil Conservation Service in Flagler and spent his Saturday’s working as a mechanic for Fruhling-Rowe garage.   Lloyd and Billed had purchased a home on Julian Avenue and rented the basement out for several years to make ends meet.  They lived in this home until Billie’s death in November 2017.  Lloyd moved to Aspen Leaf Care Facility in February 2018.

Lloyd was always building and improving on his house which included making the double car garage into a large family room.  He made a camper out of postal van and bought a boat. The family of three spent many happy vacations camping and water skiing.  Lloyd was a true handy man.  He could do it all.  If help was needed with plumbing, pouring cement, or any type of construction he was the first one to offer help and he enjoyed this work.  Lloyd was one of the first EMT’s with the Flagler Community Ambulance Service, he volunteered with the Flagler Fire Department and was active in the Congregational Church.

Tami graduated and left home in 1976.  She married John Witt soon after.  Shortly after, Lloyd took a job transfer and worked at the SCS office in Parker, Colorado Springs, and Cripple Creek.  He bought a mobile home in Elizabeth and he and Billie lived there during the week and came home to Flagler on weekends.

With the arrival of his first grandson, Brian, Lloyd found new purpose and was very much a doting Grandpa.  Soon after Chris and David were born.  Lloyd and Billie took their three grandsons on short trips several times throughout the summer.  They attended all of their grandson’s academic and athletic events and were their biggest fans.

Lloyd retired from the SCS and stayed home a year.  He did carpentry for hire and built his garage during this time.  Never one to take it easy, Lloyd soon began a second career as Director of Operations for the Flagler School District.

About 10 years later Lloyd retired for good.  He stayed busy helping his family, working on his car, yard and spending time with his wife.  His grandsons married three wonderful ladies, and he was blessed with five great-grandchildren. The couple had been married for 65 years and when Billie passed away in November at their home, after a long battle with cancer.  Lloyd was by her side every day helping her all that he could.  Lloyd stayed at his home until February 1, 2018 when he entered the Aspen Leaf Facility in Flagler and resided there until his death.

Lloyd was proceeded in death by his Mother, Orpha, his father, Robert, his wife Billie Kay, and brother Gerald.  He is survived by his daughter Tami (John) Witt, Grandsons Brian (Heather) Witt, Chris (Julie) Witt, David (Mindy) Witt, five great grandchildren, Macie, Maddy, Zach, Lexie and Peyton and his brother Harold (Min) Goodrich.  He will be remembered fondly by his family and many friends.

A Funeral Service for Lloyd was held on Friday, March 23, 2018 at 1:00 P.M. at the First Congregational Church in Flagler, Colorado.  A Visitation was held on Thursday, march 22, 2018 from 5:00-7:00 P.M. at the Love Funeral Home Chapel in Limon, Colorado.

Memorials are suggested to the First Congregational Church P. O. Box 368, Flagler, Colorado  80815 or Flagler Community Ambulance Fund P.O. Box 101, Flagler, Colorado  80815.