Former longtime Helena resident, Gibson Gene Goodman died Friday, July 25th in Great Falls after an extended illness. A gathering for family and friends will be at the United Methodist Church in Sun River at 12 noon on Friday, Aug 1st with a Memorial Service to follow at 1:00 pm. Cremation has taken place through Croxford Funeral Home and interment will be held in Helena, MT at the Sunset Memorial Gardens at 4:00 pm the same day. Immediately following internment, please join the family back at the Terrio Residence (4500 Helberg Drive, Helena) to remember Gib’s life. A light meal will be served.

Gib was born to Judd and Ida Goodman in Plentywood, MT on August 31, 1932 and grew up on a dry land wheat and sheep farm in Sheridan County. He graduated from Colorado State University at Ft. Collins where he met and married Mary Link. After graduation with a degree in Animal Husbandry, they returned to Plentywood to farm with Gib’s parents. Several ag-related jobs followed: Ag Development Agent with the Northern Pacific Railroad in Minneapolis, and Ag Loan Officer with First National Bank in Billings and in Helena. He also owned and operated Agrifeeds and Fertilizer, serving the Helena Valley and surrounding area, and was associated with The Landmark Company as a real estate agent specializing in farm, ranch and commercial sales.

Gib’s business contributions to agriculture were augmented by his tireless volunteer hours. For years he served as chairman of the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds committee, with a major commitment to the 4-H program. He was instrumental in the shipment of livestock from Helena to Japan and made many interesting trips to the Orient and South America in connection to this endeavor.

Gib and Mary had three children, Sharon, Tim and Tom. Gib’s second marriage was to Glenda Anderson of Helena which added her three young children, Steve, Tara and Mike to his family. Glenda passed away in 2000.

In 2001 Gib met and married Lynne Russell of Helena and they moved southwest of Great Falls where Gib continued to pursue his love of farming on the family wheat farm there, assisted by his son, Tom.

He is survived by his wife of 12 years, Lynne Goodman. Also surviving him are his sister, Judy Roby of Billings MT; children, Sharon (Lester) Stevens of Cascade, MT, Tom Goodman of Great Falls, MT, Tim (Renee) Goodman, Steve (Jennifer) Bingham, Tara (Rob) Terrio, and Mike Bingham all of Helena; step-children, Rick (Becky) Casteel of Helena, MT and Suzanne (Terry) Casteel of Hamilton; grandchildren, Zach, Seth and Tyrel Stevens, Jason and Jessica Goodman, Chace and Tyson Bingham, Alyx and Aryn Terrio, Sam and Sophie Forslund, Lili and Max Casteel; and great granddaughter, Avery Goodman.

Gib's two great loves in life were the land and family. He welcomed all his extended family members into his life with open arms and generous personality. He was loved and esteemed by all who knew him and was aptly named for he was truly a “Good Man”.

Memorial Donations can be sent to Helena Valley Community Center, 4111 Helberg Drive, Helena, MT 59602

 Service Information