Nov. 10, 1961 - Aug. 23, 2013
Date of Service: Sep. 7, 2013
Tracy K. Goodman
Nov. 10, 1961-Aug. 23, 2013
MURTAUGH • The Ol’ Backhoe Man is gone. Tracy Kay Goodman, 51, of Murtaugh, died suddenly, Friday, Aug. 23, 2013.
Tracy was born Nov. 10, 1961, in Twin Falls, the third son and fourth child of Ronald J. and Janet Sherwood Goodman. He attended schools in Las Vegas, Hansen, Pinedale, Wyo., and Murtaugh, graduating from Murtaugh High School in 1980.
Tracy married Mychel Matthews in 1982. Their daughter, Alexia, was born in 1983, and their son, Sam, was born in 1987.
Tracy took his family on quite an adventure over the years. He spent several years running a backhoe in Northern California before bringing his family back to Murtaugh, where they made their home in 1991. He drove a cattle truck over the big road for many years, and operated excavation equipment in the oil fields of Wyoming, Colorado, Montana and North Dakota for many more.
Tracy was an avid hunter and fisherman, and he loved a good card game.
His family and friends knew that beneath his hardened, gruff exterior, was a tender, loving heart. Tracy was a grizzly bear on the outside, but a teddy bear inside.
The family will hold a private gathering at 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Murtaugh Lake Pavilion, followed by a public potluck and party at 6 p.m.
Tracy leaves behind his wife of 31 years, Mychel Z Matthews, of Murtaugh; his daughter, Catherine Alexia Goodman, of Murtaugh; his son, Samuel Grant Goodman, Sam’s partner in life, Kortnee G’lenn Saccoman, and their girls, Kaylee and Gracee, all of Jerome; Tracy’s dog, Buddy (aka Ed) and Mychel's dog, Duffy; and two cats, Tigger and Prudence. He is also survived by his mother, Janet Franklin, of LaBarge, Wyo.; his sister, Kathleen (Mike) Weidmann, of Weed, Calif.; his brother, Roger (Diane) Goodman, of LaBarge, Wyo.; and his sister, ChiKay Hardy, of Santa Rosa, Calif. He was preceded in death by his father, Ron Goodman; his brother, Kenny Goodman; and his cat, Trucker.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Tracy’s name to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, by calling 800-225-5355. Cremation was entrusted to Rasmussen Funeral Home of Burley. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting rasmussenfuneralhome.com.
Rest in peace, Big Guy.
