George Arthur Goodchild

Surrounded by the love of his family, George Arthur Goodchild passed away on January 9th, 2026 at the age of 80. He and his wife, Carolyn, moved to West Branch in 2000 where he resided until his death.

George was born in Detroit, Michigan on July 30th,1945 to Katherine (Sievers) Goodchild and Edward Goodchild. He was married to Carolyn Lee (Kohn) Goodchild for 53 years, and together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and education. They were blessed with three children: Chad (Rebecca) Goodchild, Jeffiny (Steve) Shutts, Janae (LeRoy) Newland and seven grandchildren: Hayden, Sophia, Roark, Pierce, Whitman, Everlie & Boden.

George grew up in Redford Township, a suburb of Detroit, where he attended Thurston High School as a graduate of the class of 1963. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, including service during the Vietnam War.

Following his military service, George enrolled at Michigan State University using the G.I. Bill to pursue his education. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts and later earned a master’s degree in Education from Eastern Michigan University.

George devoted his professional life to education. In 1971, he was hired by Montrose Community Schools as an English and Speech teacher. Over the next 24 years, he steadily advanced through leadership roles, eventually serving as Assistant Superintendent.

Within George’s career in education, he also served as Superintendent of both Kingston Community Schools and Whittemore-Prescott Schools. George is especially remembered for his 16 years as a substitute teacher in the West Branch–Rose City Community Schools, a role he truly loved and one that allowed him to stay connected to students, staff, and the rhythm of school life after his formal retirement.

George was engaged in his community, serving on numerous committees and organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, Music in the Park, and the West Branch Zoning Board of Appeals. He was elected Horton Township Trustee and served as Township Treasurer.

A great conversationalist and raconteur, George’s military stories often kept his grandchildren riveted, and the students he subbed for delightfully distracted from their work. George had a sarcastic sense of humor, and what some may describe as an aggressive approach to Euchre. He truly appreciated coming home each night to one of his wife’s delicious, home-cooked meals.

George was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Paul Goodchild. He is survived by three of his siblings: Joan Elliott, Cindy Koory and Mark Goodchild.

To respect George’s wishes, he will be cremated and there will not be a funeral or memorial service. We would love to read your stories and reflections of what George meant to you in the guestbook below.

If you would like to honor George’s memory, donations may be made in his name to Life Choices Resource Center of West Branch (Caring Pregnancy Center), or your local PBS station.