Elton Ray Goodwin

Elton Ray Goodwin was born September 18, 1950 in Independence, Missouri; and passed away on November 7, 2013 in Gig Harbor. Born the second of four boys to Arnold Lee and Helen Louise Goodwin, he moved to Port Orchard at the age of one. Elton attended South Colby Elementary, Marcus Whitman Jr. High; and was a 1969 graduate of South Kitsap High School. After high school he went on to attend Olympic Community College, and later Central Washington University; graduating in 1973 with a degree in secondary education. Earning letters in football, basketball and baseball throughout his high school and college playing days; it was baseball and teaching for which he forged a lifelong passion that not even retirement could curtail.
Not limiting his interests to athletics however, Elton held a lifelong affinity with the woods and streams of our Pacific Northwest. Laying siege to salmon, halibut and ducks with the same fervor and intensity as an opposing pitcher, it was just as common to see Elton walking the woods or relaxing around the campfire; as it was on the baseball diamond. Whether packing a shotgun, chainsaw, fishing pole, or baseball bat; you could bet there was a smile on his face, and a good story to accompany it.
Elton was a friend, coach and mentor to many; and the legacy he left will be felt throughout this community for generations to come. Serving as an example for countless young men and women, he retired from the South Kitsap School District after 30 years as a coach and educator. His attention to fundamentals, and a commitment to perfectionism however, instilled ‘life lessons’ in his students, players and peers that fostered relationships that will remain eternal.
As seasons come to pass, never will we forget the (now iconic) sayings that emanated from the 3rd base coaches box. Timeless words of encouragement such as “TRACK IT”, "FRAME IT UP"; "SEE THE V"; or "NUT IT UP" will forever be etched in the minds of our boys, that he molded to men.
491 wins / 29 years coaching / 19 League Championships / 3 State titles / 1997 Washington State Baseball HOF inductee

"Swing away Coach...you will forever be missed by those you touched."

Elton is survived by his wife, Debbie; twin sons Jeff and Joel; brothers Arlond (Sharon), Billy (Teri), Aaron (Lynn); step-father Damon "Sonny" Bracamontes; stepdaughters Dawn White (Mike) and Angie Howie (Shawn); grandchildren, Tyler and Cameron White, and Alyssia and Damien Howie; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Schedule:
Friday 11/15 6-9pm - Public visitation at Rill Chapel (family will be on hand to greet the community)
Saturday 11/16 11am - Public services at South Kitsap High School auditorium
*Elton’s impact throughout this community was far reaching, and we encourage anyone who would like to bring a photo of Elton to share on the photo board to do so. This board will be present at both Rill Chapel on Friday, and the High School on Saturday. We will do our best to get everyone's pictures back to them, but it is suggested a copy be made ahead of time.

**We ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in the name of the GOODWIN MEMORIAL FUND at any Kitsap Bank branch. Routing #: 125102906 / Acct #: 0100386111.

Coach Goodwin's Webcast can be viewed under the video tab: