Obituary for Leigh Doig Goddard Leigh Goddard was born in Detroit Michigan on May 11, 1928. His interests growing up including cars, running track, and business. Soon after graduating from high school he entered WWII and served in the navy.
Following the war he worked for two years in the merchant marines out of New York City. He later returned to the Detroit area and began working for Grand Trunk Railroad. While working there he became an avid typist and set the State typing record at 128 wpm with zero errors (this on a manual typewriter).
Most importantly, he met Betty who would become his wife and true love for more than sixty years. Early in their marriage, Leigh and Betty had the opportunity to meet the actor Jimmy Stewart and his wife. Leigh and Jimmy hit it off right away, talking about aircraft and flying.
Jimmy invited Leigh and Betty to join he and his wife for dinner, which turned out to be an especially enjoyable and memorable evening. He and Betty settled in what is now Westland, Michigan and raised two children, Cindy and Tim. Leigh worked a long career as a machinist and precision grinder for both Ford Motor Company and General Motors.
He was active in the American Legion and eventually became one of the founders of the Yankee Airforce in 1981. He possessed a passion for aviation and enjoyed working at many air shows and on aircraft restoration projects. Over the years he became a loving grandfather to six and enjoyed spending time keeping up with their numerous activities.
Leigh retired from GM when he was 72. He and Betty then moved to Arizona where they enjoyed warmer weather, card games with friends, and travels. They never stopped missing friends back in Michigan but also enjoyed new friends in Arizona.
After Betty’s health declined, they moved to California where Leigh lived in an apartment near Betty and other family members. He became quite active working as a volunteer at Edwards Airforce Base Museum and once again enjoyed participating in air shows and other aviation history events. Leigh’s health took a dip in 2015 and he moved to Colorado to receive more consistent health care and remain close to family.
He gradually came to terms with a more restricted life style and made new friends. He was very impressed with the outstanding care he received from health and lifestyle professionals in the Fort Collins community including being a resident at Morningstar Senior Living. During this time there were numerous and significant challenges.
He drew on his faith, family, friends, and support teams to see things through as best as he could. He became more at ease and increasingly at peace with himself and the world around him. Near the end of his time with us he often said “Thank you” and shared other kind words to everyone around him.
He is survived by two children and six grandchildren. A private memorial service will be held later this summer. Leigh will be interned next to Betty in Ohio.
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