0515A311-DDA7-061A-15818BB5596F0A27
221C0006-30F8-4BB5-BB984B50E3E67B5B
Steven Jay Goodwin

Steven Jay Goodwin '82

May. 23, 1960-Apr. 20, 2020

His family says Steven Jay ­Goodwin ’82 was the one who held them all together.

“His compound was a unique mixture of biting wit and unconditional love,” they said in his obituary published in The Washington Post. “A single text from Steve could propel its target into uncontrollable laughter. A single word could provide its recipient with exactly the support they needed.”

Goodwin, who was co-founder, ­principle, and brand architect for BrandFoundations, died on April 20, 2020, at the age of 59 in Arlington Va. He was born on May 23, 1960, the son of Phillip and Blanche Rosen Goodwin.

An English major at Hamilton, Goodwin was deep into Ultimate Frisbee on the Hill; his family refers to him as its patriarch at Hamilton. When the Hamilton team celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2016 with a tournament on campus, Goodwin was there to play with team members from across generations. He was a three-time participant in the sport world championship and past president of the Washington Area Frisbee Club. He also played Frisbee golf. Tributes from those who played Frisbee with him over the years poured in to his family after he died.

His colleagues, family, and friends respected his ability to write and communicate, turning to him for expert editing and input. His partner at BrandFoundations would say how Goodwin always knew what to say and how and when to say it, his obituary noted.

“When each of his sons, Dustin and Spencer, were born, he wrote them letters that started by saying this “letter is the beginning of the open communications that I hope will be a cornerstone of our father-son relationship,” the obituary said.

Goodwin was a music lover and bass player who performed in the Washington, D.C., area, most recently with his six-piece rock/jazz improvisational group. He was a big fan of the Grateful Dead: his favorite Dead show was at the Fox Theater in Atlanta on May 19, 1977. He and his wife first bonded over their mutual love of the Dead.

“Steven Jay Goodwin had a rare gift,” his family wrote in his obituary. “He could make each person he knew feel like the most important in his life. It was not ­difficult for Steve, as he had room in his abundant heart for all.”

Survivors include his wife of 22 years, Susan Lieberman Goodwin, their sons, his mother, and siblings.

Necrology Home

Note: Memorial biographies published prior to 2004 will not appear on this list.



Necrology Writer and Contact:
Christopher Wilkinson '68
Email: Chris.Wilkinson@mail.wvu.edu

 Joel Bristol Associates logo

The Joel Bristol Associates

Hamilton has a long-standing history of benefiting from estate and life payment gifts. Thoughtful alumni, parents, and friends who remember Hamilton in their estate plans, including retirement plan beneficiary designations, or complete planned gifts are recognized and honored as Joel Bristol Associates.

Contact

Office / Department Name

Alumni & Parent Relations

Contact Name

Jacke Jones

Director, Alumni & Parent Relations

Help us provide an accessible education, offer innovative resources and programs, and foster intellectual exploration.

Site Search