Allan Ben Goodman

August 2nd, 2013

Al was such a great person. I am so fortunate to have known him. He was a part of our volleyball team that was just inducted into the Hall of Fame at DePaul University. He was so dedicated to our team and the coach and so patient and positive with all us crazy girls. He was always waiting for us to drive us here or there, take care of things we needed and he never complained. He would stand there shifting from side to side, tapping his toe as he shifted, so patient and kind. I’m so glad we got to see each other this past January for the induction. He was so upbeat about his journey with cancer and so happy to see everyone. He will always be remembered fondly in our stories of our days of glory at DePaul. May he rest in peace. My condolences to his family, I hope you know how much he was loved by his DePaul friends.

~Nancy Wilke
~Friend from DePaul, Chicago, IL

July 25th, 2013

I worked with Al for 18 years before Al retired. The thing that impressed me the most about Al was his generosity. He was always willing to help others. This included his students, his colleagues, and people he barely knew.

I also knew Al from the Union. Through his work every employee in the district benefited and most never even knew about it. His dedication will always be remembered.

~Rich Cortez
~co-worker, Sleepy Hollow, IL

July 24th, 2013

I was proud to call Allen my friend over the more than two decades I knew him as a high school sports writer for the Daily Herald. Personally, he took the time and talent to cater the graduation party for my two daughters in 1989. Al took a genuine interest in his students and runners and shared his genuine love for education and younr people. We lost him at a much-too-young an age. I will hold many fond memories of a dear friend.

~Reggie Gorski
~Herald reporter and friend, Palatine, IL

July 24th, 2013

I remember when Al would come into my Foods room and do a food demonstration on some food dish he created. The Math rooms were across from my Foods room.

Al, his mom, my husband and I met several times when we were in Vegas at the same time. We would have dinner and share some conversation.

Al was so positve about his cancer and believed that he could beat it. May God bless his soul.
He was a fine man and good friend that will be missed by many.

~Joan Widok
~Conant co-worker, Inverness, IL

July 24th, 2013

Mr. Goodman,
I have never someone who has been so happy and loved his job so much. When I started slacking off in his freshman year math class he immediately took it upon himself to make sure that I had way more potential than i thought I did. He made me care about my grades and school work, especially in math, and I requested him the next year. I spent two years in his math class and the year after getting some tutoring. I never once saw a frown on his face. He was always very happy, giving, and caring no matter what he did or challenges he tried to take on. It is so sad to hear someone losing their battle with cancer, and I do something at college called the University of Iowa dance marathon. We raise money every year and do a 24 hour marathon of no standing, sitting, or caffiene for pediatric cancer. I have now dedicated my own dance marathon account to Mr. Goodman. I will raise money all for him this year to find a cure for what took him away from us all too soon. Below is my online giving page, here it talks about what we do at dance marathon, a little bit about why I do it, and a dedication paragraph to Mr. Goodman. We have a quote that goes around dance marathon. “When cancer is cured we will dance for joy, but until then we dance for life.” Usually we say FTK, for the kids, but now, FMG. For Mr. Goodman.

FMG,

Thank you
Lexie Mitsos
http://osl.iowa.uiowa.edu/dancemarathon/donate/5/7756

~Lexie Mitsos
~Former student, Schaumburg, IL

July 24th, 2013

Al,

Thank you for the warmth and kindness you have always expressed to my family and me. I also want to thank you for your dedication to girls’ and boys’ gymnastics in Illinois. You will be truly missed!

Jason Orna

~Jason Orna
~Friend/Colleague, Algonquin, IL

July 24th, 2013

Allan was a sweet guy who had a pure heart and a love for others. Rest in Peace Allan. My condolences go out to his family.

~Lynn King
~Class mate, Hoffman Estates, IL

July 24th, 2013

Knowing Al would be at a gymnastics meet doing the scoring was something to look forward to. You knew the competition would run well and I always enjoyed talking to him about other teams and especially were to go and stay in just about any city. Al touch many lives and I’m blessed to have known him. The gymnastics community has lost a great person who contributed a great deal to making our sport better.
God bless,
Mark Wanner
Hinsdale Central

~Mark Wanner
~gymnastics friend, Westmont, IL

July 23rd, 2013

Al,

Thanks for your confidence in me. I will always remember the dinners we shared as you coaxed me into being more than I thought was in me. I trusted you. Your smile, dry sense of humor, tales and encouragement will be missed.

Rest in peace,
Anita

~Anita Lee
~friend, union mentee, West Chicago, Il

July 23rd, 2013

Mr. Goodman was my track and Cross Country coach for 4 years. He changed my life forever and I will always love him for that. He will never be forgotten. He was such a good friend of mine and always will be. We will see each other again!!! I promise. Rest in peace Mr. Goodman.

~Kim Sendra
~Coach, Oswego, Il

July 23rd, 2013

Al was a friend of girls gymnastics. He was so kind and will be missed.
My condolences go out to his family.

~Susan Frew
~gymnastics friend, Lake Forest

July 22nd, 2013

Mr. Goodman,

He was my Math teacher Freshman year of HS and I am so glad that I had him. He was a very sincere man and was always there for his students. Years later I became an educator and ran into him again and say him a few times a year and each time I say him it was a pleasure to chat with him about life!!! He will never be forgotten. May you now rest in peace Mr. Goodman and not be in anymore pain.

~Norma
~former student, Schaumburg, IL

July 22nd, 2013

’72, our Manager in track. He was always there, glass of water, towel or an “atta baby”, God rest his soul.

~John Hughett
~Friend, Tulsa Oklahoma

July 22nd, 2013

I have many fond memories of Al. First, as a fellow coach who I competed against. Second, knowing Al through all the great work he did scoring the Palatine Cross Country Invite, Regional, and the Palatine Relays. And last summer, going to Oregon to watch the Olympic Trials with a group of coaches that Al organized The world has lost one of the good and great ones.

~Steve Currins
~Fellow coach and friend, Palatine, Illinois

July 22nd, 2013

Al, you have touched the hearts and minds of so many with all that you did—your teaching, your love of life, food and adventure. You shared so much and took so little. You will be fondly remembered for your wicked sense of humor, your amazing stories, your love of travel, and so much more. But most of all you will be remembered as someone with a pure heart who has left this earth far too soon.

~Gail Moran
~friend, South Milwaukee, WI