Glen E Goodwin

Gooch was born in Patagonia and spent the first four decades of his life working on ranches throughout the southwest. Endowed with a creative spirit, he learned silversmithing in his early years and launched Gooch Goodwin Silver in 1975, where he made jewelry and other adornments for his clients.

In 2000, Gooch left the ranching life behind and took a job as a seasonal fire lookout on Red Mountain in Patagonia, Arizona. He worked as a lookout for six seasons and was so inspired by the mountains — the landscapes, wildlife, canyons, watering holes — that he picked up photography professionally in 2004. Photography was a life-long interest of his, which he continued to practice up until his death.

Gooch had a passion for the environment: for owls, mountain lions, and coyotes, canyons and oak trees, ravens and wild things. He never left home without his binoculars and was often asked to accompany journalists, students, and gap-year groups to the Patagonia Mountains and San Rafael Valley to talk about his experiences as a rancher and environmental activist. He could be found volunteering for nonprofits in his later years: pulling invasive species, checking wildlife cameras, monitoring springs, and co-founding Patagonia Area Resource Alliance, a nonprofit fighting to protect the water and wildlife of the Patagonia Mountains from industrial mining.

Gooch was also known for his golden heart, his generosity, and his listening spirit. Those who knew him know intimately the deep love he had for others and the compassion he had for their lives. He loved to read and enjoyed trying new things. His many experiences in life included working as a board member, a coffee roaster, a community watchdog, and a wildlands firefighter.

A memorial service to celebrate Gooch's life will be held on Sunday, September 11th from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. in Patagonia, Arizona at the Town park. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his memory to either Borderlands Restoration Network, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, two nonprofits.

Gooch cared very deeply about, or to the Anxiety & Depression Association. Please look below for a direct link to any of the three organizations mentioned.