Robert Ralph Goyer

Robert Ralph Goyer (Bobby/Bob/Bugs/Boppy) walked on peacefully at 3:45 pm October 21, 2020, after coming into acceptance with and peacefully tolerating the effects brought on by Alzheimer's disease. Those blessed to be at his side and witness his grace-filled transition were son, Stephen, son-in-law Kevin Whelan and wife, Carolyn. He was a proud member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, teacher, father, friend, artist, poet, outdoorsman, humorist and servant of the Lord.

Bobby was born to Rufus Lee and Bessie Goyer October 3, 1938 in Pueblo Colorado while enroute from Fence Lake New Mexico to Grants Pass Oregon. After attending various schools throughout childhood due to the family moving, he completed the final years of high school in the seminary. At the conclusion of Bob’s education in the seminary, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English.

Bob was a devoted husband to Carolyn (Kelley), whom he married in 1968. Cherished father to Kevin (Lumenaria), Stephen (Kathy) and Mary. He left behind grandchildren Joseph, Sarah, and his newest, Charlie, born one month after his death. Additionally, he loved sister-in-laws Eva Hobbs and Marge Goyer, their children and grandchildren, and his cousins. He was preceded in death by both parents and his older brother, Thomas Lee Goyer.

Bob began his teaching career at Bourgade High School in Phoenix, Arizona. There he taught English, coached multiple sports, and is said to have sometimes driven the school bus. Most notably, this is where he met his wife to be, Carolyn. His teaching journey took him to the Glendale Union High School District where he began at Cortez HS where he created life-long friendships while hunting, fishing, playing bridge and at dinners, holiday events, and art shows. Bob transferred to Apollo HS where he spent the bulk of his career teaching exceptional students. He was thrilled when Stephen and then Mary attended A.H.S. He finished his teaching career at Glendale HS after 30+ years of teaching and touching the lives of many.

Bob’s creative and artistic mind revealed an array of mediums and creations. Kevin’s earliest memory is climbing with Aspen burl knots, out of wooded canyons, in which Bob made his “near-famous” bandsaw jewelry boxes. Towards the end of his artistic adventure Bob took a painting class with Stephen. As one might imagine, Bob regularly infused his love of nature, philosophical and spiritual leanings into the artwork.

Imbued within teaching, outdoor activities, art, and being a trickster, Bob sprayed insects, sold insurance, mentored and attended AA. In service he was a lector and held many roles of guidance within St Helen’s Church. Bob was a man of humility and a strong presence. He was well known for his goofy sense of humor, ever present smile and easy laughter, and joker extraordinaire.

Earlier in his process of dealing with Alzheimer’s, in his ever philosophical way, Bob mused, “I wonder what it will be like to be dis-identified with my body while still in human form.” He enjoyed conversations with many people questioning spirituality and the disease allowed him to further explore humanity.

Although the pandemic altered ways we might have grieved his passing together, there will be plans to celebrate his life, how he was blessed, and blessed others. The family wishes to thank the always thoughtful caregivers at Acacia Heights Assisted Living Center in Peoria Arizona for their servitude, love and welcoming home.