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Burton Goodman Obituary
January 10, 1928 - December 14, 2024
Tacoma, Washington - Dr. Burt Goodman, a dentist and pioneer in the dental insurance industry, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2024, at St. Joseph Hospital. He was born on January 10, 1928, in Tacoma, Washington, to Bert and Louise (Pitzen) Goodman.
Burt's education laid the foundation for his remarkable career. He attended St. Patrick's Grade School and Bellarmine Preparatory before earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Seattle University and a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the University of Washington. Following his initial service in the U.S. Army, he married Edna Lou Enright on May 15, 1954. Burt later re-enlisted in the Army Reserve, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Burt dedicated 39 years to his dental practice, where he cherished his patients as both clients and friends. His contributions to dentistry extended far beyond his practice. He co-founded the Washington Dental Servicethe first dental insurance provider in the nationand played a pivotal role in establishing the Delta Dental Plans Association nationwide. He also served as an early president of both organizations.
In recognition of his groundbreaking efforts, the Washington Dental Service Foundation (now Arcora Foundation) established the Burton H. Goodman Presidential Scholarship at the UW School of Dentistry. Burt's accolades include the Washington State Dental Association's President's Award and fellowship honors from both the American and International Colleges of Dentistry. In 2022, he was named "Citizen of the Year" by the WSDA.
Burt was predeceased by his daughter, Ann Goodman Bahm. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Edna Lou Goodman; his children Paul (Teresa) Goodman, Marty (Suzanne) Goodman, Jane (Steven) Wraith, and Robert (Donna) Goodman; six grandchildren and their spouses; and five great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on December 28, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. Further details are available on the Gaffney Funeral Home website.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Burton Goodman
Sponsored by Gaffney Funeral Home.
Susan Bowles Harrison
July 19, 2025
I am very sad to learn of Dr. Goodman´s recent passing. He was such a kind and wonderful friend of my dad, Joseph A Bowles, DDS, who passed away in 1977 and my mom, Dana Bowles who passed away May 26, 2024. He and his wife Edna Lou were always so kind to our family.
Dr. Goodman was a lovely Christian man. Our family esteemed him highly.
My deepest condolences to his wife, Edna Lou and their children and their families. My prayers for God´s comfort. My greatest comfort in loss of loved ones is Jesus´ promise of salvation for those who put their faith in HIM, that we can look forward to seeing our loved ones in Christ again in eternity.
John 3:16
Cassina Garcia
January 7, 2025
Burt you will be truly missed I just heard of the news my condolences to Mrs Edna Lou and the family I had the pleasure of meeting Burt and Edna at Merrill Gardens. Burt always had a smile on his face even if he wasn´t feeling good I enjoyed hearing their stories and seeing his big plaque hanging on the wall at MG. I´m glad I got the chance to take Edna by their two houses and taken Edna´s picture on the bench you donated and outside in the roundabout over looking Narrows Bridge. I will have to take a ride over there and reminisce about our times. You were a kind soul with a big heart. I will always remember your smile
Love Cassina
Heidi Sagers Oberst
December 29, 2024
Dr Goodman was an advocate, but moreso a steadfast friend and mentor to my dad and mom, Richard and Patsy Sagers, when they moved to Tacoma to start Dad's dental practice. Dr. and Mrs. Goodman always had a smile, lots of laughs and took genuine interest in others at every encounter. Terrific and truly lovely people. May Dr. Goodman rest in peace and may Mrs. Goodman and family find comfort in all the happy and treasured memories.
Beverly C Banfield
December 28, 2024
I will always remember Christmas Day when the Goodmans came to visit our house, and Dr. Goodman and the boys would wear their red vests and his big smile! Such happy moments! Dr. Goodman (Burt) will truly be missed by so many people whose lives he touched.
Peg Staeheli
December 27, 2024
Dr Goodman was a true gentleman dentist- He was my dentist for my first 27 + years-
"open wide hon" Once he came to his office to treat me on the way to a football game. My later dentists always said he did great work! But my favorite memories are the friendly greetings from Burt & Edna when I saw them at various Tacoma functions.
Patti Larsen Sullivan
December 22, 2024
Dr. Goodman was an excellent dentist and a wonderful man. He will be missed. but lived a remarkable and fulfilling life with wonderful accomplishments. My condolences to the entire Goodman family.
Dellie
December 22, 2024
I Remember Sarah,Sherry And Shane,I Think About You In Prayers,
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