Obituary for Brian Patrick Goodman

Brian Patrick Goodman, passed from this life on November 21, 2019. He had just returned from 4 days in New York City, where despite his two year battle with ALS, saw two Broadway shows and met the cast, toured MOMA and Central Park and enjoyed time with his two best pals, Kathy Cecchin of LA and Jim Fischer of Bangkok, who flew in to join him. Brian was born June 18, 1962, in Portland, Michigan to a large and loving family. He attended Hope College, majoring in theatre and performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. He moved to Chicago, acting and waiting tables until he helped to found the About Face Youth Theatre Program, helping LGBTQ youth find their voice. In Chicago, Brian met Mike Maliszewski, his partner and husband of 31 years. Together they traveled extensively, in both the USA and the world: Spain, Italy, France, Mexico, Canada, Thailand, Australia, Cambodia, and Peru. Brian became an executive assistant for several prestigious non-for profit organizations until his diagnosis in November of 2017 of ALS. After his diagnosis, he continued to live life more fully than most and was an inspiration to everyone he met. His kindness and smile will be sorely missed.

Brian is survived by his husband, Mike Maliszewski. He is also survived by his parents Al and Carol Goodman; siblings, Greg (Sue) Goodman, Mark Goodman, Kirk (Renee) Goodman, Todd (Josette) Goodman, Pam (Brian) Grapentien, Chad (Jamie) Goodman, Dana (Andy) Linebaugh; nephews and nieces, Ryan (Rachel), Jordy (Renae), Jena (Glen), Corinna (Kristen), Matt (Alexis), Jarred (Alyssa), Tyler, Justin, Dylan, Rylie (Treyvin), Taylor (Bryce), Bailey (Macey), Jake (Miranda), Jessika (Hunter), Julia, Anthony (Kailey), Sarah, Seth, Sam, and Natalie; and great-nephews and nieces Nate, Gabe, Grace, Branson, Sawyer, Grady, Evelyn, Brody, and Norah.

Brian is preceded in death by his grandparents, Al and Lucy Goodman and Genevieve Seal.

A Memorial Celebration will be held Saturday, December 7, 2019 starting at 4:00 p.m. at the Grand River Conservation Club, 7345 Lyons Road, Portland. A second memorial will be held in the spring in Chicago. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Portland Civic Players, The Portland High School Drama Department (checks may be made to Portland High School with the "Drama Department" in the memo line), and the Les Turner ALS Foundation (www.lesturnerals.org) in honor of Brian. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.