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Stephen Goldman, 78, died at home in Arvada, CO. after a long battle with Parkinson's disease on February 22nd. Steve was born December 28, 1946 In White Plains New York, to Sylvia and Sydney Goldman.
His teenage years were spent in his father's Camera store in downtown White Plains, where he first learned to love photography. Steve earned a bachelor's degree from Defiance (Ohio) College in 1965 and the next year began a teaching job at Coldwater (Ohio) high school. After graduating from Miami (OH) University in 1970, he became a guidance counselor in the Berea Ohio school system where he met his future wife Linda, a teacher. They married in 1974. After earning his doctorate from the University of Akron, Steve and Linda moved to Laramie, WY. in 1976 where he worked at the University's laboratory school as a counselor.
Their son, Jonathan was born in 1977, followed by Stephanie in 1981.
In 1984 Steve opened a successful private practice in marriage and family counseling. His first office was in a workroom in the carport off their back yard. Opening day was announced by a volunteering neighbor girl, holding a sign saying "Need help? Dr. Goldman can help you." As Steve's practice grew, he moved his office to downtown Laramie.
Always interested in new challenges and new opportunities to help people, in 1998 he began a three year position as Director of Mental Health services at the Wyoming State Penitentiary in Rawlins, Wyoming, commuting from Laramie to Rawlins. He often joked with friends, "I'm off to prison!"
Steve ended his career in mental health with a 9 year stint as a school psychologist in the Albany County schools. In addition to his counseling skills, Steve built a reputation as a go-to guy who could and would fix everything from bulky printers to software issues.
At his retirement party from the school district, he was given a box of wires, cords, discs, and other assorted technology items to symbolize his interest in and ability to fix most any technology related problem. Outside of his job, his skills and patience in fixing things from printers to plumbing was appreciated by friends and neighbors. In a world where it is so hard to find help with technological and household problems, Steve's good humor and willingness to help others made him a valued friend to many.
A firm believer in community service, during his almost 40 years in Laramie, Steve volunteered on the boards of the ARK and SAFE House and was a long time member of the UU Fellowship of Laramie. He was a co-founder of WYOASST (Wyoming Critical Incident Stress Team) traveling with other volunteers around the state of Wyoming to help first responders deal with especially tragic incidents.
A member and former president of the Wyoming Psychological Association, Steve received their "Psychologist of the Year Award in 2013." In addition to his tireless efforts in his profession, his community and with his family, Steve made time for a wide variety of hobbies, including building Heath Kits, closely monitoring the latest products from Radio Shack and Sharper Image, ham radio, and photography. His musical skills were significant. and he was frequently occupied with singing and playing the guitar. When he and Linda lived near Cleveland, he sang with the Cleveland Orchestra chorus. Over the years, he was asked to sing at several friends' weddings, and led camping sing a-longs and Unitarian Universalist Fellowship services with his guitar, bringing delight and inspiration to all who heard him.
In 2005 Steve was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. In 2017, he and Linda moved from Laramie and their many friends to Arvada Colorado to be closer to their daughter and her family. Their son, Jonathan soon followed.
Steve is survived by his wife, Linda, daughter, Stephanie Koci (Jeremy), son, Jonathan and granddaughters, Maya and Leah all of Arvada and his older brother Robert and his wife Nancy of Bellingham, WA.
Steve's patience, kindness, generosity and humor will be missed by all who knew him. Even in the face of a long, debilitating illness, Steve retained his optimism and ability to see the bright and funny side of life. His positive outlook and sense of humor in the midst of adversity will be a lasting memory to many.
The family wants to thank the private caregivers, the caregivers and nurses from Lutheran Hospice who helped Linda care for Steve as well as many friends and neighbors who offered support during these difficult last few years. Steve's role as husband and father will guide us as we navigate our future without him.
Memorial contributions may be given in his name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation or to Intermountain Health Hospice in Wheat Ridge, CO.
Services are being planned for early summer both in Laramie and Golden.
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