FRANKFORT – Erland C. Goodwin, 81, died June 6, 2007, at Northeast Specialty Hospital, Natick, Mass., after a courageous battle with A.L.S., Lou Gehrig’s disease. Erland was born March 24, 1926, in Silver Ridge, a son of Edwin and Mary (McEwen) Goodwin. Erland proudly served six years and eight months in the U.S. Army Air Corps, having received a World War II Victory Medal, American Theatre Campaign Ribbon and Good Conduct Medal. He served his country in both World War II and Korean War, as an aerial gunner with the 1st Radio Squadron Mobile Unit and was an automotive mechanic with the 404th Army Air Force Base Unit. He served stateside, as well as in Germany, Korea and Japan. Erland was the husband of the late Carlene (Merrill) Goodwin, the love of his life. They settled in Frankfort and raised 10 children. During the ’50s and early ’60s, Erland owned and operated Goodwin’s Garage, Frankfort. In the ’60s, Erland was employed with W.R. Grace Co., Searsport. During the ’70s and ’80s Erland owned and operated a trucking business, E.C. Goodwin, and drove truck locally as well as across country and for the U.S. Post Office. He will be remembered for his mechanical knowledge, his love for cars and trucks, as well as his collection of them. Erland had an outgoing, charismatic personality and was known and respected by many in Maine and throughout the country. Erland leaves behind eight children, Sharon Newey and her husband, Richard, of Eddington, Edwin Goodwin and his wife, Betty, of Lincoln, Elaine Goodwin-Thomas and her husband, Don, of Bradley, Erland Goodwin Jr. “Fred” and his wife, Terry, of Lee, Janet Goodwin-Eddy and her husband, Carleton, of Benedicta, Jeffrey Goodwin of Frankfort, Carol Anne Goodwin of Hampden and Erlene Goodwin of Lee; 20 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and cousins; one brother, Fred Goodwin of Silver Ridge; two sisters, Beryle Rideout of Lincoln and Carlyn “Babe” Gruelich of East Freehold, N.J. He was predeceased by his wife, Carlene in 2000; a son, James in 1993; an infant son, Terry Wayne in 1958; his parents; two brothers, Montelle Goodwin and Edwin “Kike” Goodwin; and one sister, Panola Goodwin-Black. A graveside service with military honors will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, June 10, at Silver Ridge Cemetery, Silver Ridge. Erland loved flowers and was blessed with a green thumb, so anyone wishing to contribute to his memory may send flowers or donate to the A.L.S. Association, Northern New Eng-land Chapter, The Concord Center, 10 Ferry St., Suite 438, Box 314, Concord, NH 03301. Family and friends are invited to gather at Silver Ridge Calvery Baptist Church after the services. Arrangement by Bowers Funeral Home, Island Falls.
ERLAND C. GOODWIN
