ORONO – John “Jack” Goater, 84, died peacefully Friday, Jan. 9, 2009, at a local hospital. He was born July 12, 1924, in Windber, Pa., the son of John and Mary (Verostic) Goater. He is survived by his loving wife, Elaine (Sanders) Goater; his three children, Lauri Goater, Becky Goater and John Goater; his two grandchildren, Zachary and Nicholas Goater; and his sisters, Sara “Sally” Conner of Kennett Square, Pa., and Alice E. Dunwody of Wilmington, Del. He attended Coatesville High School, Pennsylvania; Virginia Tech, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in animal science; and the University of New Hampshire, where he obtained his Master of Science in animal science. He was an Agricultural Extension Agent with Penn State for six years. He came to the University of Maine in 1954 as an Extension Animal Science Specialist, and later became assistant professor of Animal Science. He started the first Farrier course at the University of Maine and was advisor for the University’s horse club, where he successfully organized an annual horse show. He was instrumental in the organization of the North Country Cheviot Sheep Association and was also national secretary for 15 years. He was involved in the Maine 4-H program, where he directed the sheep and equine programs. He lead the summer 4-H equine camps and was instrumental in the tryouts and training of the 4-H sheep and equine teams that represented Maine at the Eastern States Exhibition. There are many past participants of the Maine 4-H programs that have fond memories of him and his pride in the Maine 4-H program. He was one of the first four members inducted into the Maine 4-H Hall of Fame for his years of tireless dedication to the program. He also developed the first wool pool for sheep breeders in Maine. He was a past member of the Maine Horse Association. He was a past master Mason with Mechanic Lodge No. 66, where he earned his 50-year pin. He was active in the Orono Methodist Church for many years. A memorial service will be held later in May. Memorial donations may be sent to Pine Tree State 4-H Foundation, 5741 Libby Hall, Room 103, Orono, ME 04469-5741. A service of Brookings-Smith, LaBeau Chapel, Orono.
JOHN ‘JACK’ GOATER
