Toni Sciacqua: October 2010 Archives

After a Daily Breeze article last week on the death of Manhattan Beach police Officer Jeff Goodrich reported he was one of four officers on administrative leave while under investigation for his alleged role in the cover-up of a hit-and-run crash, some of his friends took us to task for not reporting on the more positive aspects of his life.

Goodrich battled cancer for nearly two years before dying Sept. 30. Services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday at King's Harbor Church, 23915 Garnier St., Torrance.

Mike DeMott of Rancho Palos Verdes:

"I was very saddened last week to learn that Jeff had passed away from his hard fought battle with cancer. I've known Jeff since he was a youngster. Not only was he an outstanding person and athlete through high school & college, he was a true giver to his community.

I recall some of Jeff's many contributions; raising substantial funds for middle schools in organizing soccer tournaments between the schools, volunteering his time to the Extreme Home Makeover program that helped a fellow police officer in Redondo Beach who had a paralyzing injury, and when he donated his time out of his busy schedule to help me coach my son's club soccer team.

Jeff will also be remembered as a fine & upstanding builder. Jeff worked for my construction company early in his career and I had the pleasure of recommending him to the Contractor's Board for his license, an easy task given Jeff's many talents and skills.

 Considering Jeff's helpful and volunteering ways, it was not surprising that he joined Manhattan Beach's police dept. where he could serve his community even more. Jeff will certainly be missed on so many different levels, by his loving family, a community he devoted himself to, and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Rich Heffernan, teacher/coach, Palos Verdes High School, PVHS graduate, class of 1976:

"Jeff graduated from Palos Verdes High School in 1987 where he was a 3 sport Athlete (soccer, football & track/field). He was an active member of the Key Club, a service organization, the WASC Committee and the Scrub Club. His father, Ron, coached the Junior Varsity boy's soccer team while Jeff was a student at PVHS. Jeff was an constant source of inspiration to his teammates in the soccer program and was a leading scorer for the 1987 Varsity Soccer Team, coached by Alan King."

To read more about Goodrich's personal life, check out the obituary The Beach Reporter published today. And feel free to share your remembrances in the comments.