In Memory

Remembering June Beitelspacher

2021-06-02T15:24:00.000-07:00

Dear PBPC Family,

It is with sorrow that I announce the passing of June Beitelspacher. June died yesterday, June 1st, at home after being diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer and being placed in hospice care a few weeks ago.

June had currently been our oldest member; she would have turned 99 years old in June. June was a dedicated member of PBPC for several decades, having been active in the choir, the deacons, and the Presbyterian Women. In fact, June had grown up in the neighborhood and attended Park Boulevard Presbyterian when she was a young girl in the 1920s.

We were blessed to have June as a part of our church family and as a sister in Christ. Let us give thanks for her life and offer up prayers of comfort for her family in this time of their loss. Information about a memorial service will be forthcoming.

Blessings,

Pastor Chris

Remembering Brad Brady

2021-03-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

Dear PBPC Family,

It is with sadness that I announce to you that our friend Howard "Brad" Brady passed away last week on March 2. Brad had been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease some time ago, but his health dramatically declined over the past year and he had been receiving hospice care for the last couple of months.

Many of you will remember Brad as the bearded man who usually sat towards the back of the sanctuary during worship. He had been attending PBPC for a few years and enjoyed our worship services and staying around for the fellowship time afterward. He was a quiet, kind, and dignified man with whom many of us had the pleasure of engaging in conversation.

Brad is survived by one niece. Let us pray for peace for her and all who are mourning his passing. And let us give thanks to God for the life of Brad Brady, as we continue to put our hope in resurrection and everlasting life in Jesus Christ.

Blessings,

Pastor Chris

Remembering Greg Lum

2021-03-10T10:45:00.000-08:00

Dear PBPC Family,

It is with sadness that I announce to you that our friend and brother Greg Lum passed away this morning. Greg had been struggling with the debilitating effects of a brain tumor for several years. Just last month, Greg's family had moved him into a hospice facility in Fremont, and last week they received the news that he was no longer able to eat. Greg died peacefully in his sleep.

Greg was an active member at PBPC for many years, serving as an elder, choir and worship team member, and commissioner to presbytery. Greg was also an artist, having created several of the paintings that hang in the sanctuary during Christmas and Easter seasons, as well as being involved in the design of the large cross at the front of the sanctuary. Greg was a gentle, kind-hearted, and generous servant of the Lord. We will miss him.

Let us give thanks to God for the life of Greg Lum, even as we mourn his passing, and let us hold fast to the faith we share with him in the resurrection and everlasting life promised to all who are in Jesus Christ.

Blessings,

Pastor Chris

Memorial service was a delight

2020-09-20T15:15:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all the friends, family, and congregants which painted such a rich and delightful picture of Barbara's life. It reminds me of how important it is to show love to our teachers in life.

The slideshow was wonderful and reminded me of how approachable Barbara was, with her smile from the heart. Far to often, it was enough to simply feel the 'fullness of blessing' from one of her smiles; I wonder of all the stories that could have been shared.

My prayers are with each of you and with Barbara.

Brendan

Barbara

2020-09-20T09:54:00.001-07:00

Always think of her preparing the after service table for those attending the service and concerned there would be enough. Thoughtful.

PBPC - Memorial Service for Barbara McConnell, Sunday September 20th at 12:15 pm

2020-09-17T18:26:00.001-07:00

MEMORIAL SERVICE for Barbara McConnell

We will have a memorial service this Sunday, Sept. 20 at 12:15 pm, online on Zoom, for long-time PBPC member Barbara McConnell, who passed away on August 17 at age 85.

Here is the link to join the service: Barbara McConnell Memorial Service.
You are invited to post memories, appreciations, and photos of Barbara at our In Memory webpage, by sending an email to InMemory@pbpc.org. Learn More

Chris Coon is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Barbara McConnell Memorial Service
Time: Sep 20, 2020 12:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86847847832

Meeting ID: 868 4784 7832
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Barbara McConnell

2020-09-08T16:37:00.001-07:00

Barbara was significantly involved in our fellowship ministry for years. Her work was to bring fruit for our after-worship cafe time, and to lay out all the donated foods on the serving table. She especially loved zucchini bread. I delighted to make and bring it because I knew she would rave about how much she loved it. She gave me joy.
Ginnie

Sent from my iPhone. Please excuse my brevity, and enjoy my phone's autocorrects!

Remembering Barbara McConnell

2020-09-08T15:44:00.000-07:00

Dear PBPC friends,

It is with a heavy heart that I bring the sad news that Barbara McConnell passed away August 17th. Barbara was diagnosed with cancer a couple of months ago, and her health had steadily declined since then.

Barbara had been a member of PBPC for 45 years, and prior to that had been a member of Brooklyn Presbyterian Church (in Oakland) since she was young, until that church closed down and its members joined PBPC.

Most of us will remember Barbara for her tireless servanthood in serving up refreshments for us at our fellowship time after our worship service each Sunday. Barbara was 85 years old and was living at the Lake Park Retirement Community.

Please join me in giving thanks for the life of our sister and friend Barbara McConnell. We will have a memorial service for Barbara online on Zoom on Sunday, September 20th at 12:15 pm.

Blessings,

Pastor Chris

PBPC Remembered Gene Goodin

2020-09-08T15:42:00.000-07:00

We thank you all for your shared memories on Gene Goodin, his life, and time at PBPC.

May the peace of the Lord be with you.

2020-07-09T02:30:00.001-07:00

It has been an honor to have known such a good man. I introduced him to friends who wanted to meet a person who lived such an interesting life. Afterwards one of them said he wished he had a life like Gene's. They were saddened when they heard of his passing

My Uncle Gene¹

2020-06-14T19:42:00.001-07:00

I am Gene's niece Kerry again. I needed to say more about Gene. I know he loved to paint. And he was so proud of his paintings. He did one of a war plane for my son Brian. He just loved it. He painted a sunset for me. And many for my mom. Which I have now. He had a stroke yrs back and it affected his right hand. But he was so determined he was able to find his strength to paint. He was so happy when he sold them all at the art shows. He would send me and my mom the daily bread. He put lilies on Easter and poinsettias at Christmas for his mother and Janice, my mom and

Aunt Margie. He was a thoughtful man. I love and miss him. RIP🙏

Sent from my Sprint Samsung Galaxy S9.

My Uncle Gene

2020-06-14T18:04:00.001-07:00

I am missing Uncle Gene. I am Kerry his sister Janice's daughter. My mom was the middle sibling. She past away 2016 Dec. 91yrs. I would talk to my uncle on the phone. Send him cards on Holidays and just because also. He was a great very respected man. He loved his friends and family and he loved God and the church. I remember when I was little and he would visit us. He was so funny making us laugh. He had a quick wit. A great since of humor. He could make anyone smile. We would love to hear about his days in the military. Last time he was here tell his experiences during the war. He was very interesting. He race drag boats. Love cars and really lived a full life. He love his family and friends. And he really loved his church and God. I always sent him religious calendars at Christmas. I am so proud he was my Uncle. And now he is with God and his sisters. I will miss our talks. Blessings to all who knew him. Kerry Skieff ❤❤❤🙏

In Memory of Gene Goodin

2020-06-02T08:58:00.001-07:00

Dear Pastor Chris,

With Pastor Patrick and Pastor Quinn on Sabbatical and all of us away from the church, we wanted to reach out to you and the congregation of PBPC. We send our deepest sympathy and heartfelt gratitude to God for the amazing life of Gene Goodin. He was loved and he will be missed.

We were in touch with Carol after we heard the news of Gene's passing from Colleen and Jerry Cambra. Carol shared the video of the Memorial Service. Thanks to Park Boulevard Presbyterian Church members and staff for putting together a lovely space to honor and remember Gene. You gracefully handled the technology in order to bring folks together to remember a dear man. We enjoyed watching and hearing the stories of Gene's remarkable life. We were not aware that he was an artist! We pray for your congregation as it is a huge loss.

Prayers for all of you in the difficult season of pandemic, separation, pain, and loss.

Blessings,

Katie Garrett for the Christ Church Pastors and Staff

In Memory of Gene Goodin

Gene Goodin was a remarkable man. We only knew him in his nineties as the faithful servant of Park Boulevard Presbyterian Church. We would have surely loved to have known him during the previous 80+ years of his life! As a sister church to PBPC, Christ Church witnessed his deep loyalty, weekly commitment to the church, and honorable service to others. We are all inspired by Gene to be committed to Christ, the church, community, and family. We are blessed to have known Gene Goodin.

Katie Garrett, Director of Christ Church Kids
510-299-3571
katie@christchurcheastbay.org

Christ Church East Bay
2138 Cedar St, Berkeley, CA 94709

Gene Goodin

2020-05-30T10:05:00.001-07:00

I was one of the blessed recipients of annual birthday and Christmas wishes. Gene never forgot and over the years it was so appreciated.

My most vivid memory of Gene was his willingness to quietly lend a hand. After serving a memorial reception or Sunday cookie hospitality, he would stay behind after others had departed the church foyer. One by one he would move the chairs and vacuum the crumbs from the floor, then return them neatly to sit at their place under the tables. He served humbly, doing what he could to help, observing what needed to be done and without asking he would step up for the task at hand.

When he was called to care for a friend in Oakland, he quietly left and without fanfare took on another way to serve others. God will surely have a special place in heaven for Gene. A job well done, my friend.

Janet Herrin, Lincoln Hills Community Church.

Fwd: Thanks for the Memorial Service, Gene Goodin (today)

2020-05-24T22:02:00.001-07:00

Sent from my iPhone. Please excuse my brevity, and enjoy my phone's autocorrects!

Begin forwarded message:

From: George Gilchrist
Date: May 24, 2020 at 9:58:21 PM PDT
Subject: Thanks for the Memorial Service, Gene Goodin (today)

May 24, 2020

Dear Chris, members of PBPC Team, friends, members of PBPC,

As "memorial services go," Gene Goodin's service today at noon was a "15" on a "1-10" scale." What a great opportunity for us to celebrate his life.

For me, it was a chance to "walk down memory lane" about the times I served as Interim/Transitional pastor and learned from Gene's example.

Another of one of his great works was his "Balloon Outreach" in which early every Sunday morning, he would attach several colorful balloons to the church's A-frame signs and place them on Park Boulevard. (I have told the same story to the churches I have subsequently served as Interim pastor & for many of those churches, the welcoming signs are now the "new normal." Yes!

Also, Gene, along with others, modeled the essential practice of being a "human presence" near the front doors to welcome new & regular folks on Sunday mornings! So vital for every church.

Also, because Margie and I have been to the Beaches of Normandy (only as tourists), we can better grasp the magnitude of Gene's World War II military service – Wow! What a hero!

Finally, pastor Chris and PBPC team, thanks so much for designing such a superb time to honor and thank God for the life of Gene Goodin.

In Him, George

A SPECIAL THANK YOU

2020-05-24T11:42:00.001-07:00

My name is Wray Jene Raleigh (Goodin) Gene's daughter.

My family, my husband and my two grown children live in the Northwest.
We are outside of Seattle in Redmond, WA. With Covid 19 we were
unable to travel to be with Dad. Being long distance has created
some difficulty in getting things accomplished for Dad's burial.

I want to personally thank Kristina Kvalnes for all that she has done
for our family on behalf of Dad. Kristina has gone above and beyond
and taken a huge burden off of our shoulders. Kristina, you are a saint
and so appreciated by our entire family.

I also want to thank Pastor Chris Coon for everything he has done to
help us through this difficult time. You are very fortunate to have him
as your Pastor.

I had a typo in my earlier message regarding my father. He came to visit
in 1996 when he attended the Presbyterian Church with me, possibly
1995.

Many Blessings,

Wray Raleigh

My Father Gene Goodin-From Wray

2020-05-24T10:41:00.000-07:00

My heart is saddened at this time for the loss of my father Gene Goodin. He found complete
happiness with Our heavenly Father and the Presbyterian Faith. My Father came to visit me
in Spokane, Wa approximately in the year of 1986. I was attending the Presbyterian Church in
Spokane, was not a member but thoroughly enjoyed the scripture and Faith of the parishioners.
I took my Father to Church and something magical happened to him. When we returned home
he said, I loved your church and was really taken by the scripture. He indicated that he is
been looking all his life for the feelings he experienced in Church that morning.

I was so happy for him and he came several times all summer to visit and attend the church
with me. He then decided to join the Presbyterian Church in Oakland as he knew he had truly
found the church for the rest of his life. I was very happy for him and he jumped in with both
feet, as I imagine quite a few of you have witnessed. We talked about his feelings a lot with the
faith and how it had changed his heart and he felt truly reborn.

I share this story as all of you are a part of it. My Dad was never happier than becoming a part
of the Presbyterian Faith. He had overcome lots of loss and obstacles in his life and I truly
felt blessed that he was my father.

I went on to marry Bill Raleigh,and became a Catholic. My father was so instrumental as was my brother,
Graig in helping my husband Bill and I to marry in the Catholic church. Dad and I shared our love
of the Heavenly Father in many conversations, but most of all he shared his love for me
and my brother. He did not like a big fuss made of him and always down played his accomplish-
ments. He is a true soldier of the Lord and I will miss him every day.

He loved his paintings and was able to express the beauty he saw every day in each one of you.
Thank you for loving our father, and being so kind.

May God Bless you all,

Wray Raleigh (Goodin)

Gene Goodin memorial

2020-05-24T09:39:00.000-07:00

My name is Graig, Gene Goodin's son. My father was a very special person to me. He has been my hero for all of my life. His love for Wray and myself, his calmness and easy personality gave us a very positive outlooks on our lives as children. This later gave us the feeling of acceptance from my dad. We became very good friends and had good relationships as adults. As we grew in our lives we all became a warm, loving family. I will miss the things we had together, the help and care that we had with him. His friends and family all thought highly of him and he will be dearly missed.

Blessings to all who knew and loved him. My best to you, Graig Goodin (Chase)

In Memory of Gene

2020-05-24T00:09:00.000-07:00

Gene at 2007 Christmas Service

Gene Goodin Memorial

2020-05-23T18:23:00.001-07:00

Hello, thank you all for honoring my grandfather. I know he loved and cherished each and every one of you. I didn't get to spend a lot of time with grandpa Gene, as I was a little older when I met him, but the time I did spend with him will not be forgotten. He was certainly amazing. A man of god, friend to all he met, and devoted family man. My brother took the story I wanted to tell (that drive from the lake has stuck with me for a very long time!), so I will tell you about when he met my son. My ex husband was deployed, so I was alone when I gave birth to my youngest, Tyler. So my mom and grandpa came to visit for a few days. Tyler was so tiny, and grandpa was so tall and skinny that they looked pretty adorable or together. He spent much of that time holding Tyler and giving me a break. And to this day we still received cards for every occasion, and Tyler always looked forward to them.

Thank you again for being such a huge part of my grandpa's life, and for ho I ring him with all of these wonderful photos and memories.
Sunshine Penney, Tyler Penney, and Rebecca Delgado. Marysville, Washington.

Gene Goodin Memorial Site Message

2020-05-23T17:58:00.001-07:00

I'm Aaron Regan, Gene Goodin's grandson (Wray's son) in Seattle, WA. First off thanks to your whole church community for the love you gave Grandpa Gene. I know he really had a sense of belonging, faith, and family in your church.

I didn't know Grandpa Gene until my teenage years, and we unfortunately only saw each other occasionally since. I still remember when we first met, which was probably 1991. My older sister Sunni had just gotten her first car. A small little Isuzu stick shift. We were out at the lake cabin we had, and when it was time to head home, we had him come back with us in her car, while our parents took theirs. I must have been 14. Grandpa Gene decided to drive, something the young Gene loved to do. Along the windy, back roads that weaved the lakeshore towards home, he decided to give us a "driving lesson". He very aggressively showed us how to go into turns high to come out low, and vice versa, and at one point said if you really got a car moving you could shift without a clutch. He was hammering gears to our amusement. We thought he was pretty cool.

As I got older and had a family, Grandpa would write me short and sweet cards often. We have a daughter Ruby, his great-grand daughter who is now 6. I sent him a card this last year from Ruby and I and included her Kindergarten school picture. He wrote the sweetest card back to Ruby saying now that he had her school picture, she should have pictures of him, and included a few that I have saved with the card for her. It was always a pleasure to find one of his cards with his shaky, cursive handwriting. We will definitely miss getting Grandpa's cards.

Thanks to everyone who loved him.

Aaron, Leah, and Ruby Regan

Seattle, WA

Gene Goodin - Library of Congress Archives - Washington, DC

2020-05-23T16:11:00.001-07:00

The veterans of VFW Post 8063 in Lafayette, CA and local Boy Scouts will remember Gene Goodin on Memorial Day 2020. A few years ago Eagle Scout Alexander Kolm interviewed Gene about his WWII service as part of the Veterans History Project. The recording is archived at the Library of Congress in Washington DC. Scout Kolm will recite the following on Memorial Day:

Eugene Goodin. Sgt US Army. 501st Parachute Infantry. 101st Airborne. 16th Armored Div. WWII theaters: Normandy, Battle of the Bulge, Rhineland. Gene Goodin passed May 16, 2020.

The following information about Gene is available at:

https://memory.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/bib/loc.natlib.afc2001001.107155

Rev. Cynthia Towle Kephart

Pastor, First Presbyterian Church of Alameda

ctowlekephart@gmail.com
925.788.4120

In Memory of Gene Goodin

2020-05-23T14:26:00.001-07:00

From Cynthia Wichelman

Dads Sister Marjorie, Mother Iona and Sister Janice

2020-05-23T13:42:00.001-07:00

Gene Goodin & Chris Coon

2020-05-23T13:32:00.001-07:00

It was a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated and faithful man. It was also humbling - he always looked so good! Here is Gene in his tuxedo, ready to greet everyone at the entrance to Park Boulevard Presbyterian Church on Christmas Eve, 2019.