Richard H. Goff, age 84, passed away in Fort Wayne on December 13, 2025.  His long journey with dementia has ended.  He was born in Chicago, Illinois to Stillman and Marion Goff, and spent most of his childhood in Park Ridge, Illinois where he graduated from Maine Township High School.  He obtained a bachelor's degree at Bradley University in engineering and completed a master's degree in business at Loyola of Chicago.

He served in the US Army during the Vietnam era with discharge in 1968.  He was last stationed at Fort Knox, KY in the Engineer Battalion providing research, testing, and engineering support.  Early in his career he was employed by the Environmental Protection Agency and was the director of Air Pollution Control in Northern Illinois.  He later worked in engineering and business management, developing a consulting business.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Lauris Stainton and brother-in-law Larry Stainton, and by his brother Donald (Susan).

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Frances.  He is remembered as a loving father and is survived by his son Gregory and daughter-in-law Christa of Roanoke, Indiana, and by his son David and daughter-in-law Ashlie of Toledo, Ohio.  He is also survived by his brother Stephen (Donna) of Richmond, Virginia and by nephews.  His grandchildren Gavin, Keira, Rowan, and Wilder have been great sources of joy for him.

He will be remembered by family and friends for his expertise in water skiing and his ability in teaching water skiing to many.  He loved boating and was an avid reader.  He is also remembered for his interests in planting trees, farming and environmental protection, and for his devotion to many dogs over the years.  One of his first vehicles was a 1965 GTO, and he maintained a lifelong interest in all aspects of automotive production.

Visitation and a memorial service will be held at Covington Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens, 8408 Covington Rd., Fort Wayne, Indiana on January 3, 2026, at 2 pm, with one hour of visitation prior.

Our family is grateful for the many aides, therapists, nurses, social workers, and pastors who have provided support.  The kindness and expertise they demonstrated allowed the best quality of life possible.

Any contributions can be made in his name to Fort Wayne Rescue Mission.