Russell Alfred Goodman

Russell Alfred Goodman, a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend, passed away on September 18, 2024, at the age of 78. Born on August 14, 1946, in Alexandria, VA, Russ was a gentle giant, standing at 6'5" and affectionately known by many as “Moose.” He was admired for his athletic prowess, artistic sensitivity, deep love for those around him, and wonderful sense of fun.

A standout athlete, Russ excelled in football and basketball at Yuba City High School in California. His remarkable talent as a two-time all-Sierra Football League performer earned him a scholarship to Stanford University, where he played tight end. In his senior year, he discovered rugby, embracing the sport for the spirit of freedom and the camaraderie it fostered. After graduating from Stanford, Russ attended the UCLA Anderson School of Business, earning a master’s degree in Business Administration. During his time at UCLA and, subsequently, as a founding member of the Santa Monica Rugby Club, he competed internationally in Australia and the UK, achieving a remarkable winning streak that was celebrated in a 1974 issue of Sports Illustrated. Russ received five Hall of Fame awards, including honors from the UCLA Rugby Hall of Fame, the Santa Monica Rugby Club Hall of Fame, and the Northern California Sports Association. He often encapsulated his life’s philosophy through his love for rugby, describing it as a means to be “wild and free, while also intense and disciplined.”

After serving in the Navy and playing for the Virginia Navy Seals rugby team, Russ and his wife, Donna, embarked on a world-traveling adventure with their four-year-old daughter, Janae. This journey ignited a lifelong passion for travel, leading him to explore countless countries and immerse himself in diverse interactions and landscapes. His adventures were often shared with dear friends, creating deep bonds through shared cultural experiences.

With over 40 years in real estate development, Russ held executive positions with Dart Industries Inc and served as Executive Vice President and Partner with Voit Companies before joining the Sares-Regis Group, where he developed several of the largest business parks in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.

He joined the Board of Trustees of Fielding Graduate University in 2006, becoming Board Chair in 2016. In 2023, Fielding bestowed upon Russ its highest honor, the Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters for leadership in his profession, advising the Board with considerable expertise on business strategies, and being integral in visualizing the future of the University.

A dedicated advocate for youth development, Russ served on the Board of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme for over ten years, fostering community partnerships that benefited countless young lives.

An avid lover of the arts, Russ expressed his creativity through sculpture, painting, and mixed media artwork. He was also a passionate reader, often seen with a book in hand and a lively contributor to his long-standing book club, the Goats. A lover of the mountains, Russ enjoyed morning hikes with his dedicated group, the Heartbreakers, right up until the end. One of his most steadfast passions was his Saturday morning basketball game with a close-knit group that played together through all of life’s ups and downs over many decades. His vibrant personality, sense of humor, and gentle mischief endeared him to all who knew him.

Russ is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Donna Goodman; daughters Brianne Carter and Janae Corley; brother Paul Goodman; sister Georgia Charpantier; and grandchildren Sydney and Ainsley Carter, and Justin and Jordan Corley. He was preceded in death by his cherished daughter, Kiera Goodman.

Russell Goodman will be profoundly missed, and his legacy of love, laughter, and adventure will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Russ' memory to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme or the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research. Links to these organizations are at the base of this webpage.

A private Memorial Service and a Celebration of Life will be held.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://www.neptunesociety.com/location/thousand-oaks-california for the Goodman family.