Brian Goodman Obituary

Former Durango resident Brian Walter Goodman died of a heart attack Monday, Oct. 7, 2013, in Las Cruces, N.M. He was 43.

Mr. Goodman was born to William Goodman and Shirley D. Goodman-Pickering on Aug. 16, 1970, in Durango.

Mr. Goodman moved to Las Cruces in 1973. He attended school in Durango for a few years before graduating from Mayfield High School in Las Cruces in 1988.

After graduating from high school, he volunteered for the Doña Ana Fire Department until he began working at the city-county animal shelter. Mr. Goodman eventually became an animal control officer with the city of Las Cruces in 1991. He continued his service for 22 years, holding the position of senior animal control officer.

On July 14, 2001, he married Vivian Eckberg in Durango.

"Brian loved his job and all that it entailed," according to his family. "His mission in life was aiding and caring for the animals and people in his community. Brian was very proud to be a part of law enforcement in the city of Las Cruces and had great respect for all law enforcement. Brian always stopped to aid in all accidents he came across. He volunteered to work all city events to aid in security and anything else that was needed."

Mr. Goodman's favorite pastimes were fishing and being outdoors. He took pride in working in his yard and garden, his family said.

Mr. Goodman is survived by his wife of 12 years, Vivian Goodman of Las Cruces; mother, Shirley Goodman-Pickering of Las Cruces; stepdaughter, Laura Bosserman of Las Cruces; stepmother, Eleanor Goodman of Durango; sisters Debbie Chavarria and Darla Arenivar, both of Las Cruces; and numerous extended family members.

At his request, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

The Brian Goodman Tribute Page has been set up on Facebook to share information and memories.