May 05, 2008 07:32 pm
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The members of the Howard County Bar Association mourn the untimely passing of our good friend and colleague, Richard P. Good Jr.
Dick was born Jan. 7, 1932, to Richard P. Good Sr. and Martha (Creech) Good. He graduated from Kokomo High School in 1950, Indiana University in 1954 and Indiana University School of Law in 1959. After serving his country in the Korean War, Dick became a member of the law firm of Jump, Noel, Lacey and Angel and became a partner in the firm of Lacey, Angel, Good and Jessup, where he practiced until 1974. While practicing law in Kokomo, Dick was elected to the Indiana General Assembly, where he served from 1963-64. He was assistant deputy prosecuting attorney from 1964-67 and served as assistant city attorney of the City of Kokomo from 1968-72, during which time he served on the mayor’s first Human Rights Commission.
Dick left Kokomo in 1974 to become executive director of the Indiana Prosecuting Attorney’s Council and in 1997, he was appointed to the bench in Marion County. During his stint in Marion County, Dick taught as an adjunct professor of law at Indiana University School of Law in Indianapolis, teaching both trial advocacy and criminal law.
“Goodie” was highly regarded as a litigator for his easy-going mannerism, his wit and his willingness to seek a just compromise in cases. Nonetheless, Dick was a skilled advocate who was unafraid of the courtroom and tried numerous jury trials over the course of his career.
Dick never lost his common touch. His personality was not just part of his practice – it was his practice. Dick solved problems without talking down to clients, jurors or fellow attorneys, while zealously pursuing the ends of justice for those individuals who were fortunate enough to be represented by him. Dick had the wisdom and experience to view legal problems in shades of gray, not black and white.
As a deputy prosecutor in Howard County, Dick served the State of Indiana and its citizens effectively and earnestly with dignity and honor. Dick pursued truth in the prosecution of crimes rather than simply trying to notch a win. Dick was always prepared in the courtroom. He was direct and to the point with his presentation of evidence, and perception on cross-examination of the defense witnesses, earning him the nickname of “Tiger”. Years of courtroom experience allowed Dick the ability to separate the legal wheat from the chaff, presenting concise and cogent arguments to the jury.
On a personal level, Dick was an unrivaled storyteller and a mainstay around the courthouse coffee pot. He loved to regale fellow members of the bar with long tales containing memorable punch lines, and he was known to be the “news before the news” on courthouse gossip. Dick was equally adept at debating the nuances of Indiana University basketball and football. He was a lifelong dedicated sports fan of all Indiana University athletics. While not overly athletic, Dick was very competitive, particularly at racquetball, where his opponents learned to duck his returns. On the slopes, as a moderate conservative, Dick tried to increase the number of daily ski runs to cut down the cost per run to the exasperation of his companions.
Dick’s talents and interests went well beyond the courtroom. He was an accomplished cook and loved fine wine. He enjoyed the arts and was a world traveler in his later years.
Dick was raised in and loved the Episcopal Church. He was an excellent representative of his city, county and state. His reputation of honesty, integrity, straightforwardness and reliability will keep him remembered among his personal friends and acquaintances.
At the end of his life, Dick did not “go gentle into that good night.” Indeed, Dick returned to work and practiced until the very end of his life, demonstrating admirable grace, dignity and courage. Throughout his entire career, Dick was a kind and affable gentleman. He will be sorely missed.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we, the members of the Howard County Bar Association, offer this memorial resolution to express our deep regret at the passing of our friend and colleague, Richard P. Good Jr., and our sadness at the loss of a distinguished gentleman to the legal profession.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of the Howard County Bar Association extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Richard P. Good Jr., especially to his wife, Marilyn Schultz; his son, Michael P. Good; his daughters Sally Good Burton, Linda Wallace and Nancy Rigsby; and his grandchildren Michael, Sarah, Michelle, Mariah, David, Megan and Elizabeth.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that it is the desire of the Howard County Bar Association that a copy of this memorial resolution be spread of record in the circuit and superior courts of Howard County, and that a copy be delivered to the members of his immediate family as a lasting memorial from us to him.
So resolved this 28th day of April, 2008, in Kokomo, Indiana.
RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE OF THE HOWARD COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION By: William E. Beck II, Fred G. Osborn, Dennis H. Parry, William P. O’Mahoney and Derick Steele, president.
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