Pat Goodman inspired me as a teenager and young man to seek to do the impossible. His inspiration of inventing things lead me into electronics and finally into developing software algorithms. It was is his a unique approach to solving problems by determining the simplest solutions gave me the methodology that I still use. Most likely, my company and my software products would not exist had I not known Pat.

I can't believe I just found out about Pat Goodman's death. Well Pat we talked about God and Jesus Christ for hours before Now you know the facts better than anyone else here on earth. You gave me millions of dollars of help with my windmill and energy storage inventions which have been in hibernation during The Great Repression yet I never gave you one red cent. If I have any treasures in heaven You can help yourself! Your other friends and family pretty much have already said what I wanted to say; ".....enjoyed the visits and in-depth conversations only very intelligent people can have with each other" "...In an era where business focus is on "getting the right people in the right position", it seemed evident that Pat judged you not by your name or credentials, but rather by your honesty, ability to reason, and willingness to work intelligently." "....he also had a keen eye for a stray who had a sense of wonder and a potential for innovation." I was one of those strays. "...Pat’s mind ran with stunning precision and accuracy. " "The world has lost a most outstanding man." Well Pat "Hasta pronto!!"

My first introduction to Pat was on the G. Gordon Liddy show. In my humble opinion Pat was the most interesting guest Liddy had on for the twenty plus years he was on the air. So sad to learn of his passing, he will be sorely missed.

I posted a copy of Pat and Susan's TV appearance on 60 Minutes that aired on June 10, 1979 , https://youtu.be/uhK8tJcAc2A The 4 foot socket extension is classic Pat.

I'm very sadden to learn Pat has died. I worked for Pat back in the Mid 80's. He and Susan where very kind and loving towards me. The things Pat taught me while working next to him will be with me forever. I've used those skills to create my own auto projects over the years. About two years ago I had this powerful urge to find Pat and Susan to let them know how much they helped me back when I needed it the most. I wanted to share with Pat some of the project cars I've created and just let him know how much I appreciated him for giving me a job when I needed one. Since we didn't maintain a relationship over the past 20 plus years, I couldn't find current location for Pat by doing a google search. This didn't surprise me since I knew Pat was a private and off the grid sort of man. Pat, Thank you for teaching me how to work on engines and for giving me lending a young man a helping hand. I'll miss you sir. Mark Barrey

In 1967 I met Pat when he had his shop in Falls Church, VA., a couple doors down from Bob Tullius at Group 44 Racing. I spent time cleaning parts in both places and learning by osmosis the craft of auto mechanics. Then Pat moved his shop to Rockville and I was in college locally in the D.C. area and would bring my Ford Cortina over for pat to fix and again found myself cleaning parts and doing other assorted things. When Pat built Summit Point I was up there on weekends doing a lot of race photography as I'd become something of a freelancer. I always envied the equipment his brother Jackie had and the quality of the photography he produced. I married while in college and moved on but I've thought of Pat many times over the years and totally lost track of him. I had heard he was somewhere in Virginia near Summit Point but never knew exactly where. It's hard to believe nearly 50 years went by and just the other day I was doing a search on Google and found that Pat had passed in July. It hurt to read that as my affection for him and all he taught me about mechanics had a profound positive impact on my adult life. Pat was a one of a kind person and brilliant at his craft and his way with people. There will never be another like him and I feel I'm much the better for having met him and spent some time learning from him. Gods Speed Pat, you'll be missed by many. Gary Ziesés gary@garyz.com San Francisco, CA

Sorry for your loss.

I cannot believe Pat is gone. I just found out today so I’m still reeling from the shock. There’s a huge hole in my heart and there’s a lump in my throat that makes it hard to talk or swallow. Since I moved back to PA, Pat and I would email each other constantly, and other times we’d talk on the phone for an hour or more about our good old days, what needs to be invented (and how), and sometimes we’d just plain philosophize. I remember Pat recently telling me, “If there is a hereafter- well I can hope I’m judged for the good I did, and if it wasn’t good enough, then I want no part of it anyway. And if there isn’t? Let everyone I leave behind know; it wasn’t a life wasted.” This last letter I write to Pat will never be read by him, but let it serve all us left behind- Pat enjoyed life to its absolute fullest and he brought as many open minds he could to a higher level. I am one of the strays Pat raised up, and from first hand observations Pat, you lived every bit of life to the max; It certainly wasn’t a life wasted. Through all the pranks, all the struggles, all the laughter, all the debauchery; we band of brothers grew up under the guidance and tutorage of our mentor, and what a mentor he was. While Pat didn’t please everyone he ever met believing a fool and his money were a bad mix and should never be allowed to remain together, he also had a keen eye for a stray who had a sense of wonder and a potential for innovation. Such was the band I was brought into. My brother Kevin and I met Pat while racing…, with an underpowered car and an underfunded budget. Pat strolled over and remarked that our main opponent was blatantly cheating and that we should order a tear down and get him thrown out. When we explained that we didn’t want to seem like bad sports and besides that, we barely had the entrance fee and could never afford the tear-down, Pat’s sense of injustice reared its ugly head. He shared his mechanical genius with us…, all night long we worked on the car together and no money ever exchanged hands. The next day he watched like an anxious father-to-be in the waiting room and when we soundly trounced the cheater, Pat seemed satisfied, smiled and just strolled away. We were infected and there was no cure; we followed him. In the early 70’s for two years of winter and summer semesters I drove down to his little machine shop every single day while going to a community college 114 miles away and sometimes I stayed over the weekends. The more I learned from Pat the more I needed to know, and the more he taught me. I was in the midst of genius- his and all the other adopted strays Pat picked up. It grew to become a pretty large but tight family. The rest is history. I thought we’d have Pat forever, and in a way I was right; there will always be a little piece of Pat in all of us. No one is truly gone until they are forgotten. My children who knew Pat well will tell their children. Rest in peace dear Pat, we’ll take over for you now.

It is with sincere sadness to know that Pat is no longer with us. To his sisters, brothers, and other family, we pray that they find consolation in knowing how much he touched people in his very special way during this time of sorrow for his untimely passing. I met Pat in October 1987 at his ATLAS Auto Shop referred by Mr. Frank Bell, whom I met four years earlier regards an automotive issue. As we communicated over time, Mr. Goodman and his shop manager, Alan Whitlock were always welcoming and encouraging in meaningful ways. In an era where business focus is on "getting the right people in the right position", it seemed evident that Pat judged you not by your name or credentials, but rather by your honesty, ability to reason, and willingness to work intelligently. In the span of the next couple of years, I felt privileged to have the good fortune to be associated in a small way with Pat, as "salesman", he being my "boss". Our relationship opened up the opportunity for me to learn about Pat's personal life as well. He invited me over, where I met his mother who described his learning abilities as a youth that resulted in his remarkable reading comprehension and his love of learning. His own accounts of youthful activities with friends at Big Creek Parkway, Bethesda, MD, his appreciation for his father's guidance during the construction of NAS Patuxent River, early 1960's, where Pat did just about whatever needed to be done were heartwarming to me, a guy from Cleveland, a place it seemed, worlds apart. The last time we came face to face was just before Christmas, 2006. I stopped, on my way to Va Beach for a delivery, about 7AM. We talked, he brought up an issue that I proposed to him in 2000, my previous visit. We were in his library when he pointed to a photo of a clean crew cut youth and asked me who I thought that may be. Perhaps a nephew I said, since he had no children. No he said, that is me at the 1964 Worlds Fair in Montreal. While we touched base many times since, that personal exchange over his photo will forever be ingrained in my memory. A deeper meaning perhaps, but for sure; Pat's self image, "young and fresh, full of life" is consistent in his being ready, willing and able to engage in service to people. Thank you Pat Goodman for all you have done. Lad Gollesz

Pat Goodman's family moved back to North Carolina in 1953, and so Pat and I were in the 6th grade together at Lansing School. He was somewhat of a polymath even as an 11-year-old, and one of the most interesting people I have ever met. They moved away about a year later, and I have not seen or talked to Pat since, but to a small degree have kept up with his remarkable career. The favorable impression he made on me over sixty years ago is still there. The world has lost a most outstanding man.

Pat Goodmans service on July 31st was one of the nicest celebration that Ive attended.Thanks to his family and Omps Funeral Home.May he rest in Peace

I remember Pat from when he and his wife Susan would come to Bearings and Transmission for parts. He had invented at that time a Ford that could get more than 60 mph of gas. He was an inspiration to me because he made me think outside the box. I've thought of him often over the years.

We at Summit Point Raceway are deeply saddened by the loss of Mr Goodman. Our sincerest sympathies to his family and friends. We are eternally grateful for Pat's vision and energy. He will be missed by many.

Pat Goodman wasn’t just the smartest and funniest guy in the room, although he was always that. Not just the man whose “can-do-and-we-did-it-before, you’ll never believe how” attitude, (Pat invariably credited “we,” even when “we” really was “he,”) not just the man whose astonishing accomplishments and cool, high-wire temperament fascinated Winchester. Pat Goodman was a national treasure. I know because I witnessed every minute of his life on the air. From the moment we met two decades ago at Winchester’s (then) talk radio WNTW, to almost ten years of weekly interviews on G. Gordon Liddy’s nationally syndicated radio program, to his many appearances on other Radio America programs and my own show in Chicago, I saw the effect of Pat’s awe-inspiring technical prowess, intellectual dexterity, and inimitable wit on the millions, in aggregate, who listened, called in, wrote fan letters, and practically swooned - inasmuch as talk-radio listeners swoon - to hear the voice of the man G. Gordon introduced joyfully as “Inventor, aviator, engine designer, alternative energy guru, millionaire grease-monkey, poet, philosopher, and man for all seasons: the one and only PAT GOODMAN of WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA!” (And again and again our producers explained to bookers and agents: “No, we do not have repeat guests, except – yes – “Pat Goodman of Winchester.” No he does not have a book…”) Has Winchester in recent years had a more remarkable ambassador? Who but Pat would re-purpose surplus Telco battery banks to sell power, drawn off-peak, back to the power company at peak? Who but Pat would be bold enough to “rescue,” in spec-ops fashion, an antique tug-boat from unscrupulous operators in the middle of the night? Who but Pat could map and wire, with full shielding, the entirety of a highly-secure government office building for CAT5 data and fiber optic cable… Without drilling a single hole… Using a vacuum cleaner and little furry cat toys? And of course, when you hear the one about “the guy who found a way to triple a car’s fuel economy with a fifteen-dollar modification, but the government shut him down,” the story is true. The guy was Pat. The list goes on and on. ‘Lifetime achievements’ were the sort of thing Pat did pretty much all the time. Pat’s genius was action. His enduring legacy lives not in ideas, talk, memory, and radio waves, but in concrete achievement. Pat was creative, and he created. If the significance of a life can be measured by raw accomplishment, by quantifiable movement, by the surmounting of material challenges, by what a consummate engineer like Pat would simply call “fun work,” it is hard to imagine a life of greater meaning. Pat’s mind ran with stunning precision and accuracy. When I visited him a few days ago, even as his heart was failing, he was, as always, at peak mental acuity. Like the extreme-performance engines he designed, tuned, and raced, Pat ran faster and soared higher than we who simply admired and loved him. It is no irony that humility and openness crowned such an outstanding and elevated man. When it was time, in the end, to rest, he analyzed the situation, made the necessary calculations, said goodbye in his adorable, airy, child-like voice, and allowed his extraordinary life to come to a perfect stop. Franklin Raff

Pat lived life to the fullest. He was inventive, hardworking, and a not afraid to take risks. Pat will be missed by his family and his many friends.

To Pat's many friends and family, we are very sorry for your loss. He was indeed a very unique, one of a kind person who could tell a story like no one else. We will miss him. Frank and Patty Scheder

My memories of Pat Goodman are from a long time ago, mostly from 1969-1980, and they include many visits to Summit Point Speedway, both when it was under construction and during races. During those years, I remember his extending a Dodge van to make a car carrier to take a Maserati (I think) to Texas. He enjoyed sailing his boat, Mouette (Seagull), in the Potomac River by National Airport. He was crazy about animals – not just cats and dogs, but animals like Atlas, his pet skunk, and Jonathan, a blind-in-one-eye buzzard he found in an outhouse in West Virginia. Pat was a master story teller who always had lots of stories to tell, and they were always exciting and usually pretty funny, even if you’d heard them before. He was one of a kind.

So sorry to hear of your loss , Pat was a terrific man

These quotes sum up some of Pat's qualities: “To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk.” - Thomas A. Edison “Throughout the centuries there were men who took first steps down new roads armed with nothing but their own vision. Their goals differed, but they all had this in common: that the step was first, the road new, the vision unborrowed, and the response they received — hatred. The great creators — the thinkers, the artists, the scientists, the inventors — stood alone against the men of their time. Every great new thought was opposed. Every great new invention was denounced. The first motor was considered foolish. The airplane was considered impossible. The power loom was considered vicious. Anesthesia was considered sinful. But the men of unborrowed vision went ahead. They fought, they suffered and they paid. But they won.” - Ayn Rand

Pat Goodman never really succeeded in government contract work because the objective of those who award these contracts is to expand the nature of the problem, expand the role of government in solving the problem, expand their own offices from underneath and thereby increase their perceived importance, GS level, and income. Conversely, Pat treasured efficiency. Had Pat's recommendations consisted of: "You are going to need more money and more people in your office in order to examine, diagnose, issue reports on, do follow-up analyses, generate feedback loops through other relevant offices and personnel on similar projects and ultimately, in time, possibly come close to solving this problem or at least getting the right people on your team," he would have been a much wealthier and conventionally successful man. Instead, Pat said: "Oh yes I am familiar with this problem. Here is the solution. Let's grab a sandwich." And this is the sort of attitude that will make a man very unpopular in Washington.

Pat was the older cousin, that I looked up to from an early age. Even as a child, I knew that Pat was "a character" and that there was something beautifully independent about him and the way that he embraced life. I remember that my grandfather, A.D. Goodman, (Pat's uncle) very much enjoyed the visits and in-depth conversations only very intelligent people can have with each other. A favorite story is one my father told of high speed adventures on the racetrack with Pat. As evidenced by the beautifully written obituary- Pat Goodman was a shining example of a life well lived.

I remember Pat when I used to run errands for him and through his closest friend Liz. He was always so sweet and giving. Liz and him did everything together and they both helped each other where they could. I will greatly miss him and my deepest condolences to his closest friends and family.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.