Roy Goethe is one of two living original trustees. He lives in Midland, Michigan.
Biography
“My name is Dr. Roy M. Goethe. I was raised in a Swedish family in Ishpeming in the U.P., the youngest of eight children. After earning numerous awards in academics and sports, I enrolled at the University of Michigan. There, I studied pre-medicine for three years, medical school for four years, medical internship for one year, and a pediatric residency for three years, leading to Board Certification and a Fellowship in the American Academy of Pediatrics. Between medical school and pediatric residency, I spent three years in the U. S. Army Medical Corp, primarily in Germany, serving two years as Chief of Pediatric Service.
In 1961, I joined the Midland pediatric practice of Dr. Bernard O’Hora and Dr. Warren Tamaris. I also had the privilege of practicing with Dr. Robert Van Sickle. During my thirty-four years of practice, I enjoyed serving on various Midland Hospital and community boards and committees. I retired in July, 1995.
In connection with Midland Foundation, I was a founding member. I was a Board of Trustees charter member from 1973- 1987, Vice President and Executive Committee 1980 – 1987, and Grants Committee 1979 – 1987.
I like spending time with my wife Karen, three sons, daughter, and grandchildren. And as always, I am a loyal University of Michigan fan.”
What Prompted You To Get Involved with the Original Community Foundation Board?
“Success in performance of high school academics, athletics, speech competitions, and class governance were rewarded with guest luncheons at Rotary and other service clubs, which led to continuing interaction with many of the “doers and shakers” in the community.
The importance of community volunteering was permanently instilled in me.
Five or six years into my practice of pediatrics in Midland, I received a phone inquiry from Carl Gerstacker about my interest in becoming a founding member of the new Midland Community Foundation. I was assured that written information concerning community foundations put together by the Cleveland, Ohio Community Foundation (the first in the nation) would be promptly forwarded to me.
At that time, I had served as chairman of the medical staff at Midland Hospital, president of the Midland County Medical Society, the first recipient of the Robert Bowsher Award for teaching in the family practice residency program, membership on the Midland County Board of Health (eventually transitioning into twenty-four years), singing bass in the Chapel Lane Presbyterian senior choir, serving as Mr. Hi-Pockets Clown noted for his remarkable accuracy in guessing the age and weight of attendees at the annual Plymouth Elementary Carnival, and other community involvement. I therefore accepted the gracious invitation to get involved with the original Community Foundation Board.”
What Memories Do You Have of the Foundation and Board Getting Started?
“My fondest memory concerning the new start-up Midland Community Foundation was my being asked to serve as one of the founding directors. I surmised that my invitation was based on my role in the delivery of health care. It was an honor to be working on behalf of the community alongside impressive members from all different areas of expertise. This made it possible for me to take part in community projects outside of my field of medicine.”
In the Initial Years, What Projects are Particularly Memorable?
“During my initial introduction to the concept of community foundations, it was suggested, in addition to serving on various committees, that members of the board of directors play an active role in the search for projects. A senior director encouraged us to “sow seeds,” which eventually transitioned into marvelous projects such as The Tridge and The Rail Trail.”