So. Salt Lake Councilwoman Rea Goddard dies

SOUTH SALT LAKE — Councilwoman Rea Goddard died Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009 just hours after being diagnosed with the neuro-degenerative condition Lou Gehrig's disease.

Mrs. Goddard, 73, had served on the City Council since 2006. She made extraordinary efforts to attend council meetings, attending last week in a wheelchair. Even from her hospital bed on Monday, she was working to make arrangements to participate in Wednesday's upcoming meeting by telephone, said fellow Councilman Shane Siwik.

"Rea was incredibly dedicated and was a great example of how committed we should be," Siwik said.

Roy Turner, elected 2009 council chairman, agreed with Siwik.

"She did a great job," he said. "She was very, very active. ... We're going to miss her sorely."

The councilman agree that Goddard took her role very seriously. She studied council packets and other literature assiduously and tried to think of all people who could possibly be affected by her decisions, added her husband Norm Goddard.

The Goddards have lived in South Salt Lake their entire lives, Norm Goddard said. They moved into Mrs. Goddard's parents' home in 1956.

Married just after her 16th birthday, Mrs. Goddard and her husband raised five children.

The councilwoman also worked as a beautician for 30 years, acting as somewhat of a psychiatrist to her clients, Norm Goddard said. She would listen to their problems and help them in any way she could.

Mrs. Goddard also loved children, working for decades in her church's programs for youth.

"I couldn't have got a better person," her husband said. "It's hard to find people now that's interested in anybody else."

The councilwoman's position will be filled by her fellow council members. They have asked interested applicants to send their contact information to Craig Burton, South Salt Lake City recorder at 220 E. Morris Ave.

"There's a great diversity in South Salt Lake and we'd like as many candidates as possible," Siwik said.

For more information, visit ssl.state.ut.us or call 483-6000.

Mrs. Goddard's funeral will be held Saturday at Memorial Estates, 3011 E. 7800 South. A viewing will begin at 9 a.m. and services will start at 11 a.m.

---

E-mail: rpalmer@desnews.com