Bobby Goodwin, 69

Bobby Goodwin, 69, a black man, was struck in the head with a trophy, decapitated, and stabbed in a residence at about 7:20 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16. in the 24200 block of Senator Avenue in the Harbor area, Los Angeles police said. His time of death was listed as 7:51 p.m. Aug. 16. His grandson, 23, was arrested in connection with the crime. They had quarreled prior to the stabbing, said Los Angeles Police Det. Louis Paglialonga. Goodwin died at the scene.

Comments

[R. Small]

I was just getting to know Bobby, "a real cool dude" and all of a sudden, this! Just goes to show how uncertain life (on earth) is. Continued prayers for the family will go up.

[Mack Mossett]

There are very few people that you will come across in your life that you can truly claim as your friend. There are very few people that will cross your path that really live lives that are exemplary, meaningful and impacting. Bobby was one of those few. The great thing about him was that he was that for many other people besides me. He was never afraid to speak his mind whether in constructive criticism or genuine compliment. And he was generous with his compliments.

I sometimes wondered why he took such a special interest in me, my family and especially my son Clarence of late. Now I know why. God had designed him to be a tool to help shape me. He created a standard in Bobby from which I would learn, admire and respect. There are not many men who are used that way anymore, I guess mainly because they don’t really think outside themselves. But Bobby was one who cared far beyond himself and in his own quiet and consistent way poured greatly into the lives of those around him. He was always so impressed with how long I could drive a golf ball, but little did he know that I was impressed by everything about him. He may have never known that it was always my goal to impress him on the course. I always figured that if I could be like Bobby, I could eventually be some kind of golfer. I learned golf attire and golf etiquette from him and gentlemanly things he taught me on the course carried into every aspect of my life. I’ve got to think that golf is another of God’s most useful tools because it’s rare to spend 4 to 5 hours with someone in such beautiful settings. I will certainly miss those times with Bobby.

If I had one more chance to speak to him, I would simply tell him how proud I am of his wife, Lonnie and sister, Annie. I know Lonnie is “Reverend Goodwin” and I don’t call her Lonnie out of disrespect; I call her Lonnie because we too are long time friends and I love her. They have been stronger than anyone could ever imagine and I am simply in awe of the power of God to comfort and strengthen them.

In our last conversation, Bobby wanted me to let him know when I might be available to play golf at Trump National in Palos Verdes, as neither of us had played there since “The Donald” had taken over the course. He made it very clear that he wanted to pay for my greens fees, but little did he know that I was going to make sure I got there early enough to pay for his before he could pay for mine. You see I look at anything I can do for someone I love as a privilege and I know he did as well. We never made that date but I’m sure that he’s playing on fairways now that Trump himself could never imagine. He’s driving the ball long and straight, and playing with an awesome foursome. We will play again but something tells me that I won’t impress him so much next time. We’ll be too busy watching our Savior and remembering what He did for us on Calvary, and I’d imagine at some point that we’d both look at each other and say, “Now that’s impressive!”

Bobby, I’ll never stop loving you man. Thanks for all you did for me.

[dee hill]

I dont know what to say about this, i can't believe that you raise these people to be the best that they can be and they turn around and get so angry that they take your life, i know this man gave as much to his own children and grandchildren that he gave to these other young men that speak so highly of him, to mack that comment was beautiful to have memories like that of some one is great. god bless bobby and may god whatch over his family and the grandson had to be going through some thing really serious to do that to his grandfather, i dont know what to say god bless the grandson cause he will need all the blessing he can get.

[Cocoa]

When I first spoke to Bro. Goodwin, He had mistaken me for another youth worker in our church. I couldn't get a word in edgewise because he was pouring on the compliments and love for "what I had done for his granddaughter..." I humbly corrected him when he took a breath to continue but stated to him I would pass the message on. He still hugged me! Since then, he would always speak to me after church and tease me about being this other young lady. Two weeks before his passing, I had a very long conversation with him and the grandson at a going away party. I learned the true essence of his character that day. Very kind, warm, loving, gentle, knowledgable...and FUNNY! He was a hoot! the week prior...at the church picnic, he called me over and said hello...I kissed his cheek and talked for a few minutes. I had had conversations with the grandson and we shared an interest in art and creativity. He was always kind to me. Little did I know that would be my last interaction with him and four days later he would be gone. My heart hurt for days after learning what happened. I had lost two friends in that moment. I pray for the family constantly as well as the grandson. I may not always understand how or why the lord allows things to happen but I know he sees the bigger picture...Just wish i could see it in this instance. Love you Brother Goodwin.