William James Goff

Bill Goff was born in Long Beach, California, the second son of Richard and Isabell Goff. The family moved to Bakersfield in 1957 and Bill attended Washington Junior High School. It was in their East Bakersfield neighborhood that Bill met Janet Potter and her sister, Judy Potter Gates. The three spent many happy evenings riding their bikes and roller skating around Jefferson Park.They continued to East Bakersfield High School and after graduation, Bill worked for a short time in a dental lab and then joined the Navy and served 4-1/2 years as a Corpsman. After his discharge, he attended Pierce Junior College and then returned to Bakersfield where he married Janet. After working part-time and attending Bakersfield College, he felt led to become a teacher. Bill attended Fresno State and was in the first graduating class of Cal-State, Bakersfield. He began his teaching career at Standard School District and went on to be principal of Standard Elementary, Highland Elementary, and then Wingland Elementary. After serving as Assistant Superintendent, and retirement, Bill became an educational consultant for DataWorks, traveling throughout California and sharing his knowledge with other educators.During his college years, Bill joined Calvary Bible Church, where Janet attended, and the two worked as janitors and taught Sunday school for many years. Bill became a member of the church council and also helped Jimmy Gibbons and other church members construct the building on Manor Street.His abiding love for the Lord and membership at Calvary Bible Church fostered the development of many, many deep friendships which have endured for over 50 years.Bill loved his family: wife, Janet, daughter and son-in-law, Angie and Willie King, grandchildren Parker and Kennedy King of Anaheim Hills, CA., brother Capt. Robert Goff and wife Connie, and their children, sisters-in-law Betty Yancey and Judy Gates and their children.Bill was unexpectedly called to heaven on Monday, October 3rd, of an apparent heart attack.Services will be held in the main sanctuary of Calvary Bible Church, 48 Manor Street, Bakersfield, at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 15th. All are invited to attend the celebration of life of a God-loving man who influenced the lives of so many students of Kern County.A memorial fund has been established at Standard School District, 1200 North Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, 93308. Contributions will go towards a tree planted in Bill's name and a scholarship fund for a worthy student.