The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher/Owner
Death came for a much too young dentist and family man, Dr. Paul Good, like a thief in the night last Friday morning, and it stunned Henderson County and the many who knew this good hearted and good natured friend to the area.
His death reminds us of the short time we have to enjoy the "good" life that has been given to each of us.
Biggsville Presbyterian Minister Rev. Richard Johnson said we must put things into perspective and he read King David's 23 Psalm from the Bible. Its verses included: "my cup overflows." He also read from the Book of Proverbs where he said "an enormous amount of common sense" lies.
The verse expressed how "a glad heart makes a continual feast."
In a Eulogy, Dr. Good's brother, Dr. Darrin Good, said that instead of coming together to mourn the loss of this wonderful man, he would rather honor him with a testimony of how full he lived his life.
The passion with which he put into life showed everyday in his work, his play, his family, his love for music, sports, and community.
He opened his doors to foreign exchange students from around the world, always having room for one more at the table, and one more in his heart.
"He was a wild, crazy guy, a history buff, and he loved people."
Darrin said his brother not only would remember where you lived or worked, but remembered where you vacationed last, what your kids played and details of your life.
"He had a passionate energy for work and for life, and those who knew Paul must rejoice that we knew him these 47 years."
A second Eulogy was given by his college roommate and best friend, Dr. James Dunne who said visiting Paul "was like coming home."
"He always had something to throw on the grill," or would take you out to eat. He would "never judge anyone," he would always "visit and keep in touch."
He would talk with great pride of his family and his wife saying "I never could have picked a better mom for my children."
In dental school he took great notes and copies were made and handed out to other students to study.
"His thirst for knowledge made him the best dentist.
"Paul is one in a million, and I was truly blessed to share a friendship with him," Dr. Dunne said.
Leo Ramer accompanied James Mudd as he sang "How Great Thou Art" and "Stand By Me."
Dr. Paul A. Good suffered a heart attack shortly before 9:30 a.m. while in route to Great River Medical Center in West Burlington, Iowa.
He had chest pains after seeing his first dental patient early Friday morning at his practice west of Union School, rural Biggsville.
At his funeral Tuesday, many flowers adorned the stage in tribute to a man and his family that have touched many lives in the community.
"Paul cared passionately for life and for people. He was not pretentious, he was tremendously generous. .....his employees at work called him "Santa Doc".
"He knew what it was like to struggle and to do without, and he never forgot. He was a dreamer, a hard worker and disciplinarian.
"What you see across the road is his vision for him and his son. He had just started. He had plans for expansion."
Rev. Johnson said, "As proud as he was to be Dr. Good, his heart belonged to Cathy and to each and everyone of his kids, and his exchange kids.
He was willing to explore and if life hands him a lemon.... he made lemonade, always trying to make something good out of a bad situation.
He knew what Paul (in the Bible) meant when he said we are afflicted but not crushed down.
Rev. Johnson said we should all live each day as if it is our last. If we lived in Doc's world, all would win. There would be no divorce, no war, all children would have parents, all would have food and homes. In Doc's world, death would not come like a thief in the night, or before the last word has been spoken. Everyone would live seeing the good in all people, the possibilities in all things.
Rev. Johnson suggests, "Leave the world of cynics and move into "Doc's world," so we can "love, live, and be full of compassion, not just to honor Doc, but because it is how the Lord wants us to live."