William Thomas Goff

My Dad and Best Buddy, William Thomas Goff (Bill) passed away on Friday, December 12, 2014, after a six month courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Dad was born in Lincoln, Illinois on August 18, 1938.

He proudly served his country as an E-5 Staff Sergeant in the Air Force. My parents (mother Mary Ann) met while they were both serving in the Air Force, and it was love at first sight. My Dad proposed within 24 hours, so they were then married on July 23, 1960, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. My parents were inseperatable best friends until my Mother (Mary Ann) passed away on September 6, 2009.

Later Dad met a lovely lady, Judy Wolff of Topeka, Kansas, and she was his loving companion at his death. There were engaged to be married. They both enjoyed traveling and just being together.

My parents had two children, me, their daughter, Patti jon Goff of Dallas, Texas, and son, Todd Goff and wife Allyson of Wichita, Kansas; grandchildren, Travis Goff and his wife Amber, of Fort Worth, Texas and Courtney Goff of Kemp, Oklahoma; his four legged best friend, shadow and companion, Zoe' Rae; along with the grand-dogs, Sunny, Mooey, Lexi and Kelli. Then there was his best friend, Bryan Christensen of Topeka, Kansas, who was always his "son in-law" and golf buddy.

My Dad's 50 year career was in the railroad supply industry, and so we transferred frequently until landing in Topeka in 1977. Dad founded PTMW, Inc., in 1983, an OEM Metal Fabrication and Assembly Company. Dad was PTMW's "Rail Ambassador", and maintained close relationships with his friends and customers in the railroad industry. Dad was a wealth of knowledge in the rail signal industry. I'm proud to say that my Dad was well respected in the industry…everyone liked Dad. He never had a bad word to say about any one – the eternal optimist. Dad truly enjoyed going to work every single day and keeping the customers happy was his mission and pleasure. He was a man of substantial character and great wisdom, and will be greatly missed.

To honor my Dad and his love of entertaining we are having a celebration of life – a bit unconventional, but that's how we roll. Everyone is welcome to attend a fabulous cocktail party with heavy hors' devours from 4:30 to 7:30 on Thursday night at the Bradbury-Thompson Alumni Center, located on Washburn's campus off 17th and Jewell in Topeka, Kansas. We are going to reminisce with friends and family, laugh and share funny Dad stories.

My Dad's wish was to be cremated. The celebration of life will continue with a Memorial service at 11:00 AM, Friday, December 19, 2014, at the Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel located at 37th and Wanamaker. Immediately following the service, a delicious lunch will be served at my house (daughter, Patti).

My Dad and I always believed in giving with warm hands. Instead of sending flowers, give with warm hands to the Midland Care Connection, Inc. (hospice) in memory of my father, at 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, Kansas 66606.

I would also like to thank the Emergency Service Gentlemen first on the scene and Stormont Vail ER for doing everything they could to save my Dad.