Paul Lacey Goddard Jr., 82, died Monday May 2, 2005, at his family home in Bigfork, surrounded by his loving family after fighting the battle with cancer.

He was born Aug. 23, 1922, in Oak Park, Ill., to Paul Lacey and Elizabeth Lila (Hosking) Goddard.

After Paul graduated from high school he met and married Martha "Marty" G. Ekiss on Dec. 31, 1944, in Corpus Cristi, Texas. He then started studying for his degree in mining engineering/geology at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colo. He then spent a couple of years in the U.S. Navy.

Once his service time was up for his country, he went back to school to finish his degree. He worked in the states of Colorado and then California where he became a contracting engineer, selling mining equipment. He and Marty moved to the Flathead in the mid-1980s and they have made it their home ever since.

Paul enjoyed flying airplanes, fishing, golfing and was a member of the Roosters at the Eagle Bend Golf Club; he loved working with all kinds of wood. Paul also loved nature, especially the majestic mountains of the Flathead.

Paul was preceded in death by his son, Paul Lacey Goddard, III; and a sister, Florence.

He is survived by his wife, Marty, of Bigfork; one daughter, Diane Paulsen, also of Bigfork; three grandchildren, Aurora and Austin Paulsen, Lacey (Goddard) Brown, and one great-grandson on the way.

He will always be loved but missed by all those who loved him.

At Paul's request, there will be no services.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Paul's family.