Marc Stephen Goodwin, of Hayden, died Sunday, March 11, 2012.

Pastor, principal, husband and father —m these are just a few of the many words that describe Marc Stephen Goodwin. Born to Robert and Sandra Goodwin on April 25, 1959, in Los Angeles, Calif., Marc grew up surrounded by his loving family; a family who instilled in him the love for sports — basketball in particular. The Goodwin family was completed when Marc became a proud older brother to Donna Goodwin.

After graduating from California State University of Northridge with a B.A. in philosophy and world religion, Marc found himself at the mercy of Christ, and joined the Valley Vineyard Christian Fellowship Church in southern California. While attending, he met Leticia Navarro. Their friendship grew to be more, and their affinity for one another was finalized on their wedding day June 11, 1988. A year later they expanded their family with the addition of their first child baby Hannah. Delighted in their bundle of joy, Marc and Leticia would have three more children, Stephen, Joy and David.

In later years Marc relocated his complete family of six to beautiful North Idaho in December 2005. The past four years Marc has held the title of principal at the small Christian school Genesis Preparatory Academy in Post Falls. Being a gentle, kind man and a lover of academics, Marc was the perfect fit. Not only did he delight in helping students prepare for life, but he also enjoyed getting to know his students on a more personal level. Marc was the coach of the Genesis girls’ basketball team and frequently attended non-school games to support kids who played for the public districts.

Marc Goodwin was a caring man who impacted many people through his ministries and caring heart. The people closest to him who will miss him dearly include his mother, Sandra; wife Leticia; four kids, Hannah, Stephen, Joy and David; his sister, Donna; nieces, Lily and Erica; and the students and staff of Genesis Preparatory Academy.

Genesis Preparatory Academy was recently state certified and accredited. Being one of the main advocators for this process, Marc was proud to see the achievement through. Genesis “Prep” is now the only local Christian school with full state certification.

Anyone desiring to make a contribution in Marc’s name can do so to: Genesis Preparatory Academy, P.O. Box 1237 Post Falls, ID 83877-1237. Please visit Marc’s memorial and sign his online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.