Charles Edmund Goodman III, affectionately known to family, friends, and community members as “Buck,” and “Mr. February,” passed away unexpectedly on June 14, 2026, at the age of 74.
Buck was born on October 24,1951, in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. He attended the Blue Ridge School in Virginia. He spent his life building not only a successful business but also a reputation as one of the most respected, hardworking, and beloved men in his community. For more than 50 years, he owned and operated his excavating business and never retired, earning the trust and respect of countless customers through his honesty, craftsmanship, and unwavering work ethic. He loved his dirt work and always said, he “makes dirt look good.”
A long-time resident of Waitsfield, Charlie was deeply involved in the community he loved. He served as road commissioner for many years and dedicated countless hours to local Little League, including serving as its president. He also served as justice of the peace and would drop everything to officiate marriages, sometimes in the middle of his own kitchen. Whether it was helping a neighbor, supporting local youth sports, or lending his expertise to a town project, Charlie was always willing to step forward and help.
Above all else, Buck was devoted to his family. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 50 years, Elizabeth Koerber Goodman. They married on New Year’s Eve in 1976. Also survived by his three children and their wives; Charles Edmund Goodman IV and Susie Goodman, Nathan Goodman and Krystle Goodman, and Matthew Goodman and Lauren Goodman; and his cherished grandchildren, Kinley, Riley, Hunter, Isla, Charles “Charlie” Goodman V, and Nora; his dog Dozer; his sister Dorothea Michael and her husband Jesse Barth, sister Hadassah Hiscott and her husband Tom Hiscott, and sister-in-law Maime Michael. He is predeceased by his mother, Hadassah Posey Nimmo and her husband Edwin F. Nimmo, and his father Charles Edmund Goodman, Jr, his brother Felton Michael, and his beloved dog Diesel. His family was the center of his world, and nothing brought him more joy than spending time with them.
Buck was larger than life. He never met a stranger and seemed to know everyone. A simple trip downtown often turned into a series of conversations as he stopped to greet friends, neighbors, and acquaintances. His infectious laugh, unmistakable personality, and legendary handlebar mustache made him impossible to forget. He had a gift for making people feel welcome, and his warmth and humor left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
He loved the simple things in life: mowing his six acres of land, tackling house projects, grilling for family and friends, watching football (Go Birds), completing wood puzzles and complex construction vehicle Legos, and discussing the weather as though he were the town’s unofficial meteorologist. If something was broken, Buck could fix it. If someone needed help, Buck showed up. If there was work to be done, Buck was already doing it.
The lessons he taught his children were not delivered through speeches, but through example. He demonstrated the value of hard work, honesty, integrity, and perseverance every day. Summers spent building houses alongside their father became some of the most treasured memories of their lives and helped shape the men they became.
Those who knew Buck will remember a man whose generosity knew no limits, whose laughter could fill a room, and whose presence made every gathering better. He was the life of the party, a trusted friend, a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a cornerstone of the community.
We are having Buck’s Going Away Party on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Mount Ellen base lodge. Family and friends are invited to come together to share stories, laughter, and memories of a man who touched so many lives. For anyone able, please bring copies of photographs of Buck to pin to a photo wall.
Though his passing leaves an immeasurable void, his legacy lives on in the family he raised, the community he served, and the countless lives he impacted. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
For those who would like to send donations, please make them out to Mad River Valley Ambulance Service and/or Waitsfield-Fayston Volunteer Fire Department.
