Katherine A. Goodhue, better known as Kay Goodhue, passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 20 at her home on Marrowstone Island, Washington. She had recently returned from celebrating her 98-1/2 birthday on Mother’s Day in Haiku, Maui with all her Hawaii family & friends. Kay commented that the birthday party was the “best day of her life!”
Kay was born November 12, 1925 in India of missionary parents Sylvester L. and Alma K. Antrim. Shortly after, the family moved to Illinois when she was 2 years old, and when Kay was in the 7th grade to North Carolina.
Kay attended East Carolina University and completed a teaching/library degree. She later attended the University of Hawaii and in 1968 obtained a Master of Science degree.
In 1964 Kay moved to Oahu, Hawaii to accept a position as a public librarian in Honolulu and Kailua. She met and married William “Bill” Goodhue and included his family of four children in their life: Brooks, Tammie, Stratford, and Shaun.
Kay and Bill took early retirement in 1981 and moved from Hawaii to Marrowstone Island, WA. There they realized their waterfront forest location and built their timber-frame dream home on the banks of Kilisut Harbor by Mystery Bay.
In 1992 Bill died and was buried in the Marrowstone Island cemetery. Kay decided traveling and continued volunteering would be a good avocation to follow. And she was an avid birder. She loved international travels and enjoyed the "culture, customs, and cuisine" of the 117 countries that she visited. This also gave her the opportunity to see as many birds and other types of wildlife as possible.
Kay became a die-hard birder and set a goal to see at least 7,500 different species. That goal was realized in Peru with her favorite guide, Eduardo, in August of 2015. Her life list finally totaled 7,544, documented in a special book.
When she was home, much of her time was spent helping ECHHO (Ecumenical Christian Helping Hands Organization). Prior to that she and Bill were a part of MEMS (Marrowstone Emergency Medical Service), before it was absorbed into the new fire district. She spent 20 plus years volunteering with the Friends of Fort Flagler as a trail maintenance person until she turned in her work vest just this May 29. On the day before Kay’s passing, she was awarded the “volunteer of the decade” for her dedication and hard work at Fort Flagler State Park.
Family and friends will remember Kay as "Birderkay" and as a lover of nature, especially birds, and her home called "Puffin Place." Kay will be missed and was an inspiration to many with her positive attitude, her wit, her care for the environment, her volunteerism, and advice to all to stay active.
A Graveside Service will be held July 18 at Sound View Cemetery on Marrowstone Island. Family and friends are invited to share memories of Kay and sign the online guestbook at www.bradley-kosec.com.
