Zachary Goodman

Zachary Ryan Goodman, 4, of Olathe, passed away at home on June 24, 2016 in the arms of his mommy and daddy. He was born on February 27, 2012 to Clint and Tara (Jensen) Goodman.

Zachary had a huge heart, was always very happy, had an amazing sense of humor, was extremely intelligent, enjoyed his toys, loved animals, Disney and the outdoors.

More than anything in this world Zachary loved his mommy, daddy, brother Maxwell, and dog Cooper and they loved him just as much. He loved giving them all kisses and "huggies." He gave the best hugs and kisses and he always knew when someone needed one. An example of this was one time when his mommy had to get an IV placed and he wanted to stay by her side the whole time and hold her hand to "help her be brave." Another example was the day his parents got the call that the leukemia had returned. His mommy had not said a word about it when she came back in the house after hanging up the phone from the conversation with the doctor but he instinctively knew she needed the biggest hug and he insisted on hugging her for at least 15 minutes.

Zachary overcame huge obstacles all while smiling and going out of his way to make other people happy even on the days that he felt the worst. One day on which he had received some particularly strong chemotherapy and he clearly was feeling awful someone gave him a pair of glasses with an attached mustache as a prize for doing well with some medicine. He was originally not interested in them until his parents explained that they were to be used as a joke to make other people laugh. His face lit up and he immediately wanted to go around the hospital floor to make other people smile. He had miraculous strength and a resilient spirit which impressed everyone he met.

Zachary had a wonderful sense of humor. He enjoyed doing character impressions. In particular he would do impressions of Crush the Sea Turtle, Olaf the Snowman, The Duke of Weselton from Frozen, Ross from Monsters Inc. and Diesel 10. When he was three he was the Duke of Weselton from Frozen for Halloween and he walked around flipping over a pretend toupee for a month and a half before the holiday to prepare for his role. He was hilarious!

Zachary was extremely smart. He loved being read to and would have his parents read him multiple stories a day. When he was only two he could recite back entire 30 page books that had multiple sentences on each page. At that same age he loved impressing the hospital staff with his extensive vocabulary which included several long medication names he learned during his stays there. He started preschool in August of 2015 and he loved learning new things.

Zachary loved firetrucks, tractors, construction equipment and trains. He liked to visit the local fire stations to see the firetrucks up close. There were several firetrucks in his toy box and he loved pretending with Maxwell, his best friend, that they were off on an important rescue. Zachary also loved watching trains and playing with them too. He loved going to Union Station to see all of the model trains on display and watch them race along the tracks. He enjoyed riding the miniature train at the Kansas City Northern Railroad and feeling the wind on his face.

Zachary enjoyed going to see animals. In particular he enjoyed visiting Deanna Rose Farmstead. On his visits there he liked seeing all of the farm animals, riding the ponies, going on hayrides and eating ice cream. He also had fun at the Kansas City Zoo visiting the penguins, seeing the animals over in Africa, and riding the train. At the aquarium he was always on the lookout for Crush's "friends."

Zachary loved all things Disney. He enjoyed reading books about the characters, doing their impressions and he particularly loved meeting them at Disney World and Disneyland. He was able to go on several amazing memory making Disney trips and his eyes would light up and sparkle each time he got to meet a character.

He loved being outdoors at home, on the beach, or at the family ranch. At home he loved driving his little tractor, blowing bubbles out on the deck, watering the flowers, checking on the vegetable garden, and mowing the yard with his daddy using his bubble mower. He recently went to the beach in Florida where he loved playing in the sand and walking in the water. One of his favorite places to visit was the family ranch. He enjoyed riding on the Polaris, helping drive the big tractor, flying in the plane over the ranch, fishing, and sitting by the campfire in the evening. He would always ask his parents about when he could go back to the ranch.

Whether it was being part of cutting edge medical advancements or a routine clinic appointment Zachary consistently inspired the hospital staff with his energetic personality and positive attitude. He never complained and always had fun no matter what obstacle he faced.

Zachary was an absolutely amazing little boy and his family cherished every moment they had with him. He taught them that every moment is precious and to make as many memories as possible.

Zachary is survived by his loving parents Clint and Tara; brother Maxwell; grandparents Steve and Katherine Jensen, Danny and Julie Goodman; several aunts and uncles; cousins; and a large extended family.
Zachary's memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 9th at 10:30 AM in the Wesley Covenant Chapel at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, 13720 Roe Ave, Leawood, KS.
There will be a lunch at the church following the service. All attendees are invited to stay and share and enjoy memories of Zachary.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Capitol Federal Bank at 2100 E.151st Street Olathe, KS 66062. Please make checks payable to Tara Goodman and include "Zachary Goodman Memorial Fund" in the memo.

His parents plan to use the memorial contributions for a park playground in Zachary's name that his brother Maxwell and other children can go play on, enjoy, and think of Zachary.
We also plan to start a foundation in Zachary's honor which will raise money to develop better drugs to fight pediatric cancer, help families with children impacted by cancer create memories, and provide gifts or activities to children that are in the hospital on holidays.