Felix Leon Goodman, or as he preferred to be called, Leon, has bid adios and embarked from his home in Boise, Idaho on a new odyssey on December 20, 2023. Born on October 27, 1935, in El Paso, Texas, the first of four sons to Felix Leon Goodman Sr. and Margaret Sabin Goodman, he brought a touch of magic to this dimension.
Leon was a true intellectual magician, always eager to learn and explore. From the moment he could wave a wand, he mesmerized everyone with his intelligence and endless curiosity. His passage into the realm of knowledge began with a fascination for languages, starting with the differences between English and Spanish in his border town upbringing. He then conjured up an understanding of Latin, uncovering the secrets hidden within the Western languages. Russian and Hebrew became part of his repertoire.
Leon’s love for the mystical arts led him to the world-renowned Magic Castle in Hollywood. But his interests didn’t stop there. He delved into scriptural and religious history, unearthing lost books of the Bible and exploring New Age philosophies like a wizard on a quest for enlightenment. His discussions with Jehovah’s Witnesses and forays into the mysterious spheres of Scientology, Crypto-Judaism and Judaism in Boise added further enchantment to his already mesmerizing life.
Leon’s illustrious career was like a magnificent trick; always full of surprises. His journey began during his early years, where he worked his sleight of hand as a young entrepreneur selling eggs, fruit, rabbits, and even goat milk from the family farm. Summers were spent immersed in enchantment at Kiddie Playland and tinkering with Uncle Fred’s refrigeration business. With his spellbinding act in full swing, Leon started a printing apprenticeship at the local newspaper. However, he soon uncovered another enthralling opportunity in electronics with Douglas Aircraft in Tucson, Arizona. As government contracts changed hands like abracadabras, Leon’s path led him to the domain of Howard Hughes at Hughes Aircraft, igniting a fascination he could only dream of encountering in person.
But the magician in Leon was hungry for more knowledge, and with advice from his wise, (then) father-in-law, he embarked on a new experience in the Army, seeking to unlock the unknowns of cutting-edge electronics. Leon’s military tour lasted from March 8, 1957, to March 7, 1960, stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas. Graduating at the top 5% of the Nike Ajax Anti-Aircraft Missile School, he became a master of radar and computer maintenance, and chasing bugs like a wizard chasing mythical creatures.
After tendering his military days farewell, Leon’s career in computers began with a magical touch at UNIVAC Corporation in 1961. He played a vital role in installing and maintaining computers at the Kaiser Medical Center in Oakland, California, where he revealed the cipher of programming during his downtime, as if casting spells into the computer’s core. Leon’s path continued to unfold with General Dynamics, Benson-Lehner, and SynerGraphics, where his focus turned to microfiche. As one of the four founders of a startup, he created the CMS7000 system, a marvel that became the fastest microfilm recorder in the world. His route carried him through ownership shuffling, and it was at the Bank of America where Leon wove his final career spell. There, he saved the bank millions by using his system to convert paper printing to microfiche. Leon continued exploring the emerging mystery of personal computing and printers, always living on the bleeding edge of technology until his retirement.
Deeply rooted in his faith, Leon was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, finding solace and guidance in its spirituality.
With his engaging personality, Leon knew how to turn any moment into a thrilling act. When not weaving spells with words or diving into the mysterious arts, he pursued hobbies that brought him joy. His camera captured wondrous moments through the lens, and he astounded with his prestidigitation. Language, skiing, and music were his other tools, allowing him to conjure up happiness and adventure wherever he went. Camping and exploring the great Northwest with his family was always a delight.
Leon is survived by his enchanting wife, Eva Castle Goodman, his son Samuel Goodman, his daughter Kimberly (Alejandro) Delgado, his daughter DeeAnna Castle, his son Steve McBride, and his grandchildren Sofia and Autumn Goodman, Alex and Shannon Delgado, Leigh Ann Cook, Rachel Thill, Gracie, Jeremiah, and Lily McBride. He is also survived by his brothers John (Alcira) Goodman, William (Elia) Goodman, James (Tina) Goodman, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, and a foreign exchange student Sylvie Foucras, who was loved as a daughter, and a foster daughter Rachel Lassus Anderson, who became an integral part of his family. Leon was preceded in death by his father Felix Leon Goodman Sr. and mother Margaret Sabin Goodman, as well as his grandson Eli McBride.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 2 pm at the Meridian Idaho East Stake building, at 11443 W McMillan Road, Boise, Idaho. Join us as we celebrate the wonder Leon shared with all those who crossed his path. The service will be broadcast via Zoom for those who cannot be there in person. https://zoom.us/j/93246077554?pwd=MU91ek9aZ24yY2hqWnZRZUJqd0xYZz09
Meeting ID: 932 4607 7554
Passcode: 914293
The compassionate professionals at Bowman Funeral Directors in Garden City, Idaho, are assisting the family with the cremation.
Felix Leon Goodman, a maestro of mystery and a sorcerer of knowledge, will forever be remembered for the magic he spread, the marvels he discovered, and the love he shared. May his wand forever guide us on our own spellbinding journeys of exploration and understanding.