Rodney Brent Goodliffe
August 10, 1947 - July 6, 2012
Rodney (Rod) Goodliffe
August 10, 1947 – July 6, 2012
Broadcast Executive, Precious Husband
They fell in love over the phone. Rod (known as Roddo) Goodliffe was once a radio DJ and every morning, Jeri (Dutcher) Cartwright called him with the latest ski report from the Utah Travel Council. Their partnership and loving marriage spanned 32 years. On July 6, 2012 Rod passed away peacefully at his Salt Lake home after a short illness.
Born on August 10, 1947 in Ogden, Utah, Rod played football at Bonneville High School and received a full-ride football scholarship to play for Utah State University in the mid-60s. When injuries forced him to abandon his sports aspirations, he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology, which was quite useful when dealing with the crazy world of radio and television. It still is CRAZY.
Rod began his 29-year broadcasting career as an on-air radio talent, working for KLUB AM&FM, KWHO AM& FM (both in Salt Lake City, UT), KBOI (Boise, ID) and KVWJ (Logan, UT). In addition to on-air duties, he served in management roles, including station manager, and Program Director. Television became his next career adventure. Rod was an account executive with KTVX (abc4 Utah), AT&T Media Services (now Comcast Spotlight) in Salt Lake City, and KPOL TV in Tucson, AZ. Rod was no “slick” sales guy. He had a genuine ability to treat his clients in a sensitive and personal manner and they remained loyal to him for years.
During the last nine years, he and his wife owned and operated their own Utah based media relations firm, Cartwright Communications. His wife never imagined they could be so compatible working side by side 24-7. She can proudly report there were no broken bones.
Rod and Jeri had two very special children: a parrot (Snicker) and a gecko (Larry). He loved them with all his heart. Almost every night, he cooked dinner for his wife and was a master at the barbeque. Friends often joked that he had founded the “Church of Weber®”. He cultivated friends from all walks of life, and had a unique and burly bond with his golfing buddies. He loved skiing, rock ‘n’ roll, and hosting heartwarming and joyful dinners in his home. This 6’5” man was a card carrying member of the“church of Costco.” He loved shopping there because everything in it was large, just like him.
In his final years, he sat on his front porch swing and watched the urban theatre pass by, calling out enthusiastic hellos to neighbors as they drove or walked by. He was the perfect neighborhood “philosopher” and could be found there through all four seasons. When asked what he wanted to be remembered for, he said, “That I always tried to do the right thing.”
In addition to his wife, he is survived by brother Stacy Goodliffe (Cherie) and a number of nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his Mother Edna Blatter Goodliffe, Father Francis Goodliffe and sister, Udene Patricia Hansen.
A memorial service will be held at 4:00p.m. on Thursday, July 12 at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, where a celebration will follow until 7:00p.m. If you wish, in lieu of flowers, donations to the Huntsman Cancer Center are welcome. A big-hearted thanks to their wonderful staff who cared for him.
In Loving Memory
I can hardly believe Rod's gone. I'll always remember him as a big guy who didn't speak unless he really had something to say. He was a fixture in the family who was present and supportive, but unobtrusive. It's hard to imagine things without him. I'll miss Rod.
Michael Paul Jara
Tucson, AZ
I was so sorry to learn that Rod had died. What a great fellow he was! The two of you were the perfect couple. Always so sweet and considerate of each other. My heartfelt sympathy to you Jeri, and all of the family.
harlan bangerter
West Valley City, Ut
I will always remember my Uncle Rod, who reminded me of a big teddy bear as a child. I remember Jeri and Rod's wedding and how happy you were. Robert says that one could tell he had such a big heart. We will all miss him very much. Love, Camille, Robert and Hali'a Ventura
Camille J.Ventura
Vista, ca
My heartfelt condolences to you, Jeri. I know how much Rod meant to you (and you to him). May you feel peace and comfort at this difficult time.
Stephen Aubery
Salt Lake City, Ut
FIRST ONE OF THE FIVE OF US THAT WERE BEST FRIENDS IN HIGH SCHOOL. GREAT MEMORIES! ROD WILL ME MISSED BY ALL THE LAKER FAMILY.
MICHAEL L FESSLER
OGDEN, UT
Rod was such an special person — honest, loyal, and always devoted to his beloved Jeri. I am so fortunate I got to know him. He will be missed very much.
Carissa Vanitzian
Scottsdale, AZ
Rod's friends and loved ones: A fellow USU alumni forwarded the article from the SL Tribune about Rod's end. I am quite sorry to learn of this. I met Rod thru my older brother Mike. My first day in Logan, Utah as an incoming Freshman brother Mike brought me to a little place (bar) known as "The Bistro" to meet a friend of his. In the really neat little place was a band playing in the loft. The band playing was called The War of Armagedden and Rod was the lead singer. On break he came of to say hello to us and I remember in that first meeting how he was as gentle, kind and funny as he was huge. Being a Bay Area music snob (San Francisco in the 60's), I remember thinking: Wow, this place Logan, Utah is pretty cool. Some time later in Logan, myself also a musician, I wound up in one of his bands setting in a few gigs as a conga player. I lost track of Rod over the years mostly because I've only made it back to Utah once since the early 70's. I am very heartened to know that Rod spent his lifetime doing great things in an area of work that he loved. I wish Jeri all of the best in carrying on without Rod. Please give Rod the great sendoff he deserves. Greg Lahey
Greg Lahey
Lafayette, Ca
My thoughts are with you for peace in your heart and joyful memories for your mind.
Stephanie Miller
Salt Lake City, UT
Jeri, I am so sorry for your tragic loss -- the loss of a great love. My heart goes out to you.
Alane McKenna
Salt Lake City, Ut
Our hearts go out to the Goodliffe Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. We are with you.
George Starks
Salt Lake City, Ut
Grant and I send our most heart-felt condolences to you at the passing of this mighty man. We considered ourselves so lucky to have been friends with Rod and Jeri. We fondly remember the fabulous meals he grilled for us, while enjoying his stories and big-hearted hospitality. His large physical presence will be missed, but the warmth of his being will live on in our thoughts and hearts always. It brings a smile to my face even at this moment! We are always here if you need help or need of fun! Love and Peace Becky and Grant
Becky Sue "Sunee" Neville
Salt Lake City, UT
I was saddened to hear o'l Rod had left us in such a short time. I worked with him at a couple of places here in town and enjoyed his non-stop opinions and take on things. It was a very nice service and I learned that Rod and I had a lot more in common than I ever thought! From 'evil' cyclists to golf to being an old, beer-bar rock band member. I had no idea he was connected to the Blues, either. That one facet of his life was never known to me and it's a huge part of my enjoyment in life. And I've had the pleasure, as Rod had, of introducing 'newbies' to an original American music form that gave birth to so much good music the whole world enjoys. Good work, Roddo! If there's 'another side,' I'll bring my guitars and you do the singing, brother! See you soon, Jeri, I'm sure we'll bump in to each other. We all love you and Rod!
Bill Lines
Holladay, Ut
Wow, that large family shot is just aziamng! Fantastic that you got every person to give you great eye contact, that is incredibly hard! And boy does this family have great genes! Gorgeous!
Michelle
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Hi Jeri, Please accept my deepest condolences. Although I haven't seen Rod in over 40 years I remember when Rod was an SAE in Logan. We became friends after my boyfriend, later my husband, refused to dance with me at any of the parties at the SAE house. Bob always recruited Rod to dance with me because we both loved rock and rolls so much. Rod was absolutely the coolest guy from Utah State, from his taste in music to his black jeans, t-shirt and black belt. I am so proud of the wonderful man, husband he became. It is clear from your photos he was also a treasure to his friends. Only after watching your memorial movie did I realize he was friends with my cousin Kevin McKenna. I'm not sure how much a heart can break, but, losing two men such as these will surely test the strongest of hearts.
Pam Causer Schwartz
Los Angeles, CA
Wow, that large family shot is just amznaig! Fantastic that you got every person to give you great eye contact, that is incredibly hard! And boy does this family have great genes! Gorgeous!
Radenmz
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Jeri, I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. -Teresa
Teresa Jenkins
Cottonwood Heights, Ut
- Count me in!! A morning appt. would be best for my kids and their shlcduee like 11 ? Does that work? CANNOT WAIT!!! Do you feel like a celebrity b/c I kind of feel like you are one!May 31, 2007 12:41 AM
Rohini
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as a fraternity bro and roommate of Rods, very sorry that I waited so long to reconnect! yes he was a rock star and to me a good "Big" brother, who helped me stir the proverbial barrel. he will live on through all the stories he created, never forgotten! RIP brother! pv
Paul venner
Whistler, BC