His work in the area of applied microbiology has been truly impactful. His research achievements include the development of USDA Appendix A and B as well as contribution to the development of cooking temperatures established in the Food Code and the Nut Processing Guidelines. His work was always on the leading edge such as exploring the increased heat resistance of Salmonella in low water activity products such as flour. I worked for Steve nearly 30 years ago, and his understanding at that time on topics such as Listeria survival and control in food processing plants or E. coli contamination of beef continues to be remarkably pertinent today.
As a highly valued consultant, most of his work is only known to those companies and employees who needed his help. Think Winston Wolf in Pulp Fiction....rolls in, lays out the plan to solve the problem, and then executes that plan. During my time with him, it was a continuous flow of company sponsored research projects, troubleshooting, and training. Whether it was identifying and eliminating the source of Listeria in various plants to prevent those plants from being shut down, conducting research on TPP carcass washes, or working with companies developing new products, he was the ultimate fixer.
As for his character Steve was one of a kind, truly a force of nature. I'd say a mixture of Johnny Cash, Humphrey Bogart (cool factor) and Jack Nicholson (edgy). He was outspoken, direct to the point, and never backed down, especially when he knew he was right which he usually was. He was a wonderful boss and mentor. I have continued to draw upon all that I learned from him.
(Early 1990s IFT Annual Conference, Steve and I with Bill Brown in the background)
Steven James Goodfellow, Ph.D., age 83, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2025. Born on July 8, 1941, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Steve’s life was one of remarkable intellect, strong convictions, and a personality as sharp as his wit.
Steve earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Hope College in Holland, Michigan, and went on to receive both his Master of Science and Ph.D. in Bacteriology from the University of Wisconsin. With a lifelong passion for science, he became a published authority and global thought leader in the field of food safety. Among his most impactful achievements was his role in developing USDA-FSIS’s Appendix A and Appendix B, foundational guidance documents that continue to be widely referenced today. Over the course of his career, Steve made lasting contributions to the industry, helping to ensure safer food practices for generations to come. He remained a respected figure and sought-after consultant in his field well into retirement.
A man of few words, but plenty of meaning, Steve was known for his blunt sense of humor, irascible charm, and for being generous—almost to a fault. Though he was not one to wear his emotions on his sleeve, his love for his family was never in doubt. He was always there, quietly supporting those he cared about, offering wisdom in his own unique way.
On June 6, 1961, Steve married the love of his life, Colleen (Smigiel) Goodfellow. They shared 63 wonderful years together truly standing the test of time. He leaves behind Colleen and their three children: Todd (Darlene) Goodfellow, Stephanie (Scott) Melquist, and Kristen (Philip) Hunt, as well as his brother, Stuart (Mary) Goodfellow.
Steve was also a proud grandfather to Aaron (Jessica) Hunt, Kaley (Steven) Infield, Trevor Melquist, Meghan (Roberto) Maduro, Seth Goodfellow, Kyle Melquist, Nicole (Sean) Hurley, and Jared Hunt, and great-grandfather to Hannah, Jaxon, and Ansley Hunt; Isabella, Roberto “Bobby”, and Brock Maduro, as well as Wren Infield and Rowan Melquist.
He was preceded in death by his great-granddaughter, Alexis Maduro, as well as his sister, Carleen Helsel, and his parents, Carl and Gladys (Streeter) Goodfellow.
Steve loved country music. His playlist was filled with Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, and Willie Nelson, and he could always be found enjoying a good Western movie. His intellectual curiosity didn’t stop at science—he enjoyed traveling the world, reading, especially books with a bit of grit and character, much like himself. In his younger years, Steve enjoyed a round of golf, but as he got older, it became more frustrating than fun, much to the amusement (and occasional dismay) of his family.
A celebration of Steve’s life will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Williams-Thomas Funeral Home, 823 N.W. 143rd Street, Newberry, Florida. Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. to noon, followed by a funeral service from noon to 1:00 p.m. with burial taking place shortly after at Forest Meadows West Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the American Heart Association, or The Michael J. Fox Foundation in support of those living with Parkinson’s disease.
No comments:
Post a Comment