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Clifford Scott (Cliff) Goicoechea

Clifford Scott (Cliff) Goicoechea

Jan. 24, 1949 - Mar. 15, 2025

Date of Service: Mar. 24, 2025

Watch the Webcast Service Program

BURLEY — Clifford Scott Goicoechea finished his time on earth March 15, 2025, as his final prayer was answered and he joined his loved ones in eternal life surrounded by family in his home. John 3:15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.

Cliff was born in Sun Valley, Idaho, on January 24, 1949. He was the fourth of five children born to Joseph and Joneva (Coates) Goicoechea. He grew up in the Wood River Valley where he learned the importance of hard work and the value of family. It was in the heart of the Sawtooths where he found his lifelong love of the outdoors and spent his time fishing and hunting anytime he could. He attended Wood River High School where he excelled in basketball and earned an academic scholarship to Assumption College upon graduation. Cliff continued his education in Bismark, North Dakota, earning his Bachelor's of Science from the University of Mary which is where he met his wife of 54 years, Ruth "Bim" Jorda. The couple relocated to Hettinger, North Dakota, to work in the local hospital and started their family with the birth of their first two children, Jody and Tobby.

In 1978, Cliff and Bim accepted jobs with Cassia Memorial Hospital and moved the family to Burley, Idaho, where their third child, Heidi, completed the family a few years later. Cliff worked as a Medical Tech and Laboratory Manager for more than 35 years until his retirement at age 63.

During his early years in Burley, Cliff raised quarter horses and raced them on tracks throughout Idaho, Utah, Oregon and California. He was an active member of St. Thèrése the Little Flower Catholic Church, enjoyed coaching and helping the Burley Junior High and high school basketball programs and continued to remain an avid fan attending most of the high school games long after his coaching days were over.

Cliff continued to spend any time he could outdoors: fishing, hunting, four-wheeling, hiking, and trapping bobcats with his best doggy friend, Arthur. Taking Bim along for many of these excursions so she could be the voice of reason when he thought about taking the "quicker" route up the side of the mountain. Cliff and Bim also spent a few summers volunteering for the Forest Service which they enjoyed together as they kept the trails managed and got to spend the summers in the beautiful Idaho wilderness.

Cliff loved his family and never missed a sporting event or activity his kids or grandkids were involved in, no matter how far the drive. He was never late a day in his life, loved telling stories about his mischievous childhood adventures and was always happiest when he was with his family. Cliff had a soft heart for anyone that needed it and would do anything to help anyone – even if they were a stranger. He loved exploring the outdoors with his children and grandchildren where he passed along his knowledge, shared a few of his fishing secrets, and told stories about his favorite hunts.

Cliff and Bim sold the family home and moved to be closer to children and grandchildren in the Spring of 2024. He treasured the time he was able to spend being closer to everyone he loved and continued to remain active doing the things he loved until his body no longer allowed.

Cliff was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Joneva Goicoechea; an infant sister, Mary Theresa; brother, David; and best friend, Arthur.

Cliff is survived by his brother, Robert (Genie) of Elko, Nevada; sister, Bette Jo (Bob) Wunderle of Bliss, Idaho; brother, Tom (Annette) Goicoechea of Bellevue, Idaho; his wife, Bim; his children, Jody (Sean) Eman, Tobby Goicoechea, and Heidi (Anthony Calandra); grandchildren, Tremaine and Azuriah Rambo, Cooper and Teagan Goicoechea, AJ, Alex and Domenic Calandra; and several nephews, nieces and cousins.

Our family is so thankful for all the time we shared together and will forever have the man we love most in our hearts!

A vigil service will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Sunday, March 23, at St. Thèrése the Little Flower Catholic Church, located at 1601 Oakley Avenue, in Burley. The recitation of the rosary will begin at 6 p.m.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, March 24, also at St. Thèrése the Little Flower Catholic Church in Burley, with the Reverend Father Julio Vicente as celebrant. Urn placement will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery Columbarium in Burley.

The family has asked in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his honor to the Vasculitis Foundation: vasculitisfoundation.org.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home of Burley.

A live webcast of the Funeral Mass will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/BYbGXtMaErk.

Condolences for Clifford Scott (Cliff) Goicoechea

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Ann Garn:
Thanks for the hours of time spent in helping our children improve in basketball and your positivity. Prayers for your family.
From Carly Nelson:
I am so sorry to hear of Cliff's passing. I feel so blessed to have worked with him and Ruth. Cassia was a family . He always had such a serious look but was a very nice and genuine guy. Thoughts and prayers for you Ruth and family.
From Cindy Karlson (Otis):
Ruth, Jody (Goach), Toby and Heidi,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Cliff was such an amazing person. Always had a smile on his face and a kind heart. He will be greatly missed. I am so sorry for all your loss. Love you guys.
From Stephanie Sanderson:
Coach G not only left a lasting impression in my life as a coach but as a person too. His passion, lessons, humor, and love will always be remembered. Sending my condolences and love to Ruth and the family. Rest in peace, Coach. You will always have a special place in my heart.
From Greg Betts:
It was sad to hear of Cliff’s passing. There are so many great memories and times at and away from the hospital. My condolences to Ruth and the family for the loss.
From Shanna Legault:
Ruth and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of Cliff and Dr Klett talking race horses. He was a kind man. Prayers for comfort.
From Wayne/Delinda Schwendiman:
Ruth, we are so sorry for your loss. May the good Lord bless you and bring you peace always. We have fond memories that live in our hearts working with the both of you at Cassia for so many years. Very few couples had the privilege to work together at Cassia and serve together and volunteered together. Know you both are loved.
From Joleen Anderson :
Ruth, sending my love and condolences. I'm so sorry for your loss. Cliff was such a good man.
From Eileen Eppelmann and Felice Calandra:
Loving thoughts and prayers for Cliff and family. We feel fortunate to have known Cliff! His devotion to family is admirable.
From Ed Crumrine:
Cliff was kinda stealthy while fishing on Yankee Fork, all of a sudden he would be standing beside me. Will miss him.
From Jerry Gillette :
I would always look for Cliff whenever I was in gym in Burley or Minico. Like me he would be at every game and always with Ruth. He had a great attitude and enjoyed his passion and take on the teams. A consummate outdoorsman who spent considerable time improving nature on his own time. Met him more than once in the Stanley Basin while he was donating his time working for the forest service. Will save a spot for you on the 204 hole buddy.
From Ron and Susie Jordan:
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Cliff. Ruth (Bim) we pray for the Goicoechea Family .
From Alice Schenk:
Sweet Ruth and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of grief. Just know I am thinking of you, my friend, and I care. Alice and Wayne Schenk
From Roger Caresia:
Cliff and Ruth were great people and friends. I will miss coaching and golfing with him. Rest in peace, Cliff, till we meet again.
From Mikaela Quintana (Salazar):
Coach G was such an amazing and memorable person! The fun, life lessons you taught during my years playing under you will never be forgotten. You truly had such a great impact on my life. After your coaching days were over I would run into you at local high school ball games and we would chat about the good ol' days and you would always comment on my girls and their dance skills at the halftime performances. One of my favorite things was running into you around town or at the games to just chat and catch up on life! You will always have a place in my heart and memories! Condolences to Ruth and family. May they find peace in the time of heartache.
From Shirley M West:
Previous connections thru work together at Cassia brings many memories treasured after retirement. Keeping in mind in working with Cliff and Ruth. Prayers and blessings sent your way in your loss.
From John Evans, Jr:
Cliff was a great man. Rest in Peace
From Yolanda Garcia:
It breaks my heart to see you leave, but if you are okay with going to the lord, then, that’s okay with me. You are going to the best and only God that loves more than our parents. We will miss you. Our hearts go out to the family with prayers. Reynaldo and Yolanda Garcia.
From Dave Gibbons:
My heart is heavy today but also full of joyous memories of my good friend and coworker Cliff. I remember the night we were having an emergency in the hospital with many serious patients. Cliff walked into the lab, asked how he could help and went to work. I hired him the next day. For the next 25 years we worked together as friends. We hunted together and spent time together. I enjoyed our visits together after our retirements. I know he is finally free from the disease that has pained him so. My prayers are for Bim and her family, may God bless you and bring comfort to you souls.
From Rebecca Harper:
So sorry to hear about Cliffs passing. Always enjoyed our conversations, our projects at work, and figuring out how to fix the world! I have great memories about the “A” team that we were apart of at the hospital! Priceless. Love to Cliffs family. Love to you Ruth.
From Johanna Anderson:
Ruth and family- Thinking of you at this time and knowing that your good memories of Cliff will bring you comfort. It was a privilege to work with both of you.
From McKenzi Miller:
To Coach! The life lessons, skills, and hardwork you taught me I will hold near to my heart forever! Your kindness will never be forgotten. To Ruth & family sending you all hugs and praying for your hearts during this time.
From Mark Hopkins:
I have some amazing memories of hunting with Cliff. He taught me so much and I was always amazed at how he could out hike us young bucks. He was a mountain man and a true one of a kind. I am glad I got to go with him one last time. Thank you, Cliff. Rest in piece.
From Cindy Croft:
Ruth, please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. I'm thinking of you and your family, and sending you strength and comfort as you navigate this loss.
From Lori Parish:
Cliff was always sooo very kind to me and my children, especially Carli. We will forever be grateful for his coaching and kindness. Prayers of comfort for you Ruth and family. It’s never easy to say goodbye. All our love, The Parishes
From Debbie Robinson :
My thoughts are with Ruth & her Family… I worked with Cliff for many years- a great Man to have known …
From Linda Nay:
I worked for both Cliff and Ruth. They were both absolutely wonderful people. My condolences to the family.
From Connie Eatough:
I’m so sorry to hear of Cliffs passing! Enjoyed working with him years ago. My heart is with Ruth & her family.
From Kathleen Hawkins:
All my best to Ruth and family. May God’s peace and strength be with you all.
From Kevin Simmons:
I worked with Cliff, and Ruth for years. Cliff was a great guy, and so much fun to work with! Condolences to Ruth and his family!
From Jim Whitmore :
Always enjoyed Cliff, had a serious look about him but what a great guy! RIP
From Dave Dutton :
I met Cliff fishing at Oakley and had multiple conversations with him, enjoyed the time spent with him. Rest In Peace my friend.

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