Ralph “Bobby” Goodchild passed away September 26, 2009 at home in Arroyo Grande, California at the age of 90.  Bob was born to Alexander and Dora Goodchild on December 6, 1918.  He was born and raised in the Sisquoc – Garey Area and attended Olive School in Sisquoc, graduated from Santa Maria High School in 1937 and Santa Maria Junior College in 1940. 

Bobby was involved in cattle ranching in the Santa Maria Valley for over 50 years, retiring in 1986.  He has lived in rural Arroyo Grande since that time.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and a member of the Nipomo Men’s Club, Santa Barbara County Cattlemen’s Association and the Santa Maria Valley Pioneer Association. 

Bobby is survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Charity Righetti, and wife Blanche Forbes Goodchild.   Blanche was my Mother’s oldest sister and she and Bobby had gotten married in 1958.  Blanche passed away in September of 2002 and Bobby had lived alone for the passed seven years. 

Our son, Scott, used to spend his summers at Bob & Blanche’s ranch in the La Brea Canyon area just East of Santa Maria.  Scott has many great memories of his time with Bobby & Blanche. 

Bobby was one of the good guys in this world and he will be missed