Wallace (Wally) Martin Good, PhD, aged 98, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2018. He was born on August 9, 1920 to John William and Marie Galbreath Good.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on September 22, 2018 at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church, 4501 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Lakeside Nature Center or the Fran and Wally Good Re-entry Scholarship Fund. 

Wally graduated from Park College in 1948 and married Mary Frances Triplett in 1943. He went on research trips in the Midwest and Canada, studying red-winged blackbirds, and spent five summers as a naturalist at Yellowstone National Park, accompanied by his wife and children.

Wally received his Masters and PhD from the University of Kansas. He began teaching biology in 1952 at Wyandotte High School, where he formed the Science Field Club. He mentored students, along with professors from local colleges. He took them on numerous research field trips throughout the region. Starting in the early 60’s, Wally taught for 20 years at Southwest High School He wanted these students to also experience field work, so he often took his classes on weekend trips. He promoted the idea of students self-grading their papers and tests. His greatest joy was providing students with opportunities to think and question.

Wally received many honors and awards, including a Park College Distinguished Alumnus Award. In 1958, Wally testified in Washington D. C. in support of H.R. 9939, which allocated money to several states so clubs similar to the Science Field Club could be established. In 1999, he and Fran established a scholarship at Longview and Maple Woods community colleges to help reentry students. This fund helped hundreds of students over the years.

Wally was preceded in death by his son, John Wallace, in 1962, his wife Fran in 2000, and his second wife, Charlotte Thayer, in 2013. Survivors include his daughter, Elaine Good, of Kansas City, Jack and Mary Triplett of Palmyra, MO, and several generations of nieces and nephews. 

The many of us who grieve Wally will not forget his generosity, kindness, and humor. He was a man who truly made a difference in education and individual lives.