At 8:15 p.m. October 14 th, former Northglenn City Councilman William "Bill" Goodspeed passed away. Bill was diagnosed with acute Leukemia late last year and leaves behind a legacy of fighting for resident's rights and needs for more than two decades.

In 1981, Bill found himself amidst a major issue angering Northglenn residents. He started a group called Northglenn's HOPE (Homeowner's Protective Enterprise) in response to a bond issue for a proposed wastewater treatment plant in the amount of $30 million but ended up costing the citizens of Northglenn about $82 million (to which the debt will be paid off in 2009).

He wrote himself in on the November 1981 ballot and walked away with 202 votes. Though he did not win a seat in 1981 he returned in November 1983 to win a Ward 1 position as the recipient of the highest votes against four other candidates on the ballot. Since that time, Bill ran for office in four more elections with success. His last election, in 2001, is the only election that he ran unopposed.

During his tenure as councilman, Bill worked hard to protect resident's tax dollars and to keep Northglenn a safer place to live. He was active in all aspects of the city and served on various boards and commissions throughout the years. Residents from all four wards of the City felt comfortable in contacting Bill with their issues. He was always fair and objective in his dealings with the residents and he worked hard to make sure that things were happening the way that they should be according to the City Charter and state law. If not, he brought forward Charter change initiatives and ordinances that would address these things.

Some, but definitely not all, of Bill's successes as a City Councilman were:

• The ½ cent sales tax which eliminated the capital charge on our water bills .
• The 2004 Healing Field
• The creation of the Happy Tails Dog Park, recently renamed the Bill Goodspeed Happy Tails Dog Park.
• Served on the 9/11 Memorial committee placing a wonderful Memorial of the fallen first responders and victims near Broomfield's Civic Center.

For many years, Bill served on City Council as the lone voice of opposition and controversy on issues. In many instances, Bill found himself playing "devil's advocate" to encourage others to really think about what they were voting on and what the outcome would be. I am sure you will find that many council members both current and former will tell you that when Bill Goodspeed spoke, they listened and considered carefully before voting. The list of people who respect Bill's fierce determination in doing what is right by the people is a mile long.

Although Bill was term limited in 2005, he never stopped watching and listening to what was going on with the City of Northglenn - even after his term had concluded. His concern lasted until the very end of his life and was always for the residents of Northglenn. Lucky for us, Bill found the ideal mate who tolerated his love for the City these past several years. Barbara Scholten was always supportive of Bill and her support and love made him an even better man. Together they have 8 children from previous marriages. His kids are Michael Goodspeed, Stephen Goodspeed, Janice Aucoin, and Linda Antico. And her kids are William "Bill" Scholten, Vikkie Scholten-Reeves, Patricia Fritts, and Sandra Olsen. All together they have 10 grandchildren.

So...How does one describe Bill Goodspeed and pay homage to such a complicated but compassionate man who dedicated 22 years of his life to our city? It could be easily said that he was stubborn, determined, tenacious, sensitive, warm and loving and so much more - especially depending on whom you talk to. If you ask me, in addition to all those things, I would say that he was a truly wonderful loyal friend and mentor. I know that I am a better person for having known him and know the residents of Northglenn have been truly blessed to have had him looking out for us all of these years. His ideal of "never give up" and "fight for what you believe in" will forever be linked to his representation of Northglenn residents. He was a "for the people not the politics" person! Please use the space belowYourhub.com provides to add your own tributes to Bill's memory.

If you would like to send condolences to the family, please send them to Bill Goodspeed c/o Sheri Paiz, PO Box 330061, Northglenn, CO 80233.

Memorial Services are to be held as follows:

Memorial mass
Thursday, October 19th at10 am.
St. Marks Church
3141 W 96 th Avenue
Westminster, CO

Interment to immediately follow memorial mass. Public is welcome to follow to Fort Logan National Cemetery.

Contributions should be sent to The Leukemia Society of America, 5353 W Dartmouth Avenue, Denver, CO 80227.