why the plus sign?

Eleven years ago, the Goade family faced an unimaginable loss with the passing of Rich Goade, the heart and soul of their household. Left behind were Amy, his beloved widow, and their three daughters, Madison, Mckenna, and Monroe, each carrying a piece of Rich's vibrant spirit within them. Where are they now?

Rosemary and Jerold Goade Sr. were blessed with the baby of their family, Richard Stephen Goade on May 2nd 1972. Rich was raised in a loving home in Seattle, on a street which was later the inspiration for the brother’s company name, Eddy Street Productions. Rich carried a certain charm that brought all those he met to adore him. He attended Saint Edwards Elementary School and later John F. Kennedy High School, from which he graduated with the title "quickest with the comebacks" in 1990. His blonde, curly locks and charming personality caught the eyes of many young ladies, but only one young lady caught his handsome hazel eyes in the end. Rich passed Amy's test and forever more they would be “Rich and Amy”. At age 18 Rich was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints by Amy's father, David Tingey, on November 24, 1990. When Amy moved to Utah to attend BYU, Rich sold everything he owned, even his car, to follow her, leaving behind his family and friends. There he attended UVSC. Later that year, Rich and Amy were married and sealed for time and eternity in the Seattle Temple, August 25, 1992. Three years later, the couple held their first baby girl in their arms, wonderful Madison. Rich was soon hired as a graphic designer at Microsoft and the family of three moved back home to Washington. In 1999 they were blessed with a second daughter, energetic Mckenna. Carpooling to work some days, Rich's brother, Paul, would ask him, "Are you ready to change the world today?" Rich adopted this mantra and began to tell his girls as they left for school to change the world. Rich left Microsoft after 8 years and went to work on the Starbucks Music Store. Soon after Amy learned she was finally pregnant again after many years of hoping, Rich was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in April 2006. The doctors explained that he would probably live 2-5 more years. The Goade family was scared and heart broken but endured with faith. They had each other and they had the Lord who sustained them and changed them to be able to meet this challenge. Rich had his first surgery and then later started chemotherapy in August 2006. This chemotherapy caused a severe adverse reaction that sent Rich to the hospital in an ambulance with heart spasms. The next week Amy gave birth to beautiful baby girl, Monroe, and a few days later Rich had another trip to the hospital in an ambulance with heart spasms again. Monroe was born in the midst of fear and pain but she brought with her light and joy for the whole family. Monroe, who was soon nicknamed "Rosie", gave the Goade's something to smile about. Rich and his girls chose the middle name “Evangeline” for her because it means “bringer of good news” and she did. She brought happiness back to the Goade family. A year after working for Starbucks, Rich began his dream job at Apple. He was able to work remotely from Washington while he was getting chemotherapy treatment. Rich loved working on great design and he loved changing the world. Madison was 12, Mckenna was 8, and Rosie was 2 when the family, guided by God, moved to Utah and began working for the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints as a designer. To no surprise, Rich made friends quickly. Neighbors grew to be like family. Rich, through his trials, taught everyone many things: patience, long-suffering, positivity, love, gratitude, humor and so much more. Rich was an instrument in God's hands bringing people to Christ through his example. Over the course of seven years, cancer was in their lives, but it didn't take over. That's something the Goade’s always made sure of. It was the roller coaster of a lifetime. Rich endured, 4 major surgeries and a few minor ones, countless rounds of chemo, and even more miracles and tender mercies which strengthened him and his relationship with his Savior. He also read thousands of scriptures, said countless prayers, received many priesthood blessings and maintained the charm and spunk he had always possessed. Madison says - God taught us that He has a plan. He knows what is best for us and will do what is best for us. Even if we don't see it at the time He will lead us along to see it His way if we let Him. We have learned to trust in the Lord's timing: My dad lived way longer than statistics said, Rosie was born when we needed her most and Heavenly Father came when it was time to bring my dad’s spirit home. God also showed us that He places angels both seen and unseen around us to bear us up. These seen angels came in the form of family, friends, neighbors and even strangers who we lovingly refer to as Team Goade. They support us in every possible way. This gave my dad the strength to let go of needing to take care of us in this way and let him not fear for our futures. We came to learn that the Lord is even in these details. On May 2nd, 2013, on his 41st birthday, my dad's spirit left this world. Being the person he was, he defied all expectations for his passing and his life on earth simply came to a quiet, slow stop when he was called home. My dad did in fact change the world. He changed the way we love and the way we live. My dad wasn't able to serve a formal mission for the Gospel he so admired, but he did serve his Father in Heaven and he brought hundreds to Christ. Now, he walks with Him and my dad will continue to change the world. His favorite scripture, Doctrine and Covenants 84:88, reads "And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand, and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you to bear you up." My dad is one of His angels now. He will bear me up. He will bear all of us up because that’s the man he is. " Richard Stephen Goade leaves behind his wife Amanda (Amy) Goade, daughters Madison, Mckenna and Monroe (Rosie). His mom and dad Rosemary and Jerold Goade, his brothers Jerry (Ruth) and Paul (Lisa), sisters Erin Waltner (Al) and Kelly Kennedy-Vidacovich (Billy). He joins his angel sister Colleen Goade. 1968-1980. He also leaves behind countless aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends and all of Team Goade. 

One man’s 7-year battle with cancer yielded gratitude, a ‘thankful app’ despite the hardships