Clifford Scott (Cliff) Goicoechea

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.