Kearney family sent off UC Cooperative Extension farm advisor Pete Goodell with a pot luck lunch and warm wishes today, his last before completing a distinguished 36-year career, the last 26 at Kearney. Read more about Goodell's career here.

The University of California has conferred on Goodell the honor of emeritus status, enabling him to fulfill his goal of working in collaborative entomology during retirement. Goodell and his colleagues will bring together a diverse group of Californians to enhance understanding of pests, pesticides and integrated pest management.

In retirement he will also pursue his passion for the Great Outdoors. Goodell plans to hike the John Muir Trail one segment at a time, and visit the National Parks in the western United States in style, by staying at historical lodges.

Kearney director Jeff Dahlberg, right, presented letters, a certificate and medallion to the retiring advisor. In the center is Pete's longtime colleague Cherie McDougald.

Pete is known for his honesty. He says, "A cap is an honest toupe."

 

Pete thanked his wife of 42 years, Nancy, for supporting him throughout his demanding career.

 

Pete's first mobile phone. Calls cost 50 cents per minute.

 

Pete's first transportable computer.

 

Several of Pete's colleagues praised his integrity, professionalism and work ethic, including (clockwise from upper left) retired entomology farm advisor Rich Coviello, Kearney director Jeff Dahlberg, Kearney program and facility coordinator Laura Van der Staay, and UC IPM academic coordinator Lori Berger.

 

Pete's colleagues and friends wrote retirement sentiments on Jenga blocks. For Pete, Jenga represents the complexity and interconnectedness of systems - pest control systems, social support systems, any system.

Pete collected his name badges since graduate school. He said they represented the many opportunities UC offered for collaboration and extension.