Bernard John Goldman

Bernard John Goldman passed away unexpectedly on February 6, 2026 in Seattle, Washington, at the age of 82.

Bernie was born on February 18, 1943 in Odanah, Ashland County, Wisconsin on the Bad River Indian Reservation, to Bernice Barbano and Joseph M. Goldman. His Aunts and Uncles helped his single mom raise him. He was a proud member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community of the Lake Superior Band of Chippewa Indians.

Bernie graduated in 1961 from DePadua High School. His classmates knew him as John and gave him the nickname “Bear.” He enjoyed playing football and was in other activities including choir. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Bernie was honorably discharged after three years of dedicated service - a service he spoke of with lifelong pride.

Following his military service, Bernie moved to Chicago, where he met Donna Hendricks. They married in 1966 and welcomed their daughter, Michelle, two years later. In 1970 Bernie moved his family to Missoula, Montana so he could connect with his father and pursue higher education at The University of Montana. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting in 1974 and went on to receive his Juris Doctorate in 1977 from the UM Law School. Bernie practiced law alongside his father in their successful firm, Goldman and Goldman. His marriage to Donna ended in 1984. During the 1980s, Bernie had several brief relationships. One relationship led to the birth of his son, Devlin Murray, in 1986.

A series of events in 1987 brought significant change to Bernie’s life (if you know you know). He began a new chapter in the Seattle area in 1990, establishing a delivery business. He reconnected with Linda Wikstrom in 1995 and she joined him in Seattle and was with him until the end. Bernie had many friends, an active social life, and countless adventures with Linda including international travel.

Bernie was an avid football fan throughout his life. He especially loved cheering for the Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, and Montana Grizzlies.

Bernie is survived by his partner of the last 30 years, Linda Wikstrom, and her children Jennifer (Tushar) Devidayal and William (Birgit) Wikstrom IV; his ex-wife Donna Hendricks with whom he remained friends; daughter Michelle Avery; son Devlin (Brooke) Murray; grandchildren Patricia (Daniel) Johnsen, Nicole Johnsen, Vada Murray, Evan Murray, Sanjeet Devidayal, Katelyn Devidayal, Lisa Wikstrom and Anika Wikstrom; brother Joe Goldman; half-brother David (Nancy) Lindmeir; and many nieces and nephews.

Bernie is preceded in death by his parents; half-brothers Paul Goldman and Barry Goldman; and son-in-law Mark Avery.

A small graveside service with military honors will be held on June 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Missoula City Cemetery.