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Tuesday
06Jan

Remembering Steve Good

It is with deep sadness that we share with you news that Steven L. Good, CEO of Sheldon Good and Company, has passed away. His tremendous contribution to the Chicago Association of REALTORS®, and to the real estate industry, will live on as a tribute of his life’s work and passion.

As a past president of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® Steven Good made numerous contributions to the many causes we fight for. His dedication to the political causes of all REALTORS® and their clients will not be forgotten.

We extend our sincerest sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues who will truly miss Steve’s presence.

We encourage you to share your thoughts and memories of Steve with us and your fellow REALTORS® by posting a comment below. Thank you.

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Reader Comments (36)

I had the pleasure and privilege of working with Steve Good during the last three years of my employment at C.A.R. I mainly worked with him on matters related to the Realtors Commercial Alliance, as well as international real estate issues. Steve served as a director for both the National Assn. of Realtors and the Illinois Assn. of Realtors during this time.

Words are difficult to express right now. I'm sure I'll have more thoughtful things to say later on, but at this moment I just want to say that I am grateful I knew Steve. He treated me well and served the Realtor organization diligently over the years with his enthusiasm, expertise, knowledge, commitment, and financial support. I rarely saw him without that effervescent smile and a twinkle in his eye. I didn't know him as well as many others, but I will miss him.

Ginger

I have had the great pleasure to know and call Steve Good my friend. In my six years working for Sheldon Good & Company, Steve went out of his way to take an interest in me personally and professionally and made time in his extraordinarily busy schedule for me. He made a big impact on my career and opened doors for me that otherwise wouldn't have existed.

Steve was truly one of the smartest people that I have known. He always seemed to be a couple of steps ahead of what everyone else was thinking, and had a knack for looking at things differently and more creatively than anyone else.

I will never forget his bigger than life positive attitude, his incredibly quick wit and his generosity. I will miss him terribly and I know he will be sorely missed in the real estate community. My sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to his family.

January 6, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterWayne Caplan

What a remarkable man! What a tragic loss not only to the Good family, but also to the Realtor family! Steve was accomplished, generous and astute. He served as a resource to many within our industry. A brilliant thinker, he usually had the solution to a problem before most knew there was a a problem. As a fellow Past President of the Chicago Association of Realtors, I knew Steve to be deeply concerned about the well-being of the C.A.R. members even after he served his term as President. He created many opportunities for the real estate indsutry. He met challenges head on and mastered the art of problem-solving. Steve had that ever-present smile that allowed all to "warm up" to this powerful and respected professional. He had friends across the continent who adored and admired him. No one worked a room better than Steve - and before he left that room, he made sure he established lifelong friendships.

Condolences go to his loving wife, Jami, his sons, his collegaues at Sheldon Good & Co, and certainly to his father Sheldon and Susie - they loved Steve deeply.

Our work now is to remember the "good" Steve did in his life and to echo those actions with our deeds. Our memories of his accomplishments and his generosity will be his legacy. We will miss you, Steve...

John

January 6, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterJohn C. Kmiecik

Our community lost an exceptional individual yesterday. I too, am numb with grief over the untimely death of Steve Good.
There will be the inevitable discussion of why he chose the path he did; it is not how we should remember him.
He was straight to the point and the first to offer a helping hand.
He was generous to a fault.
He gave to our industry, his alma mater, his community and to a host of charities.
He loved the real estate business and poured himself into every opportunity to share his expertise.
His ego could fill a room, but he could also be all about inclusion and consensus. He found humor in his need for the spotlight, his Inaugural video was as suited for MTV as the September evening we celebrated with him just a few years ago.
There was a purpose to nearly everything he did, and his competitive spirit was memorable in its scope and depth.
Steve had decided long ago he would, to borrow from Daniel Burnham, "make no little plans." He was forever striving for the next goal, the next triumph, the next success.

I only wish he had realized how much we all valued what he had given to us, how important he was as a mentor, a leader and a friend.

Our lives go on, poorer for the loss of a life unfulfilled, richer for knowing Steve the short time he shared with all of us.

Dave Hanna

January 6, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterDave Hanna

I did not know Steve well, but in every interaction I had with him he was a gentleman. A positive fellow who would go out of his way to make sure you were doing fine. He had a inner light that would instantly brighten the mood of any environment.

He cared deeply about the Association and its members. He stayed active in the industry and particularly in his volunteer efforts at the local and national levels.

Words may and can never express the the loss that will be felt by anyone who had the privilege of knowing Steve Good. I extend my deepest sympathies to his family and friends; I will keep them in my thoughts in this time of sadness. May God keep them and comfort them.

I was deeply saddened when I heard about Steve’s passing. I may not understand why Steve left this earth so soon, or why he left before his family, friends and colleagues were ready to say good-bye, but I can and will remember that he lived…and what a life it was. Steve was one of the most charismatic people I have ever met and an incredible source of inspiration to so many people. Steve accomplished more in his one lifetime than some men could in 10 lifetimes. And, can we ever forget his fabulous smile? I know I won’t. To all who knew and loved Steve, please accept my heartfelt sympathies. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this most difficult time.

January 6, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterDeb Lopes

Steve taught me so much and he was a true friend. I will miss you deeply and I will remember all the good times we had together.

January 6, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterAmber Gitter

Steve Good...there are not enough words to state what a wonderful person he was and the appreciation that I have for being blessed by knowing him. Steve always had a smile on his face and was always focused on a new business venture for the near future and was very free in sharing his enthusiasm about the projects he was working on. His enthusiasm was highly contagious.

Whenever I spoke with Steve he would always leave me smiling and had an incredible talent of making me laugh.

Not only did we as individuals lose an amazing person, this industry lost an amazing talent and our REALTOR(R) family lost a valued friend.

I will miss him terribly. I extend my deepest sympathies to all who knew him. My prayers and positive thoughts go out to his family.

I will always remember him fondly and will miss seeing him around.

January 6, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterKimberly Trimmel

I was horrified at the loss of Steve. He and I go back 25 years and I always enjoyed his company. Although we havent spoken in a number of years , my memories of him and his vigor remain. His father Shelly and I served together on the old Chicago Board of Realtors , and my sympathies go out to the whole family. Joe Garafolo

January 6, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterJoe Garafolo

I remember sitting in Steve's office and talking with him about seeking an officer position with the Chicago Association of Realtors. It was the first time I had really had an indepth conversation with him. I felt he had much to offer the association in a leadership role.

As he went through the officer positions to the presidency, Bob and I got to know him and his family. Before he was installed as president, we went to a picnic for Sheldon Good and Company out at the McGraw Wildlife Perserve in Dundee. After lunch, he insisted in taking Bob and I for a tour of all his favorite spots. He really enjoyed hunting and fishing there, and more importantly - giving others the opportunity to enjoy such a beautiful place.

He asked me to schedule his CAR leadership retreat at the facility that fall. We started the retreat with a guided nature walk and then family style dinner in the lodge. I remember watching this room of high powered, busy professionals start to unwind from their business pressures and enjoy each other's company. Steve was every where - talking with everyone and telling them how much he appreciated them being there and part of the leadership team. We got a lot done at that retreat - lots of creative ideas that continued CAR on its premier mission to provide the best programs, products and services to the members.

The President and CEO of the association spend a lot of time together. I always appreciated Steve's enthusiasm and gusto for the adventure - for making things happen and for having fun while doing it. I saw him last for a few minutes at the NAR convention in Nov. As always he gave me a big smile and hug and wanted to know what was going on in my world.

But, when I remember Steve, I will remember the look on his face as he looked out on his favorite lake at McGraw. For someone always doing things that movers and shakers do - it was a moment of complete awe & peace. God bless Steve, he was a one of a kind.

January 6, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterDarcy Dougherty

Steve the way he wanted us to see him............in better days.

www.chicagorealtor.com/associations/6001/gallery/video/index.cfm?video=stevengood

January 6, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterDave Hanna

I was stunned when I heard the news and have still not recovered. There is such a great sense of loss. But I don't think that we will truly understand the impact of Steve's loss until time has passed. Here is a man who always stepped up to the plate. No matter how big (always better) or small the project Steve was there. He basked in the limelight. He loved publicity and looked for every opportunity to promote himself and his company.
When I was chair of the International Committee's Forums (CIREC), we asked him to speak. I was quite impressed with how well informed and how well he spoke. Steve was always very gracious and always said yes to whatever was needed.
My deepest and warmest sympathies to his wife Jami, their children, his father Sheldon and Susie and his siblings. May he find peace where ever he may be.

January 6, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterGenie Birch

I had the pleasure of meeting Steve when I first came to Chicago. His knowledge and love of his profession and his city was very enthusiastic and catching. He always had opportunities to offer and advice to share, and was a leader and mentor to many, particularly in his work and dedication to helping others succeed as well. I valued his guidance and leadership in our commercial alliances and international projects, among many other things. A room really came to life when Steve walked in. I learned a lot about many things from knowing him that can never be taken away. His personality and style were unmatched, and I will miss him greatly. My deepest condolences to all of Steve's family, friends, and colleagues.

January 6, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterDelores Shull

In our two brief meetings, I felt Steve to be very approachable, sincere and helpful. Starting out in the business and getting real advise from someone uniquely qualified to do so was monumental to my growth. I will forever be grateful and use my encounters with Steve as a model for my actions. My deepest condolene to the Good family.

Kamm

January 7, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterKamm

When I read the news of Steve, I was at a loss for words, something unusual for me. I have known Steve and his family for many years and it was always a joy to be part of a conversation with him. His zest for life and positive attitude was contagious. My condolences to his family. We will all miss his smile.

January 7, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterPaul Byron

I was President of the Chicago Jaycees when Steve was awarded as one of the 10 Outstanding Young Citizens in Chicago. We also had a program to honor outstanding police and firefighters and the next year, Steve attended that dinner and announced a program he had established to assist the families of firefighters and police killed in the line of duty. He was very generous and had a lot of personality; I'm saddened to learn of his passing and I feel tremendous sympathy toward his family during this time.

January 7, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterDave Robertson

When our real estate profession loses a member with the heart, soul and drive of Steve Good, we only can imagine how heaven waits his coming! May we all cherish those meetings and discussions that we all enjoyed through the years.

And now may he be at rest, knowing our loving Lord understands whatever burdens and troubles we all may have but He is still our meriful Lord and Savior! Rest in peace, dear Steve.

I was steve's college roommate at syracuse university. Our paths crossed again when we both spoke at SU as visiting alumni. I have fond memories of him. He was a good man.

January 7, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterMitch Reiter

Stunned, bewildered, proud & prayerful. For all concerned & especially Jami & the children, my deepest condolences as I share some of the grief & dismay at the passing of Steve who I worked for & whose expertise & kindness will linger with me forever. Should there be anything I can ever do in any way to help out now or in the future please let me know a same would be a honor. Jay Quigley.

January 7, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterJay Quigley

I live in San Diego. I have never met Steve in my life. I just read about his story and wanted to express my sympathy. My condolences to his family and friends. Rest in Peace, Steve!

January 7, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterMichelle Gorman

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