David A. Goldfoot Obituary

On October 8, 2023, the world lost a remarkable man. David Alan Goldfoot passed away in Austin, Texas, at the age of 81. Born in Portland, Oregon, on August 2, 1942, to Maurice and Mildred Goldfoot, David grew up with his older sister, Nadene, in a multicultural community. All who knew him described David as brilliant, kind, fun loving, creative, and a wonderful friend.

At just ten years of age, he broke barriers by becoming the first Jewish child to be named Prime Minister of Portland's Junior Rose Festival. In 2003, his lasting influence on his community was honored when he was knighted as Sir David Goldfoot of Rosaria. As a teen, he spent a summer as an AFS exchange student in Germany and developed a life-long interest in foreign languages. He became fluent in German and Dutch and learned Spanish and Greek before traveling.

He graduated from Reed College in 1964. In December of that year, he married Heather Birnie, also from Portland. After David graduated from Oregon Health & Science University with a Ph.D. in Medical Psychology, the couple moved to the Netherlands, where he conducted postdoctoral research in reproductive endocrinology at Erasmus University in Rotterdam.

David began his career as a research scientist at the Wisconsin Primate Research Center, where he authored or co-authored more than 25 papers. Later, he retrained in clinical psychology and co-founded Mental Health Solutions in Madison, Wisconsin. He was a widely respected psychologist who specialized in working with individuals with anger problems and sexual addictions. In addition to his clinical work, David's computer skills made the clinic run smoothly with innovative programs which documented clients' progress. After retirement in Austin, Texas, he developed smartphone apps to help individuals with behavioral addictions.

David was curious and always looking for new challenges. He learned to play the dobro, made videos for the UT LAMP program and for special occasions with his many friends, taught his Austin friends to play poker, and supported Lorraine in her quest to turn Texas blue. David and Lorraine enjoyed exploring Europe, South America, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean islands. He loved to visit Germany and Austria so he could speak German with family and friends.

David was a devoted father who taught his children to love learning and to treat all people equally. He supported their interests, celebrated their successes, and was there when times were difficult. As a partner, he was beyond compare supportive, kind, patient, and thoughtful.

David will be remembered by his loving wife, Lorraine Broll, his sons Joel (Jill Jodar) and Josh (Matthew Berry), his daughter, Michelle, his sister, Nadene Goldfoot, and his beloved poodle, Roxy.

There will be a celebration of David's life later this fall in Austin. In lieu of flowers, contributions in David's memory may be made to Cancer Research Institute (www.cancerresearch.org)