Webster Goodwin, 96, Pewter Authority

WARWICK, R.I.

:Webster Goodwin, 96, a retired fuel oil company executive officer and past president of the American Pewter Club, died July 2, 2005. An avid and well-respected dealer and collector, he was one of the foremost authorities on American and English pewter.

Active to the very end, Web's great physical presence combined with an unequaled knowledge of the pewter field left lasting impressions on all. His mentor and great friend John Carl Thomas was often seen with Web at auctions, shows and events, and their friendship and collaborative work has left an everlasting impression on the pewter collecting world.

Over the years, Web assembled the best Eighteenth Century Newport, R.I., collection extant, a collection now held by the Newport Historical Society. His great personality, willing demeanor and true old world approach to being a gentleman made the world a better place for all, and he will be greatly missed.

Web was the husband of the late Myrtle M. (Thornton) Goodwin and the late Jeanie (Davies) Goodwin. Born in Wolfeboro, N.H., he lived in Warwick for more than 70 years where he worked in the fuel oil industry for 46 years including 15 year as president of Curran and Burton, Inc.

A 1929 graduate of Dartmouth College, he was a member of many fraternal organizations as well as the Pewter Collector's Club of American and the Smithsonian National Associates. He was a 25-year member and past president of the Warwick Lions Club and a former director of the R.I. Lions Sight Foundation.

Memorial gifts may be made to VNA of Care New England Hospice, 51 Health Lane, Warwick RI 02886.

Information and condolences at www.carpenterjenks.com.