Linda Goto passed away earlier this week. We are rerunning this Have You Met Interview from early in 2002.
Linda Goto is probably best known for three things: her inner beauty, her outer beauty, and her husband Leo, with whom she runs the popular Wellshire Inn.
This year, Linda has two major charity events on her plate. She is the incoming board chair for the 2002 Cherry Creek Arts Festival. Along with David Alexander, she is also co-chairing the MASK Project for Hospice of Metro Denver.
The MASK Project Gala is April 27, 2002. Linda and the rest of her committee are working to procure 500 high-quality masks to be sold. Helping them is actor Danny Glover, who will lean on his friends in the entertainment business to try their hand at painting a mask for the Denver event. The goal is to net $750,000 for Hospice of Metro Denver.
Proceeds from the wildly successful Cherry Creek Arts Festival, held during the 4th of July Holiday, help fund mobile art facilities in metro public schools.
Saturdays are likely to find her in: Comfortable jeans, a T-shirt and blazer with loafers.
Favorite clothing stores: I really don't like to shop.
What gives a woman style?: Style is a reflection of a woman's inner feelings about herself.
Interests: I love to garden, don't wear gloves and my hands show it. I also look forward to the "Girls" Cattle Round-up in the fall.
Favorite Denver restaurants: Besides The Wellshire Inn, I like Papillion and Strings.
Favorite book: I like historical books and especially enjoy the history of Great Britain. Like most women, I enjoyed The Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood.
Favorite quote: I have two favorite quotes:
Pets: A 95-pound Bouvier DeFlaunders named Anastasia, Annie for short.
What three things do you always have in your refrigerator? Cold champagne for me, frozen vanilla yogurt for Leo and hot peppers.
What's your favorite comfort food? Spicy ethnic foods.
What was your most memorable meal? My grandma was very important in my life and I have wonderful memories of preparing holiday foods with her.
Where do you go in home to feel completely relaxed and just think? In the summer, I sit on the front porch with beautiful flowers and in the winter, I sit by the fireplace.
If money and time were no object, what dream project would you do (to your home). Have separate "his" and "her" offices!
What was the most unusual thing you've ever decorated your home with? Tons of photographs…I don't have any family left so all of the photographs are an extension of my family.
What have you lost in your home that you never found - and would love back? Several years ago, Leo received the Jefferson Award. It was quite an honor. The medallion was presented to him in Washington D.C. and we can't find it anywhere in the house.
When you move, what will your home tell its next owner, about you? We could never throw anything away!!!
What one word describes you best? Loyal
What word would you like others to use to describe you? Caring and honest.
If your life were a movie, what movie would it be? Who would play your part? It would be called "It's a Wonderful Life" and anyone who can dance and sing, since I can do neither!
Who is your hero? Why? My grandma. She instilled in me the greatness and beauty of nature. She was a very independent, yet nurturing person.
What is your pet peeve? Road Rage is definitely my pet peeve. I also don't like big vehicles that take up 1½ parking spaces.
Where can you be found at midnight? I am a night owl and I enjoy watching The Charlie Rose Show.
What was your first job? Babysitting.
What would you do if you were king of world? Request tolerance and acceptance.
What word or expression do you use too many? I say, "yes" too much.
If there were one thing you would change about yourself, what would it be? I am lazy when it comes to physical activity. I need to be more disciplined about exercise.
What is your greatest indulgence? On Sunday mornings, when Leo is at work, I like to stay in my pajamas and read the entire newspaper.
Best gift you ever gave? I've given Leo my total unconditional love.
If you could have a no-holds barred shopping spree, where would you go? To a travel agent and arrange a trip to the Orient Express.
What is one thing nobody knows about you? They still are not going to know it.
If you could be something other than what you are, what would you be? I love mysteries and have always been interested in Forensic Science. I would also enjoy being a Film Editor.
What is your favorite childhood memory? While in California, Saturday trips to Farmer's Market and Knott's Berry Farm with my family.
Who is the most interesting celebrity you ever met? Mel Torme was the sweetest. I was president of the Symphony Guild and I picked him up at the airport for a concert. He was wearing a scarf that was a gift from one of his children and it still had a tag from Penny's on it. I told him about my Grandmother being in the hospital an he bought a book about Will Rogers, autographed it an sent it to her at the hospital.
What makes you laugh? I particularly enjoy British humor.
What is your favorite item of clothing in your closet? A pair of Calvin Klein jeans.
What do you consider your proudest achievement? Being a good friend. I value my friendships and know you have to be a friend to have a friend.
What is your greatest regret? Not getting my degree in an area I really had a passion for.
What is your personal motto? Do it today, it won't get any easier tomorrow.
What might your epitaph read? It would say "To be continued…"
What is the best advice your Mom/Dad ever gave you? My Mom always said "Listen to your Grandmother". And my Grandmother said "Linda you would be a fool to let this one (Leo) go".
