Henry Goodrich, chairman emeritus of Goodrich Petroleum Corp. (NYSE: GDP) and a founding member of its board of directors, died at age 83, the company said March 27.

The company noted that, regarding the oil and natural gas industry, Goodrich “was a pioneer in the state of Louisiana.” He began his career with Union Producing Co. in 1950, later forming Goodrich Oil Co., the company said. He ran Goodrich Oil Co. from 1975-1995, the company added. Goodrich built it “into a prominent independent” exploration and production (E&P) company, the company said.

Goodrich was interested in government policy’s impact on the energy industry, serving as president of the Louisiana Association of Independent Producers and Royalty Owners (LAIPRO), the company said.

He was a member of the Louisiana State University Alumni Association's Hall of Distinction, the Louisiana State University Alumni Federation and the board of trustees at Rhodes College, the company said.

"Although we mourn our loss with Henry's passing, we celebrate his life as a passionate, caring, genuine, generous man who enjoyed life to the fullest. He will be greatly missed by his family, fellow board members, employees, friends and acquaintances, as Henry was beloved by all that had the privilege of knowing him,” the company said.

Houston-based Goodrich Petroleum Corp. acquires, develops and produces domestic oil and natural gas.