Career
He was born in Carbonear, the son of the Reverend John C. Goodison and Elizabeth Ann Rorke, the daughter of John Rorke. Goodison was educated in Carbonear and in Eastbourne, England. Goodison served as speaker for the Newfoundland assembly from 1913 to 1917, when he resigned his seat.
Goodison was then named a government purchasing agent and a public censor.
He served as an inspector of lighthouses from 1918 until 1920, when he was named accountant for the Government Savings Bank.
