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John Goodban Obituary
Born: December 23, 1941
Died: November 1, 2021
John Nicholas "Nick" Goodban was born in Hong Kong on December 23, 1941, two days before the Japanese captured the British colony. His parents and he, who were British subjects, were held captive until the end of WWII. After attending boarding schools in England, Nick immigrated to the U. S. where he attended graduate school at the University of Illinois, Urbana. He later became a U. S. citizen.
He passed on November 1, 2021 from complications related to Alzheimer's. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Mary Goodban, and is survived by his wife, Marjorie, and daughters, Joanna and Caroline, in Colorado; and his younger siblings: Diana, in Scotland; Katharine, in Wales; and David, in England.
Nick was Senior Vice-President for Philanthropy at the Tribune McCormick Foundation and was the recipient of numerous awards related to the support of charitable organizations in Chicago. He was known for his kindness and energy, a humanitarian who had a concern for and interest in everyone. His outside interests included being first cellist for the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra, also serving as its president; a member of the Elmhurst Chorale Union and an occasional soloist; an instructor for a BMW high-speed driving school; and a finisher of a number of marathons and triathlons.
A Memorial Service will be held for Nick on Thursday, December 2, 2021 at 1:00pm at Horan & McConaty, 7577 W. 80th Ave. Arvada, CO 80003.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Goodban
Sponsored by Horan & McConaty Funeral Service & Cremation - Northwest/Arvada.
Ellen Collins
February 5, 2026
Nick showed compassion and kindness to me when I worked at the McCormick Foundation. I thought of him today...
Kenneth
December 23, 2025
Mary Lou Schmidt, MD
April 20, 2024
Family of Nick-
This is Mary Lou Schmidt.
I was a Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellow at Children´s Memorial Hospital when Caroline was being treated there. I want to send my belated condolences to all of you for the loss of your beloved husband and father. All of you were so kind to me at a very critical point in my training. I will be retiring on 5/31/24 after working as a Pediatric Oncologist for nearly 32 years at UIC College of Medicine. I just found a card that you sent me back in 1991.
It meant a lot to me then and means even more now. I wish you all much health and happiness. Kindly, Mary Lou
Alexandra Altman
January 19, 2022
I just found this and was sad to see the news. I worked with Nick at McCormick in the 1990s until his retirement - he was my first boss! He was so kind to me and I still cherish the memories. He taught me so much and made us all laugh. My heart goes out to his family and friends as they grieve his loss.
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Andy Cade
December 15, 2021
I am sorry to learn of your loss of Nick. I remember him from my school days. Nick breezed in to The Royal Masonic School for Boys in the mid 1960s as a breath of fresh air. He drove a Lotus Elan sports car, and taught English and current affairs. He was only there for a couple of years but made a lasting impression as one of the good guys. I am in no doubt he will be missed by many. Sincere condolences to you, his family and friends.
Jeanette
November 30, 2021
I am truly sorry for the loss of Nick. I will always remember his cheerful face, bright eyes, and smile.
Maggie Hope-Simpson
November 28, 2021
Dearest Marjorie and family, we are so saddened by this news of Nick. Sending you all our love and deepest condolences. Maggie and all of the Hope-Simpson family in Nova Scotia
Vivian Vahlberg
November 20, 2021
Marjorie - I was so sad to learn of Nick´s passing. I learned so much from Nick at McCormick. My heart goes out to you. Vivian
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Memorial Events
for John Goodban
Dec
2
Memorial service
1:00 p.m.
Horan & McConaty Funeral Service & Cremation - Northwest/Arvada7577 W. 80th Avenue, Arvada, CO 80003
Funeral services provided by:
Horan & McConaty Funeral Service & Cremation - Northwest/Arvada7577 W. 80th Avenue, Arvada, CO 80003
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Chicago, IL
Suburban Life Publications
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