John Goodacre

Time is an ocean, but it ends at the shore. You may not see me tomorrow.

Bob Dylan

Obituary

John Goodacre, a beloved husband and father, passed away in his sleep on July 20, 2024 at the age of 74 after a long battle with cancer.

Born on March 8, 1950, John grew up in London and Reading. He excelled academically, graduating from Reading School in 1969 and Downing College at Cambridge University in 1972 with a Master of Arts in Local Law.

John’s first son, Christopher, was born to Wendy in 1977. In 1984, John married Gillian, his wife of forty years. His second son, Alex, was born to Gillian later that year. His third son, Simon, was born in 1986.

John had a distinguished career in law. He was a partner at Malkins, a law firm in Covent Garden, London. He moved to Quintiles in 1998 to serve as Head of European Legal Affairs. Two years later, he relocated to North Carolina with his family to serve as Senior Vice President of Risk Management and Quality Assurance at Quintiles’ headquarters in Durham. In 2007, he assumed the position of Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for Quintiles. He retired in 2015 after decades of building a strong network of friends and acquaintances across four continents. In retirement, he served on the board of directors for Cytecare Hospitals in Bangalore, India.

John held deep passions for food and wine, horse racing, golf, traveling and classic rock music. He is survived by his wife, Gillian, his sons, Christopher and Simon, his grandsons, Alex and Sammy, and his siblings, Paul and Ruth.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that mourners consider making a donation to the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Treatment Center, where John was a patient for 14 years. Their mission to provide compassionate care to patients and their families while conducting pathbreaking research into new treatments and therapies was very important to him. Details below.

Gallery

Memory wall

August 19, 2024

Gillian, Simon and family. I recently learned of John's passing and Stephanie and I want to express our sincere condolences to you and the family. We have such fond memories of times together. I always admired John for his judgement, intellect, wit and attitude. He also was always more insightful in US presidential politics than anyone I know! Our thoughts and prayers. Gerald and Stephanie

gerald roach

August 1, 2024

I was so saddened to hear of John's passing. In addition to the great thought and care he brought to his office at Quintiles as General Counsel, he also brought great joy to those around him with a laugh that could resonate through your very person. He was a one-of-a-kind gentleman. I send my heartfelt sympathies to John's family.

Patrick Jordan

July 31, 2024

I had the pleasure to work with John at Quintiles. I enjoyed his dry sense of humor, laughter, enjoyment of fine wine and good food. He was always fair in his decision- making process. My sincere condolences to his family! I know he will be missed.

Amy Berwick

July 28, 2024

John was a remarkable colleague, valued for his legal knowledge as well as incisive judgment about how to get to the heart of an issue and resolve it. He had a good sense about people – just look at how wonderful his family is! – and that trait carried over to his work, too. He made Quintiles stronger through all of his roles.

John was crazy about his family, and he was interested in other people's families. As several people have noted, he was fun and funny, too. We were all fortunate to have him as a friend, and we will miss him.

My condolences to Gillian and the rest of his family.

Julie MacMillan

July 28, 2024

As in-house regulatory counsel for Quintiles, I was fortunate to collaborate with John in his executive role for Quality Assurance. Then later, in his role as General Counsel, he was my great boss, a terrific mentor, and supportive friend. I will miss John very much.

Judith (Judy) Beach

July 28, 2024

I miss John so much. As an attorney with Quintiles, I was fortunate to collaborate with John in his role as head of Quality Assurance. Then, when he became General Counsel, I enjoyed working for him for several years. He was a great boss and mentor with a terrific sense of humor.

Judith (Judy) Beach

July 27, 2024

John was unique, every interaction was memorable and full of witty thoughts. Even a potentially dry legal presentation would end up being the highlight of the day if John was involved. John will be missed and very fondly remembered, my condolences to the family.

Bernard Dyson

July 26, 2024

John was an unforgettable figure. Whether it was a business meeting, three hour dinner or golf event, he could always be counted on to help make it a happy, memorable occasion. I’ll never forget that unbridled laugh that I could hear halfway down the hall. He will be missed and remembered by many. My condolences to Gillian, Simon, Christopher and the rest of his family.

Greg Connors

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