John B. Goodman Obituary (1949 - 2016)

John B. Goodman “In frailty and vulnerability, we shine.” — John B. Goodman John B. Goodman, author, speaker and visionary chairman of The Goodman Group, passed away Sunday, March 20, from complications following a heart attack. A resident of Minnetonka Beach, John was 66 years old. John is preceded in death by his mother Georgine (Shanedling) Goodman and father Sidney A. Goodman. He is survived by son Shane Goodman (wife Carolin and grandson Daniel); sister Holly Goodman (Tom Muellerleile); nephew Chad Shapiro (wife Jennifer and children Jack and Gigi); nephew Brad Shapiro (significant other Kellye Nardi and children Keya and Jay), as well as many extended family members and countless dear friends. Born and raised in Minneapolis, John served in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1968. He graduated with honors from the University of Minnesota in 1972 and joined his father full-time in the family business. John led The Goodman Group with his heart and soul since 1976. Originally founded as Sage Company by his father Sidney A. Goodman, The Goodman Group today is a leader in developing and managing senior living communities, residential communities and commercial properties in 10 states. He is also the author of two books: The Road to Self: Reflections from a Soulful CEO, and Moments Matter: Everyday Inspiration from a Soulful CEO. John and his team of 4,200 employees celebrated the company’s 50th anniversary in 2015. The company was honored with the prestigious 2014 Performance Excellence Advancement Level Award, based on Malcolm Baldrige Criteria. In 2015, the company was the first long-term care and residential property management company in Minnesota to be named a Yellow Ribbon Company for its support of military service members and their families. John’s life-long commitment to business leadership, community service and philanthropy was remarkable. He established Intergenerational Living & Health Care, Inc. in 1992 to develop communities linking senior living and health care with children’s learning centers. He also established the Johnny B. Good Foundation in 1990 to sponsor programs that encourage individuals to accept responsibility for their lives. He served dozens of organizations in roles ranging from board member to benefactor, including National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations, World Presidents’ Organization (YPO-WPO), World Business Academy, Mount Sinai Hospital, Business for Social Responsibility, American Cancer Society, American Health Care Association and National Association of Senior Living Industries. In 2002, John received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, which is awarded to people who exemplify themselves as humanitarians. He received the 2011 Citizen of the Year award from the Largo-Mid Pinellas Chamber of Commerce. Known by his legions of friends as “Johnny,” he was a fun-loving, generous, inclusive and deeply compassionate human being. A mentor to many, John devoted his life to caring and helping others. He believed passionately in a life of service. Recently named a “Most Humble CEO” in Minnesota Business magazine, his peers describe him as a man who is “behind the limelight and has changed the world.” Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, March 24, at Temple Israel, 2324 Emerson Ave. S., Minneapolis, and a Celebration of Life will be held Thursday from 5-8 p.m. at Lafayette Club, 2800 Northview Road, Minnetonka Beach. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Intergenerational Living & Health Care Foundation, 1107 Hazeltine Boulevard, Suite #200, Chaska, MN 55318, or donor's favorite charity.