Joseph Maurice GOODHART
The Goodhart family is saddened to announce the passing of Joseph Maurice Goodhart on March 28, 2026. A man of deep integrity, Joseph dedicated his life to service, learning, and the betterment of others. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, generosity, intellect, and a great love for his family and friends.
Joseph was born in Sunderland, England on February 3, 1938. He was one of eight siblings. Joseph met the love of his life, Lydia, his wife of almost 65 years, when he was 18 and she was 16 at a dance studio. He attended medical school in the now renamed Newcastle University School of Medicine where he graduated in Internal Medicine. A few years later he convinced Lydia to uproot her life and their small children to the cold and snowy Fort Frances, Ontario in Canada.
Joseph quickly made a name for himself, not only for his achievements in medicine, but for the way he made people feel; valued, understood, and cared for. A few years later, the family moved to an even colder region, Edmonton Alberta. Joseph practiced medicine in the field of Gastroenterology and spent some time as Chief of Medicine at the Royal Alexandra Hospital shaping the careers of many young doctors and nurses.
Beyond his career, he was a devoted family man who cherished time with loved ones. He was a man of few and measured words. His guidance, kindness, and quiet strength were a constant source of support and inspiration to his family and friends.
He loved sports and joked that if he wasn’t a doctor, he would most likely be a professional soccer player. Television viewing was a rotation of BNN, golf, soccer, hockey, curling, and the NFL. Joseph loved life. He loved a glass of scotch and bonded with many family members and friends over a glass or two while playing cards. Joseph had an incredible thirst for knowledge. Religion, languages, you name it, he knew about it. He loved family dinners with a roast and Yorkshire puddings.
Joseph Goodhart is survived by his loving wife Lydia, children Karen (Andrew), Philip (Ann), Fiona (Warren), Andrew (Nadia), daughter-in-law Marilou and his sisters Winnifred and Rita. He was predeceased by his son David, his parents, his brothers Armand, Paul, Maurice, Louis and his sister Marie. He had fifteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren which brought him immense joy.
He is deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his beloved wife Lydia, his family, friends, colleagues, and all who knew him. Joe would like to let you know that his work here is done. He is looking forward to being reunited with family and friends he has not seen in a long time.
There will be a celebration of life of Dr. Joseph Goodhart on May 1, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Derrick Golf and Winter Club 3500 119 St NW, Edmonton. Donations can be made to the Covenant Health Foundation (Grey Nuns) and the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice.
Wishing Lydia and family peace during this very difficult time. Al and Jill Comeau
Uncle Joe you were always one of my favorite uncles, Keith and I loved our last holiday together when we visited you and aunty Lydia in Canada from England
You were so like my Dad your brother Louis who just died 4 weeks before you, you both had the same dry sense of humour and love ordering useless things online.
Your at peace now and I hope you have reunited with your son and family, sleep tight uncle Joe love Lindsey and family xx
Sorry to hear this Andrew. Condolences to you and your family
Karen, Andrew and family. Our condolences for the loss of your wonderful Dad. We know he has been a guiding light for your family. Your family and especially Mom are in our daily thoughts. Take good care. Garry and Carleen
What a beautiful testament to a life well lived. Karen, I can now understand and see how you follow those big footsteps! My thoughts are with you and your family as you mourn the loss of your dad, I hope the community your dad created and all the memories you have together carry you through the days to come.
You are in my thoughts.
Kelly
“ Dear Lydia, Please accept our deepest condolences. Joe was such a respected figure in the medical community, but we all knew that his greatest joy was the life he built with you. To have shared 65 years of marriage is a rare and beautiful testament to the love you both held. Wishing you peace and comfort during this time.”
Sheila and Brent Buchanan
What a fitting tribute for a lovely man. Sending love and condolences to all of the family as you farewell Dr Goodhart. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
May his memory be a blessing.
—Cindy Larson
Andrew & Nadia:
Please accept our condolences! The photos of family game night also showed what a special grandfather he was! His work here is done and it sure sounds like he touched many lives along his journey!
The Rambaran family
Dear Lydia and family,
Sending you my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. May you take comfort in all the wonderful memories you have with Joe. He was an inspiration to so many and will be truly missed.
Thinking of you
❤️Charlene Harris
My condolences to Dr. Goodhart’s family. My husband, Dr. Alastair Rankin and Dr. Goodhart Curled on the Doctor’s Curling League for decades. We always enjoyed the bonspiels and celebrations after the bonspiels. Take care, Lydia. Freda
Karen and All
The Goodharts: Dr Goodhart came to my rescue for medical help
when attending Nursing School with Karen. I so enjoyed visiting your home and Mrs. Goodhart. I enjoyed our chats regarding curling.
A kind and generous man. I’m very sorry on this tremendous loss. Love: Edie
Karen, Andrew and family – our condolences to you all. May you find peace in your happy memories of a life well lived. Robin and Melanie Fainsinger.
I was a patient of Dr. Goodhart’s from 1976 until the 90’s. I have to share this story because Dr. Goodhart was the kindest, most compassionate, understanding and knowledgeable doctor. I was extremely ill and for a month in 1976 (when I was 28) no doctor could figure out why I was so sick. They stopped treating me. I met Dr. Goodhart by chance (thru a friend who worked for him) and he diagnosed me in the first half hour. I had ulcerative colitis which is a serious digestive disorder. He looked after me with such compassion and figured out how to treat my disease. He used to call me “Pet”!! “Don’t worry Pet, you’ll be alright”. I am 77 now and have learned to control my disease and consider myself quite healthy. I am saddened to hear of his death. What a wonderful man! What a wonderful Doctor! We lost a good one.
Dear Lydia and Family:
I am so sorry and sad to read of Joe’s death. My heart goes out to you; may your wonderful memories help you find peace at this difficult time.
What a wonderful life Joe had. I will always remember special times at the Derrick – always a friendly greeting and chats about our golf. We often called him “Dr. Joe”. I will remember his quiet ways and greetings when we met there. There are no “right words” at a time like this, but I want you to know I am thinking about you at this difficult time. Pease accept my sincere sympathy on your great loss.
Lynn Crockett