An In Memorium article in the September Reed Magazine:
http://www.reed.edu/reed_magazine/in-memoriam/obituaries/september2013/john-vincent-goldsmith-jr--1988.html

Johnny was the definition of good company, with an easy, non-judgmental manner and quiet charm, but there was so much more to time spent laying about with Johnny Goldsmith.  Even lazy conversations about nothing failed to remain so for long.  He brought such depth of knowledge and insight to even the most trivial subject.  At his memorial service, old friends lauded that gigantic brain of his, and confessed that at times he would acknowledge the emotional and intellectual toll of carrying around all that knowledge and fifty years of nearly complete recall.  Johnny's acute intellect may sometimes have been a burden to him, but it was a joy to trigger.  Johnny Britannica, quick with a hug, warm glint in his eye.  
-by Benn Lewis. Reprinted, with adjustments for decorum, from a submission to Reed Magazine

Love and remembrance to Johnny on his special occasion.

John kept his eyes peeled for rogue tulips, and when I saw an orange one today, in a patch of yellow, had to smile.

Since our time at Reed, John would occasionally get in touch to ask me questions about artists he liked, and in those conversations we could cover a lot of ground. He had a great memory for the small details of life that others might easily overlook, and he could tease me about things that I had nearly forgotten about. I loved John's sense of humor and his dry wit. He could keep a running joke going for years, it seemed. There is no replacement for someone like John, and I send my deepest sympathies to his children and his family. I will think of him always with a sly smile and a quick retort.

As Johnny has said, "The best medicine is a reminder that laughter helps and music heals." He was a rare combination of intelligence, character and kindness.

Dear Kathleen:
Walter and I are so sad for you and your family.  Just heard and our prayers are with you.  Best love, The Helmigs

We were so saddened to hear about John's passing.  All the Goldsmith family are in our prayers.  We are with you in spirit and offer our hugs and encouragement.

John was a very special guy.  Witty, smart as a whip and always willing to lend a hand.  I was honored to have worked with him.  I will miss him dearly.

Dear Goldsmith Family,
I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. May your memories, friends and one another bring you comfort during this most difficult time and in the days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

He was a special man who found humor and joy in the tiniest things, despite having understanding the bigger picture.  He showed courage and determination when life threw him curve calls.  Despite his great accomplishments in life, his love of  his children, his ability to parse faces, I will remember him (to his amusement no doubt) brimming with pride at getting Farah Fawcett's autograph at the Ollie North trial.  Fitting somehow.

One of the nicest, funniest, most genuine people I have ever known.

Words cannot express the sorrow. My deepest sympathy to the Goldsmith family.

May the God of comfort be your strength at this time

My thoughts are with the Goldsmith family. John's wicked sense of humor and intelligence will be greatly missed at FDA and elsewhere.

Sorry for you loss of John. Our thoughts & prayers are with all of you.
   Bob & Dorinda Hevener

John would want people he liked to laugh. 

Those of you who knew him at the Food and Drug Administration might not know how great his memory was for funny and amusing things he had seen and heard people do going back several decades.  While riding a train or airline flight, he could entertain himself with fun memories of what he had witnessed.  He would want us all to dwell on your memories of his fun quality.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time of great sadness.  Sending love and hope for healing.

You are all in our thoughts during this time of sorrow...Frank and Willie Bea

My deepest sympathy for the loss of John.  My thoughts are with you through this difficult time.

OBITUARY

John Vincent Goldsmith Jr.

8 October, 1964 – 17 February, 2013

Joseph Gawler’s Sons, LLC

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