Nigel Thomas Goodchild

Born on March 10, 1944, in Croydon, England, Nigel was the son of the late Theodore, an ENT surgeon, and Muriel (Barham) Goodchild, a teacher, both missionaries with the Church of England, in East Africa. After spending 18 years in Kenya, he returned to England with his family and attended St. Bartholomew’s Medical College, graduating in 1969. He was a Member of the Royal College of Physicians in the United Kingdom, initially practicing as a neonatologist and an Internist. He thereafter worked at The Royal Marsden Hospital, a specialist National Health Service oncology hospital in London, beginning what would become a lifelong career in cancer medicine. He moved to the United States in 1977 to continue his specialist training in radiation oncology.

Dr. Goodchild dedicated 50 years to treating cancer. He worked as a radiation oncologist at Tufts Medical Center before moving to become a member of the faculty at the University of Virginia Medical Center. Alongside caring for patients, he contributed to medical research in radiation oncology, co-authoring multiple papers and studies exploring new approaches to cancer treatment and regarding the use and effects of radiation in the treatment of disease. He continued his work in Florida, and thereafter moved to Cone Health in Greensboro, North Carolina. There, he spearheaded treatment for aggressive cancers in the head and neck, along with emerging treatments for prostate cancer. He cared deeply for his practice and his patients, following them for years after their treatment had ended.

He is survived by his wife, Dianna, his daughters, Joanna (Kevin) of Dunstable, England, Katharine of Marlow, England and Camilla (Anthony) of Greensboro, North Carolina, his grandchildren, Olivia, William, Sam, Carys, Isla, Charlie and Emma, his sisters Gill and Jen, also in the United Kingdom, nieces, nephews and dear friends

Aside from being a spouse, friend, father and physician, Nigel was a wanderlust chaser of the next adventure. He came to the United States a highly educated English doctor, but chased the American dream. He climbed to the top of Kilimanjaro, an ambition held since he had left Kenya at age 18. He enjoyed not just hang-gliding but being pulled to heights by an ultralight and hang-gliding from the skies. He enjoyed photography, ballroom dancing, triathlons, tennis, running, and horse riding. He lived his life in technicolor, as a supporter and lover of literature, poetry, arts, jewelry, music and dance. Nigel loved to make people laugh, whether that be through stories, dance, or drama. He leaves a legacy of friendship and laughter.

His family would like to thank those medical providers and staff who cared for him over the years, especially his final days, including but not limited to the staff and doctors of Cone Health, his beloved caregivers- Doris, Dutchess, and Jolene- who kept him safe, happy and in line (mostly).

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, followed by a private burial for family only.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to two organizations close to Nigel’s heart: Malachi House, II, and the American Cancer Society. A visitation will be held October 10, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the home of Anthony and Camilla DeBoard in Greensboro.

Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel is assisting the Goodchild family with arrangements. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com