Terence J. Gooding Ph.D.

1934 - 2023

Terence J. Gooding. Ph.D, age 89, passed away peacefully from a long illness on April 1, 2023 at his home in San Diego, California surrounded by his family. He is survived by his beloved wife Barbara, children Tony, Terry Jr., Paul, his daughter Kathryn (Valverde), twelve grandchildren and Barbara's seven grandchildren, and his two surviving siblings, Margaret Gooding, and Maureen Wischhusen (Molly).
Terry was born in Risca, Gwent, South Wales on March 27, 1934, the son of Ivin and Frances Gooding who had seven children. At age 16 Terry was accepted at Swansea University, now the University of Wales, graduating magna cum laude. He was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to the University of Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA where he earned his Ph.D. in nuclear physics when he was 23 years old.
Terry returned to the United Kingdom and joined the British Atomic Energy Authority and was noted to be the youngest nuclear scientist in the UK at that time. Terry's career path turned to entrepreneurship, developing and acquiring companies providing scientific instruments. In 1965 he co-founded Maxwell Laboratories Inc., a San Diego-based electronics company providing advanced physics, pulsed power and other research development services to the U.S. military and other government agencies.
He became Chairman and CEO of Cambridge Instruments PLC and Leica PLC. In 1990 he negotiated the merger of Cambridge and Wild Leiz Holding AG to form Leica AG one of the world's largest producers of optical and scientific instruments. President of Picker International – global leader in diagnostic imaging such as X-ray machines, body scanners, ultrasound and nuclear medical instruments (MRI). Chairman and CEO of Wavetek - he took the company private in 1991 - global manufacturer and marketer of a broad line of electronic test and measurement equipment. In 1998 sold Wavetek to Wandel & Goltermann. In 1999 he acquired Grass Valley Group, Inc.- a television production and broadcasting equipment video business from Tektronix, Inc.
Terry established the Gooding Family Foundation in 1997 – giving primarily for medical research, human services and children and youth services.
Terry had a full life. He had a passion for science and the care of his family and friends. He will be sorely missed by all.
Funeral and burial will take place at El Camino Memorial Park in Sorrento Valley, 5600 Carroll Canyon Road, San Diego, CA. 92121 on April 21, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. (Viewing optional from 10 - 10:30.)