John William Goulart

Dr. John William Goulart, 59, a devoted husband, father, and gifted surgeon, was called home to be with the Lord on August 23, 2026, in Enid, Oklahoma, leaving behind a legacy of healing and love.

John was born February 11, 1967, in Redding, California, to Dan and Diane Goulart, and grew up primarily in Santa Rosa, California. He attended the University of Oregon, proudly becoming a DUCK, and graduated in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism.

It was also at the University of Oregon, in 1985, where John met his wife, Michaela, in the dorms. The two became close friends, though life took them in different directions after graduation. Fate, however, was not finished with them. They reconnected in 1991 and were married on September 20, 1992, sharing almost 34 blessed years of marriage.

John worked in advertising in San Diego, where he lived on a sailboat, an early passion of his, but realized he was being called to serve in a medical capacity while working as a transporter at a local hospital. Dr. Goulart thus chose to pursue medicine, earning his medical degree from the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in Des Moines, Iowa (1994-1998), completing his internship at the Osteopathic Medical Center of Texas in Fort Worth, Texas (1998-1999) and his residency at Doctor's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio (1999-2003).

John and Michaela welcomed their precious daughters, Mia and Brigitte, during his years in medical school and residency. Of all the titles John held, "Dad," and especially "Girl Dad," was the one he wore most proudly. Despite the demands of his busy life, he always made time for his girls. They knew they could count on him to be there for every tournament, every show, and every play, cheering them on and sharing in the moments that mattered most.

After residency, Dr. Goulart practiced general surgery in Spokane, Washington (2003-2004), before relocating to Enid, Oklahoma, in 2004. He joined Integris Bass Hospital as a general surgeon in July 2004 and practiced there until his retirement in December 2025. He served as Chair of the Department of Surgery and on the Medical Executive Committee (2017-2025). Known by colleagues for his steadfast desire to bring innovation and advanced medical treatment to the community he loved, he led the arrival of the da Vinci robotic surgical system as head of the surgery department, the first in Enid and Northwest Oklahoma and one of the first in the entire Integris Health System. He also served on the Northwest Oklahoma Osteopathic Foundation Board (2008-2019), including as Board President (2013-2015). In honor of his commitment to growing the medical community in Enid and enhancing the community at large, a scholarship was recently established in Dr. Goulart's name to support medical students with ties to the region, particularly those pursuing general surgery.

In 2019, John and Michaela welcomed their son Blake into their lives, who was 16 years old at the time. John embraced the opportunity to guide and mentor him, helping him grow into the man he would become.

As Mia and Brigitte grew older and brought dogs of their own into the family, John happily became "Papa" to two doodles, forming a special bond with them that couldn't quite be replicated.

John's three big passions in life were John Wayne, Oregon Duck football, and weightlifting. He also relished fly fishing, golfing, hunting, crossword puzzles, and traveling with his family, with trips to Malta and Machu Picchu among his favorites. Above all, though, he loved helping others and was always "on call" for family and friends at any hour to offer his medical expertise.

In his final years, his faith deepened; though private about it, he wanted to share the love of the Lord, which gave him such "joy" and "peace."

John is survived by his wife, Michaela; children, Mia, Brigitte, and Blake; mother, Diane; mother-in-law, Brigitte; brother, Dan Goulart (Tammy); sister, Jackie Neese; sister-in-law, Francesca Burton (Blaze); nieces Mekaela, Megan, and Gabrielle; nephews Brendan and Logan; great-niece Aleah; and his beloved dogs, Lucy and Remi, along with numerous relatives and friends. Among those especially close to John was Jeff Cawley, a brother in fraternity and, most importantly, a brother in Christ, who faithfully walked beside him through both some of his most joyful and his darkest days for more than 40 years. He was preceded in death by his father, Dan Goulart; father-in-law, Thomas Taveggia; and niece, Sydney Goulart.

A visitation will be held September 2, 2026, from 6-7 p.m. at Ladusau Evans Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow on September 3, 2026, at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Enid, with Pastor Devon Krause officiating. A Celebration of Life will take place from 12-2 p.m. Details forthcoming.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dr. Goulart's name to Hospice Circle of Love and/or the John Goulart Medical Student Scholarship Program.

In keeping with John's favorite song, "Fight the Good Fight" by Triumph, which speaks to the Biblical idea that it's better to give than to receive and to do one's best to do one's part, nothing truer could be said about John.

Some lives are measured not by the years they are given, but by the lives they touch and the healing they leave behind. Dr. John Goulart devoted his life to caring for others, bringing skill, compassion, and hope to countless patients and families. Though his own life ended far too soon, the lives he healed, the people he comforted, and the love he gave will remain a lasting part of his legacy. We trust that the hands that brought healing to so many were, at last, gathered into the hands of God.

John will undoubtedly be missed by all who knew and loved him.