Malcolm Goodridge died peacefully on March 29 at his home in Beaufort County, S.C. He was 87.

Malcolm and his family were summer residents of the Vineyard, arriving in 1980 and settling in West Chop for the next 40 years. He played an active role in West Chop and then later in the Vineyard community, volunteering his time for various organizations. At the age of 85, he was still volunteering at the Vineyard Haven Chamber of Commerce.

Malcolm was born and lived in New York City during his formative years. He was dyslexic throughout his life and never graduated from high school.

After serving two years with the 101st Airborne Division, he attended Hobart College and barely graduated in 1961. In the 90s he became an active trustee at Hobart College.

His career began with the First National City Bank (CitiCorp) and then continued at American Express Co. where he spent 25-plus years. He developed the successful account manager concept for the company’s major travel-related customers.

His motto? “When you dance with the customer, make sure they lead.”

While at American Express, he was honored in 1998 by the Lab School in Washington, D.C, as a successful dyslexic business leader — an event hosted by First Lady Nancy Reagan.

Following a successful career with corporate moves to Memphis, Chicago and London, he and his wife Susan of 57 years moved to Beaufort County in 1995. While in Beaufort, he became very active in local organizations. He established a foundation, raising almost $1,000,000 to help children who learn differently — helping 350 children in eight Beaufort County Schools.

While living in Boston in the late 90’s, he became involved with the Boston Boys and Girls Club, mentoring 10 young men from Charlestown through high school and beyond. All became solid citizens, following his mottos: “Never Give Up!” and “It’s not how hard you fall, it’s how high you bounce.”

His final endeavor was to honor his great-grandfather, George C. Boldt (a past trustee of Cornell University and the original owner of the Waldorf Astoria) by establishing a scholarship in his name for students who reside in upstate New York.

He was married to the late Susan W. Goodridge for 57 years. He is survived by his four children, Katherine, Charles, Tyson, David and seven grandchildren.

In Lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Boldt Scholarship, Northern New York Community Foundation, 13 Washington Street, Watertown, N.Y., 13601 attn: Rande S. Richardson, rande@nnycf.org.