It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dick Goode, a club Vice-president, former 1st XI player, 2nd XI coach, club kit manager, newsletter editor and holder of a number of other club volunteer positions over the years.

“Goodey”, as he was known to most of his friends, was very much an “old school” club hockey player, relying on a strong hit to clear the lines from the back and to strike penalty corners, and effortlessly combining a competitive nature with a keen sense of humour. Whatever happened on the pitch he could always be found standing at the bar after the game, pint in hand, holding court on various aspects of the game and always quick to enter into banter with teammates, opponents and officials alike. However, it was on tour, either with Chelmsford or the Undesirables touring team, that Goodey really came into his own, leading late-night revelry in the bar, making full use of an almost elephantine recall of ribald touring songs.

Goodey will be missed by his many friends at Chelmsford Hockey Club. Our thoughts are with Chris, his wife, and son, Phil, also a former Chelmsford HC player.

Goodey’s funeral will take place at 12:30pm on Friday, 17th September at the South Chapel, Chelmsford Crematorium and mourners are invited to join Goodey’s family afterwards at the Horse & Groom, Roxwell Road, Writtle, CM1 3RU. Donations please to Cancer Research via Chelmsford Star Co-op Funeral Directors, 348 Baddow Road, Great Baddow, Chelmsford, CM2 9RA.