The obituary notice of Godfrey (Goff) SUCKLING

A message from all of us in Canada to express our heartfelt condolences to the Suckling family and friends. We have beautiful memories from our days at the Royal Oak and the joy, love and kindness that Uncle Goff and Auntie Babs shared with us. We will treasure those memories and although we are many miles away, we feel so sad to have lost such a genuinely good and kind person. Our thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. Xoxox from Tanya, Samantha and our families

I lived in Broughton in my childhood and teenage years. I remember Goff and his family moving into the Royal and also living for a short time in the Malthouse and other properties in the area after they had left the Royal.

I will always remember, and be hugely grateful to Goff for the kindness he (and Barbara) showed to my family during a difficult time in our lives.

When I was 13 my mother was in hospital for quite a long stay. My father was a shift worker. When he was working afternoon shifts, I’d come home from school to an empty flat. My cooking skills were very basic to say the least. On these occasions, Goff arranged for me to go to the Royal, where he would cook me an evening meal (before the Royal opened for business). This was a huge help to my family at a difficult time for us.

I also remember playing chess with Goff when I was older, in the lounge bar of the Royal when Goff was no longer landlord. Goff taught me “Fool’s Mate”, where he check mated me in about three moves.

He was a lovely kind man who I’m sure will be missed greatly by his family and friends.

My condolences to Karen and Debbie and the rest of his family and friends.

Clive Rowan