Neil Andrew Goodall

Neil Goodall was born on 27th September 1960, in Erdington, Birmingham. He later moved to Enfield with his mother and elder brother when he was 2 years old. He attended Chace Side Primary School, before moving to Chace Boys Secondary School, where his favourite subject was motor vehicle studies. Whilst involved in this, he helped to set up the new technical workshop at the school.

Neil joined the Sea Cadets at the age of 11 ½ and progressed to the rank of Petty Officer Instructor. He worked for a year with his mother at Ford Motor Company, before joining the Navy in 1979. Neil served on HMS Ashanti and then HMS Vernon before going on to serve on HMS Sheffield. She sailed from Portsmouth on 19th November 1981 for a patrol in the Arabian Gulf. Whilst on this tour, he passed his Leading Cook’s exam, and on the return journey from the Gulf, Neil and some of his shipmates donated blood for children suffering from thalassaemia. He was looking forward to returning to Portsmouth on 4th April, so that he could announce his engagement to his girlfriend, Pat.

Neil was an avid snooker player and was also a member of the Royal British Legion and the Royal Naval Association and as well as the RNLI. He was well liked by all who knew him, for his happy go lucky personality. He was much loved by his parents, 3 brothers and 1 sister, who will treasure his memory for ever.

Neil’s portrait was taken on the occasion of his elder brother’s wedding in 1981.

____________________

Family and friends are encouraged to contribute.

We will add information to this memorial as we receive it.

If you have a photo, an anecdote, or simply to say you remember him, we will be very pleased to hear from you, so please contact the sama office at [email protected]