Obituaries

R. W. Bro. Edwin Bryan Goodwin

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Published: Thursday, 12 March 2026 10:21

Written by Steve Roberts

Some words from W. Bro. David Clemson attending the funeral of R.W. Bro. Eddy Goodwin

Morning, the 4th of March 2026, from my window there was almost no view, such was the mist. Today was to be my first trip to Amersham. The mist prevailed, even at Amersham and as I walked up the hill, still barely able to see beyond 100 yards. 

I had the time affixed in my mind for 11.00...and then to find it was 1.00. This gave me much time to further my thought, having spoken of Eddie the previous evening. Bit by bit a number of friends (Brethren) began to arrive, we shared out various memories of Eddie. I have plenty to share, having known him for over 25 years. We had been members of the same lodges, councils etc. for many years and I had the privilege of working very closely with him.

Eddie arrived to a full guard of honour provided by the St John's Ambulance, within which he was a major contributor and mentor within his local area. 

There was a fantastic, diverse and inclusive attendance at the celebration of, and thanksgiving for, his life. His family - son, daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren - and many friends from various aspects of his life, RAF, GPO/British Telecom and many Masonic Brethren. 

This is not the place to give an extensive review of Eddie's many masonic activities and achievements. He was, within London our District Grand Prefect, succeeding Gordon Gentry, then followed by Colin Woodcock. Scott Cargill and I sat together during a very moving service where we both learnt more of the tremendous contribution made outside masonry. One was Owls! Wise, and bearers of wisdom, that was Eddie to a tee. 

He lived respected, and died regretted. A hole left in so many lives. 

On walking out from the chapel, something was very different. I remarked to Eddie's daughter that the change from mist to bright sunlight had happened, much as Eddie would have wanted. He brought light, calm and warmth into many of our lives. 

Having shared several deeply personal memories with Eddie's daughter Elaine and his son Geoff, I was especially invited to the wake afterwards. This was some distance away, close to Eddie's home in Croxley Green. I travelled there courtesy of Nick, Eddie's son-in-law and various members of family. Arriving at The Artichoke in Croxley Green there was, again, a lovely representation of all the dimensions of Eddie. Many tales were told, much great humour was had by all. 

Having said my goodbyes to a man very much as a father and mentor to many of us, I thought of the kindness of Eddie and how he would always make time for everyone. I don't think I ever saw him in a hurry...

And, as I finish, I rested my hand on the foot of Eddie's coffin and said "Goodbye, my old friend" and then realising my selfishness, I bade him "Goodbye, our old friend" on behalf of all of us.  

Time, wisdom, light, kindness, calm - and Owls - the essence of Eddie.

R. W. Bro. Edwin Bryan Goodwin

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Published: Monday, 02 March 2026 11:13

Written by Steve Roberts

2nd Feb 1935 - 16th Feb 2026

A personal reflection by the Deputy Grand Master R.W. Bro. Colin Woodcock MBE

We have lost Eddie. A man and a Mason, so admired, respected and universally liked that he was known to all who knew him and even those few who missed out on the privilege by the simple style of ‘Eddie’.

I met him over 40 years ago and to say it was always a delight to be in his company is an under-statement. We became firm friends. He had been involved with a company in London dealing in leather bags, cases and associated goods and retirement allowed him time to indulge his two great interests, his family and his Masonry. At home his wife was happy to support his masonry, and her time was spent following her great hobby, gardening, at which she was most accomplished. Many years ago, I asked him if he helped, ‘not really...’ he said, ‘I just get called in to do the heavy lifting…’  They were a devoted couple and he was hit hard when she passed.

Eddie was a member  of Craft, Chapter and of all the Orders which meet at Mark Masons’ Hall, he held senior rank in all of them, he was Head of a number of them in London and also held senior rank at Grand level. He was excellent at ritual and a firm believer in his Lodge of Instruction which provided the basis of his high standards. Our friendship particularly developed in the Allied Masonic Degrees in London, he had already given me a District rank and then in 2009 offered me the role of his Deputy, I was elated and nervous but also so proud to be working alongside him. This did not last long as he told me that he was going to hand over the reins and ‘the 4^th floor’ would select a successor which happily came to me. Throughout my 15 year tenure I kept him informed of progress and activity, which he appreciated, we went for lunch at least once a year to discuss – everything and anything.

As I was handing over the reins Eddie had slowed down and his health was much degraded, he was still interested but his health did not allow him to attend meetings. It is wonderful that all memories of Eddie are good, his friendly countenance, supportive nature, lack of pomposity, his company at the bar (pint in hand) and sharing a glass of wine at the Festive Board, I value them all. He was my mentor, my colleague, my boss and above all my friend. I am the poorer for his passing and as they say elsewhere – ‘a loss so great…..'

W. Bro. John L. Waggott P.Dist.GSD

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Published: Friday, 19 December 2025 12:49

Written by Steve Roberts

6th April 1964 - 18th December 2025

John Waggott was Initiated into Freemasonry in Cator Lodge No. 2266 on the 28^th April 2014, just over 3 weeks after his 50^th birthday.

Having been Raised at the same meeting the following year, he was quickly Exalted into the Holy Royal Arch.

I first met John when I was the Secretary of Emulation Lodge of Improvement, which he eventually joined on the 27^th November 2015. I knew immediately that I had encountered someone who was going to progress well in Freemasonry. Consummate, committed, keen to learn – he, along with Phil Elder, Steve Roberts, and Stephen Schofield formed a little Band of Brothers. I knew with those guys with me anything was possible.

They had expressed interest in a little Project I had just started, which had involved taking over an ailing Mark Lodge and turning into a Lodge of Excellence – Hibernia Mark No.431. They were all a part of the first batch of Advancees – 21 in total – at the November meeting in 2015.

John was Installed as Worshipful Master of that extraordinary Lodge in 2020, a historic meeting as it was held the day prior to the Masonic Lockdown due to the Pandemic.

He joined us in the Allied Masonic Degrees in 2016, being Admitted into the wonderful Londinium Council No.47, ending up as Director of Ceremonies, finally obtaining the rank of PDistGSD

John also joined Hibernia Royal Ark Mariner Lodge and Dalison Red Cross of Constantine with me, along with countless other Orders. Arguably his greatest masonic achievement was the unenviable role of Adjutant for a Metropolitan Grand Inspector. However, I would suggest his great love may well have been his Science Fiction Lodge. There wasn’t much that John didn’t know or love about the genre.

The Lord works in mysterious ways, and today we find our lives less rich for John’s passing. Personally, I have felt a huge sense of loss given that John was always there, always willing, and always helpful. However, this pales into insignificance when compared to the loss his family will be feeling and I would ask you to keep Helen, Alexander, and Thomas, in your thoughts and prayers during what must be an incredibly difficult time.

So, for the final time, we say goodbye to John Waggott. Husband, Father, Freemason, Friend. It has been an honour and a pleasure, and we very much hope to see you again, one day.

Regretfully,

Scott & all the Members of AMD London