In memory of David Goodwin
Surrey Lib Dems were very sad to learn of the passing of David Goodwin, former Lib Dem county councillor and husband of current member Angela Goodwin.
David has been recognised as a passionate and dedicated councillor who worked hard to improve the lives of communities in Guildford.
David was first elected to Surrey County Council in 2005, representing the division of Guildford South West until he stood down in 2021. He was elected as a Guildford Borough Councillor in 1999, representing the former Friary & St Nicolas ward for 16 years and then the Onslow ward for eight years. In June this year he was appointed Honorary Freeman for longstanding services to the borough.
Will Forster, Leader of Surrey Lib Dems recalled when he first worked alongside David:
“David was already an experienced councillor at both county and borough level by the time I joined the group in 2009. He was a great example of what a councillor can achieve. I was impressed by his passion to serve and willingness to speak out on issues affecting the communities he represented. He was never afraid to stand up and challenge the council’s administration when the occasion demanded it. My thoughts are with Angela and all David’s family at this sad time.”
Fiona White, longstanding colleague on Guildford Borough Council and Surrey County Council where she is Deputy Leader of the Lib Dems group, also expressed her sadness:
"David has been a good friend and a colleague. He has been generous with his time, his encyclopaedic knowledge, and his wisdom. He was someone I could turn to for help and advice. He was never too busy to help.
I was honoured to propose him as an Honorary Freeman of Guildford earlier this year. It was a recognition of his service to his residents and the wider Guildford community and was richly deserved. He will be missed.
I will miss his friendship and being able to talk things through with him when I have needed to.
My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, his daughter and his whole family."