This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/06/robert-gooch

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
The Rev Robert Gooch obituary The Rev Robert Gooch obituary
(6 days later)
My father-in-law, the Rev Robert Gooch, who has died aged 82, was a devoted Methodist minister for more than 50 years and a principled man who committed most of his life to caring for others, as both a minister and a psychiatric nurse.My father-in-law, the Rev Robert Gooch, who has died aged 82, was a devoted Methodist minister for more than 50 years and a principled man who committed most of his life to caring for others, as both a minister and a psychiatric nurse.
Born in Lowestoft, Suffolk, Bob was the son of Frederick, a trawlerman, and Constance, his wife. He and his sister, Connie, were evacuated to Wales during the second world war. Upon his return, aged 15, he attended a "beach mission" where he became a Christian. On completing his schooling at Lowestoft grammar, he enrolled at Cliff College, a Christian theological college in Calver, Derbyshire, but his studies were interrupted in 1949 by two years' national service in the RAF, which he spent back in Wales. It was during this period that Bob learned his nursing skills.Born in Lowestoft, Suffolk, Bob was the son of Frederick, a trawlerman, and Constance, his wife. He and his sister, Connie, were evacuated to Wales during the second world war. Upon his return, aged 15, he attended a "beach mission" where he became a Christian. On completing his schooling at Lowestoft grammar, he enrolled at Cliff College, a Christian theological college in Calver, Derbyshire, but his studies were interrupted in 1949 by two years' national service in the RAF, which he spent back in Wales. It was during this period that Bob learned his nursing skills.
In 1953, he completed his studies at the Methodist-run Wesley College, Headingley, Leeds, and there he met Eileen, whom he married in 1956. He was posted as a probationary minister to Brecon, mid-Wales, before moving two years later to Goole, East Yorkshire. He was ordained in 1959. In 1953, he completed his studies at the Methodist-run Wesley College, Headingley, Leeds, and there he met Eileen, whom he married in 1956. He was posted as a probationary minister to Brecon, mid-Wales, before moving two years later to Goole, east Yorkshire. He was ordained in 1959.
His first ministry was in Brockholes, near Huddersfield, after which he moved to Harwich, in 1962. Two years later, Bob separated from his wife, which left him with the care of their only child, Nicholas. The separation had a further impact: Bob's ordination was revoked, as was the norm at that time in the church, although he did remain a local preacher.His first ministry was in Brockholes, near Huddersfield, after which he moved to Harwich, in 1962. Two years later, Bob separated from his wife, which left him with the care of their only child, Nicholas. The separation had a further impact: Bob's ordination was revoked, as was the norm at that time in the church, although he did remain a local preacher.
A few years later, Bob met Patricia and they married in 1969. Over the next 30 years, he worked as a psychiatric nurse at Colchester hospital. He was re-ordained in 1995. After being seconded to the Colchester Methodist circuit, Bob continued his association with the hospital as one of its chaplains; the family then moved to Harwich, where he continued his ministry and also became chaplain to the Methodist-run Alexandra House nursing home.A few years later, Bob met Patricia and they married in 1969. Over the next 30 years, he worked as a psychiatric nurse at Colchester hospital. He was re-ordained in 1995. After being seconded to the Colchester Methodist circuit, Bob continued his association with the hospital as one of its chaplains; the family then moved to Harwich, where he continued his ministry and also became chaplain to the Methodist-run Alexandra House nursing home.
Ministry aside, Bob appreciated sports, particularly football and cricket, having played both well in his younger days, and enjoyed listening to radio commentary on his beloved Norwich City.Ministry aside, Bob appreciated sports, particularly football and cricket, having played both well in his younger days, and enjoyed listening to radio commentary on his beloved Norwich City.
Never having learned to drive, Bob walked everywhere and never lost his desire to speak to and inspire faith in others. In his 80s, he became a full-time carer for his wife.Never having learned to drive, Bob walked everywhere and never lost his desire to speak to and inspire faith in others. In his 80s, he became a full-time carer for his wife.
Bob refused cancer treatment and, thanks to his faith, remained free from fear about his future.Bob refused cancer treatment and, thanks to his faith, remained free from fear about his future.
He is survived by Patricia, his children, Amanda, Chris and Nicholas, and grandchildren.He is survived by Patricia, his children, Amanda, Chris and Nicholas, and grandchildren.