Michael Goodwin – 1945-2025

Born in London on March 6^th, 1945 to Maggie and George Goodwin, Michael came from humble beginnings. His Dad was a black cab driver and his Mum owned a flower shop on New Cavendish St in Central London, after starting off on a flower stall outside a hospital round the corner.

He was the youngest boy of four children, with Peggy and Johnny his older siblings and Mary-Ellen his younger sister. The family is from Drury Lane in Covent Garden and Michael’s early years were spent living in Camelot House in Camden.

In fact, it was in Camden, that Michael met his wife, Maureen. Having come over from Ireland when she was just 16, she was working in a pub there called the City of London and that was where they met.

After nearly 54 years of married life and almost 60 years together, Michael leaves behind eight children (Maria, Katie, Daniel, Ciara, Peter, Lizzie, Mairead and Hannah) and 11 grandchildren (Ella, Andi, Sol, Jack, George, Maggie, Charlie, Makai, Nora, Rosie and Alfie).

Michael started working at around 15 years old as a butcher’s boy at Benners in Charlotte Place, W1 but soon moved on from this to be a ‘barrow boy’ and after a couple of years with his own fruit and veg shop in Camden Park Road (before the regeneration) he started working at Baldwins at Covent Garden Market in 1973 as a Buyer.

Michael spent over 50 years working in the market, 30 of these under Stanley Baldwin at Baldwins, followed by London Fresh, Vincenzo’s and a handful of others before finishing his career at EA Williams. He made many friends at the market over the years who remained friends until he passed away on February 11^th, 2025.

As a lifelong Arsenal fan, many in the market will remember him for cheeky banter and good humour.

Outside of the market, Michael was a family man to his core and they brought him a huge amount of joy and were a source of great pride.

The family invites you to join them in celebrating his long and happy life this Thursday March 20^th at 12pm at St Bartholomew’s Church in Norbury followed by a committal at 2pm at Croydon Crematorium and a wake at The Bull in Streatham from 3pm.