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In Loving Memory of

Paul Goodwin MBE

It is with great sadness the family of Paul Goodwin announce his passing. Paul passed away peacefully at Phyliss Tuckwell Hospice on Saturday 26th April 2025.
Paul will be sorely missed by all who knew him especially his loving family.

Paul served over 42 years in Army Music and continued to be an active Member of The Kneller Hall Club and Army Musician’s Association until he passed. He was undoubtably one of the most well respected Army Musicians in recent years, a true officer and a gentleman.

This Online Condolence Book will give all who knew him the opportunity to pay tribute to this great man.

There will be a Memorial Concert in the Autumn, date TBC, at which you will have an opportunity to celebrate Paul’s life and raise funds for the family’s chosen charities.

Book Owner: Guy Bennett, Corps Secretary RCAM

Book Size:  1000 Messages

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Bob Gallagher-Walker

Paul, I count myself lucky in our paths crossing so many times over the years and your untimely passing is a very sad occasion. You stood for everything that a person should be, as well as being the epitome of what a soldier/officer should aspire to. Your due diligence, empathy and understanding of all who came before you was an example to us all. You will be sadly missed and my condolences to your family for such a sad loss. Rest in Peace. …

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Frank Renton

Paul Goodwin gave brilliant service to the many areas of Army Music where he was asked to operate. First as a player then as Bandmaster and Director of Music where his leadership skills and musicianship made life better for everyone who served under his baton. His work as QM at Kneller Hall allowed him to stay close to the service that he so enjoyed and provided a constant source of advice for those following in his footsteps. His work with the Kneller Hall Club in retirement was always pertinent and to the point, if not at times brutally honest. I first met him at Kneller Hall when he was a Student Bandmaster and his sense of commitment and fairness was plain to see even then. Paul was a remarkable man and I felt privileged to both serve with him, and to call him a friend. Throughout everything he was supported by his wife Karen and son Tim, a support he valued dearly and out thoughts are with them. Paul was loved and respected by all who knew him and he will be missed greatly.   Frank Renton President Kneller Hall Club…

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Andrew Lennox

Shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Paul. I first met him while as a guest, helping the Para Band record Everyman An Emperor. He was the constant professional as you would expect, but Paul made everyone feel welcome and over the coming days I grew to having a lot of respect and admiration for him.  Over the years our paths crossed many times, whether it was AT, musically, or when he was the QM at Kneller Hall. I always made a b-line for his office when visiting KH for a catch-up. When he left the army I accidentally called him ‘Sir’, which he hated as a civi and pulled me up for, but to me he will always be ‘Sir’. He was such a warm, kind hearted man and there will be never be another like him. Paul always made time for others and will be sorely missed by all. My condolences to all his family….

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Terry/Ian

Top bloke, we worked together sporadically over the years with Army Big Band. Great sense of humor and willing to share his expertise and experience, which I was very grateful. Great character and will be greatly missed. 🫡…

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Bob Janes

I remember you arriving to the Band as a keen teenager. How did you maintain your contagious enthusiasm all the way through your impressive career. Winston Churchill once wrote this about a departed friend and it so applies to you too… He deposited his fortune in the hearts of his friends. Rest in Peace.and rise in glory. …

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Vernon Yates

Deeply saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Paul, an exceptional man who contributed so much in so many ways throughout a long and distinguished career.  The consummate professional, he was one of those rare individuals respected  across all ranks and admired by them.  Like so many, I benefited from his words of wisdom and support, reflecting an honesty and integrity that endeared him to so many.  He will be greatly missed and myself and Dawn, extend our heartfelt  condolences and deepest sympathy to Karen and Tim at this unimaginably difficult time.  RIP Paul, it was a privilege to know you, work alongside you, and I have no doubt your selfless commitment and immense contribution will endure in the collective memory for many years to come.     …

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Bethan Waters

Paul was one of the very first people I met when I joined the Corps of Army Music. Long before I came anywhere near training at Kneller Hall, he was in touch to meticulously plan every tiny detail of uniform, with that specialist knowledge and experience only he had, to make sure everything was in place. I remember being struck by his warmth, kindness, diligence and enthusiasm for his role. Despite my endless questions as a complete newcomer he never once made me feel small, silly, or less of a part of the team. Later I was fortunate enough to witness him in action during the Royal Military School of Music summer concert season where he undoubtedly ran the entire enterprise, but without any of the fuss the volume of work he managed to achieve would have demanded of a typical officer. He was literally worth ten men. Throughout the remainder of my time with the Corps, and in the years since, he never failed to keep in touch with a friendly comment, offer of help and encouragement, concert advert or family update – it was clear he was so proud of his family, and I send Karen, Tim…

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Robert Jones

My heartfelt and sincere condolences go out to Karen and Tim and the family at this incredibly sad time. His sudden passing is a sad loss for all who knew him and worked with him. Paul was a real gentleman, fabulous musician and great mentor. He was an inspiration to everyone he worked with, always immaculately dressed whatever the occasion. He was my boss, mentor and a great friend throughout my career. There will never be another Paul Goodwin, his legacy is written in the history of The Royal Corps of Army Music. I feel incredibly honoured to have served with him in three bands, RWF, RLC and the Band of The Parachute Regiment. He was rightly proud of his Welsh heritage and it was fitting when he was chosen to become BM of the Band of The Royal Welch Fusiliers. You are, and always will be, ‘Nulli Secundus.’ Every Man an Emperor! With love from from Rob, Helen, Lauren and Rhys. RIP  …

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Lauren Petritz-Watts

The term Legend is often used yet rarely justified but in Paul’s case it completely enscapulates who he was – a ‘Legend’ in the best sense. In the relatively short time of knowing him,  Paul lived the values and standards you expect of an Officer. The highest of standards and always willing to help or pass on knowledge if you asked, I feel incredibly fortunate to have met Paul and the sadness of his passing has had a far reaching impact not only on the Corps but beyond, such was his strength of character and personality. Thinking Karen and Tim during this difficult time….

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Lawrence Sale

Rach and I were so sad to hear of Paul’s passing. We will always remember him with fondness. I first met Paul when he was the School Band Sergeant Major in 1991 when I attended the Pupils Course at Kneller Hall. It was clear to me then that he was one of the finest musicians in Army Music with a clear understanding as to what was required to lead musicians in the army and get the best from them. He was always very generous, encouraging, understanding and was keen to offer his support. Paul was instrumental in helping set up the Army Big Band in 2006 and it was always reassuring to know that Paul was playing in the trombone section. In later years, I always looked forward to seeing and playing with Paul and he never forgot his roots as a very fine instrumentalist. However, I always found his natural ability to listen very comforting and I will miss him. our sincere condolences and thoughts go out to Karen and the rest of the family.  …

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Peter Hunt

Paul was one of the most likable people I have ever met. It was my privilege to be in the Malcolm Arnold class with Paul and I am forever grateful for his help and support. We all trusted Paul. He was totally reliable and some of my fondest memories as a Student Bandmaster are times I played trombone in a section lead by Paul. My thoughts are with Karen and all the family. Paul will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him….

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Tim Arnold

Paul was School BSM for my spell as a member of the Junior Class.  He was an example to us all, and we trusted him; a voice of calm authority: genuine, encouraging and inspiring.  As time passed our paths crossed many times – Paul always took an extra step to help, advise and offer support, and I’m left now wondering if I thanked him enough for everything he did for me and for my colleagues over the years.  A debt of gratitude, one I can never repay.  Thank you Paul….

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Ben Mason

Prayers are with Karen, Tim and all of Paul’s family and friends at this sad time. A huge loss to our Army Music comunity. I am thankful for having known Paul and to have learnt so much from him (as many of us did). When I was a Student Bandmaster, Paul was the ‘voice of experience’ and always on hand to offer solid (yet kind) advice. He was simply ‘Mr RMSM’. This advice has helped me a great deal throughout my time as a WO and Officer. As a fellow trombonist, we would often share musical chats – which I really enjoyed (he always appeared to ‘have time’ for these chats even though in reality he was probably juggling a thousand other things). He always asked after the family – which was nice. I was aslo lucky enough to sit on both the KHC and the AMA Committees with Paul during his time as a Veteran. Again, Paul’s precence at these meetings (largely conducted online) added significant value and his ideas and commitment to the serving and Veteran comunities will be sorley missed. A ‘stickler’ for tradition (quite a rare breed these days), an incredibly hard worker (without making…

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Craig Hallatt

There will never another Paul Goodwin, he was there for everyone at anytime. The man to drop everything to help you, to listen and to advise. Paul was the epitome of “expect of others only what you are prepared to do yourself”. A more loyal and trusted man you will never meet, even if he didn’t agree with you he never judged and was always on hand in time of need. Fond memories at RMSM when he was a fiercesome, but hugely talented, Student Bandmaster, leader and musician. As a legendary QM when we closed KH, he was the person who contributed the most and never complained, just went about his business in that quiet, unassuming but fastidious way… he was a rock for many of us, standing longside and offering not just advice but friendship.  As they say, they don’t make them like Paul Goodwin anymore, they never will. Sincere condolences to Karen and Tim, everyone knew how proud he was of them. A true and loyal family man, always to be remembered. RIP…

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Ian Stewart

I was so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. Our paths crossed several times during our careers. I have fond memories of recording “Kneller Hall” in 1994 with Kneller Hall All-Star Band – Paul & I were both part of the trombone section. Paul was a great guy and respected by all who knew him. Never one for walking past and ignoring a situation, Paul would always help. He made a difference to all who knew him. My sincere condolences to Karen, Tim and the wider family….