Geoff Godwin, managing director of EO Burton & Co Ltd, died on December 17 after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. He was 57.
Mr Godwin took over as managing director at the age of 28 because of his father’s ill health. Prior to that he had achieved many major honours as an amateur golfer, including representing England in five home internationals, two European team championships and twice in the Great Britain and Ireland team in the Walker Cup.
He went on to captain England and, even over a number of years as his illness began to take a grip, he continued to do sterling work as a selector.
Like his father Bert before him, Mr Godwin was a great supporter of the London Timber Trade Golfing Society, assuming captaincy in 1994. At the spring meeting, held at Swinley Forest, the Godwin Cup is presented for the best scratch score.
EO Burton has always been an active member of the Hardwood Luncheon Club and Mr Godwin was president from 1992-93.
He is survived by his wife Lynne and three children, two of whom – Matthew and David – are with the company.
