TRIBUTES have been paid to a man known as "Lucky Geoff" who supplied the region with fresh fruit and vegetables.
From humble beginnings in his father's shop, Haven General Stores in Llay, Geoffrey John Goodyear became a wholesaler overnight and created a respected family business J & RR Goodyear & Sons Ltd.
It was during a visit to a fruit and veg market in Liverpool that Mr Goodyear launched the wholesale business and soon expanded into a number of Kwik Save supermarkets in the region.
Known as "Lucky Geoff" by his friends at the Liverpool market, he expanded the wholesale side of the business and bought a warehouse to meet the growing demand for fresh produce.
Operating a fleet of wagons and vans, and employing many local people at the firm's base in Hawarden, Geoff maintained the drive to push the business forward despite battling leukaemia, Hodgkinson’s disease, and oesophageal cancer in recent years. Geoff, of Gresford, worked continually throughout this period.
He passed away after bravely battling illness aged 69.
Geoffrey John Goodyear.
The business, which is now run by three directors, including Geoff's son Stephen, has continued to deliver throughout the current coronavirus pandemic.
His brother, Keith said: “Geoff was always an inspiration to me, he worked hard, lived life to the full and achieved so much.
"I will miss his humour and kindness”.
A devoted family man, Mr Goodyear was husband to Ann Rosemary Goodyear and father to Emma, Stephen and Faye.
Geoff and Ann have three grandchildren, Finley, James and Rose.
His daughter, Faye Goodyear, said: “Dad had so much strength and determination which he has passed onto all of us. He was such a strong person and always had a positive outlook on life.
"He was an amazing grandfather to Finley, James and Rose who he adored so much.”
He loved his social life, and always looked forward to holidays abroad with Ann and going to his local pub, The Griffin.
Denise Ashford, Geoff's sister, added: “The best brother that anyone could ever wish for and always looked out for me”.
Due to current coronavirus restrictions, Mr Goodyear's funeral service will be private. If desired, donations in memory of Geoff may be made to Cancer Research UK.
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