Dean Good will never be forgotten

Rev. Good served as Dean of Derry between 1967 and 1982 during the worst years of the Troubles and was pivotal in establishing the Cathedral Youth Club in the Fountain - one of the many legacies of a lifetime of community and pastoral service.

Bishop of Derry and Raphoe Ken Good said: "Dean Good made a major contribution to diocesan life, as well as to the parishes where he served - including Portnoo, which also became his home after retirement - but his sphere of influence went far beyond the Church of Ireland, and there will be a great number of people who now mourn his passing."

Rev. Good passed away on Monday evening. One of many examples of Rev. Good's far-sightedness was the establishment of the Cathedral Youth Club in 1972.

The Dean approached the late David Warke with the proposal that he open a Cathedral School in the evenings as he was worried about the impact of the Troubles on the young people of Londonderry.

Jeanette Warke of the Cathedral Youth Club spoke fondly of the Dean saying his contribution to the people of the city would never be forgotten.

"I'll never forget him," said the Youth Club director. "I was really annoyed when I heard he had passed away. I knew George Good from when he first came to the Church in the city.

"Let's face it, he was the reason the Cathedral Youth Club was set up in the first place. He gave so much to the city. People talk about community relations now - for him it made no difference if you were a Roman Catholic or a Protestant, his door was open."

Bishop Good also commented: "Very many people throughout the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe have been greatly saddened to hear the news of the death of Dean George Good.

"George Good had the unusual distinction of serving as Dean of Raphoe (1962-1967) as well as Dean of Derry (1967-1984). His friendly disposition, his warm interest in people and his active involvement in community life meant that he was widely known and respected by many."