Canon Ian Gooding was the chairperson of the CBC Trustees for many years and played a key role in our CBC history of lobbying for Christian broadcasting. He became chair in 1988 just two years after we started and served the Christian media faithfully in addition to his many other church and charitable commitments. You can watch a slide show from Canon Gooding’s funeral which marks a fitting tribute to this servant of God.
Canon Ian Gooding first qualified with a string of secular degrees including a BSc, BCom, CEng. He started started his working career an engineer and was a passionate sportsperson, playing rugby and enjoying rifle shooting. However engineering and sport had to give way when he responded to the Lord’s call to full time ministry. Three years at theological college followed, then a curacy in Wandsworth where, among other things, he narrated and sang in Come Together and If My People.
He served 35 years with distinction as Rector of Stanton-by-Dale with Dale Abbey and Risley, in Derbyshire, where they saw the Lord do amazing things. He was also Rural Dean of Erewash for 15 years and Honorary Canon of Derby Cathedral. After his retirement he became Canon Emeritus and Additional Chaplain at Derby Cathedral.
During his long career he served the General Synod of Church of England and was a trustee of the Church of England Pensions Board. His hobbies included being a season ticket holder at Leicester Tigers, singing with the Grand Central Chorus – five times UK Barbershop Chorus champions and five times representing the UK at the International Convention. He loved collecting things and of course he adored his grandchildren!
Canon Ian Gooding is survived by his wife Kathleen, three married children and 11 grandchildren.