A retired carpenter who died after being exposed to asbestos during his 30-year career has been described as “a great character” following his death. 

Michael Goodchild has been a resident at Briar House Care Home in King's Lynn at the time of his death. 

During an inquest held at Norfolk Coroner’s Court earlier this month, it heard that the 84-year-old died at the home on January 20. 

He had been diagnosed with the lung condition squamous-cell carcinoma in April 2023, following a history of exposure to asbestos. He underwent radiotherapy but continued to deteriorate. 

He was also living with vascular dementia. 

Eastern Daily Press: An inquest has been held into the death of Michael Goodchild

Living in the care home for the past two months before his death, his family - including this wife - were able to visit him daily. 

In a family statement provided to the court, based at County Hall in Norwich, his daughter, Debbie Taylor, said: “He died peacefully with his family present. 

“In someway, I suppose we were fortunate that he did not suffer any longer from the dementia.” 

Concluding, area coroner Yvonne Blake said: “Mr Goodchild was a gentleman who worked as a carpenter throughout his working life. 

“He had documented his exposure to asbestos, as many carpenters do.  

“Unfortunately in 2023 he was diagnosed with squamous-cell carcinoma. 

“The pathologist thinks that the asbestos exposure had a causative effect in his death. 

“My narrative conclusion is that Mr Goodchild has died from squamous-cell carcinoma of the lung which the pathologist believes was caused by asbestos exposure. 

“I extended my sincerest condolences to Mr Goodchild’s family and friends.” 

Paying tribute via an online memorial page, friends David and Sheila Ferrier described him as “a great character”.

  • To pay tribute to a loved one, email norfolkobituaries@newsquest.co.uk
  • To read all obituaries and tributes join the Facebook group Norfolk's Loved & Lost.