Family’s appeal to find out more about working life of Norwich man Roy Goff

The family of a man who died of asbestosis is appealing for information about his working life.

Roy Goff, who lived in Norwich for the majority of his life, died suddenly, aged 77, in 2013.

A post-mortem examination found he was suffering from asbestosis, which is a lung disease resulting from the inhalation of asbestos particles.

His family had no idea he was suffering from the disease until they saw the post-mortem examination findings, and now his widow, Lynette is seeking information from her late husband's former colleagues or contractors who worked alongside him.

'It was a terrible shock when Roy passed away so suddenly,' she said. 'We had no time to say goodbye or make plans and provisions as he'd not long retired. We are appealing to anybody who might have worked with Roy or worked at these companies as we try to gather information, and learn more about the potential asbestos exposure of not only Roy, but also other employees who worked alongside him.'

Mr Goff worked as an electrician at Johnson, Pearce and Co Ltd based in Norwich between 1959 and 2004.

In his spare time he was a keen darts player and could often be found in The Wheel of Fortune, in Alpington, having moved to the area in 1965.

Over the 45-year period of his employment, the business that Mr Goff worked for changed ownership and names on a number of occasions.

From 1959 to 1973, the employer was known as Johnson, Pearce & Co Ltd, before it became William Steward, London Ltd from 1973 to 1996.

It then became A B B Steward from 1996 to 2004.

Mr Goff worked for this business until November 2004 when he retired.

Over the years, the companies listed above operated in a number of regions throughout the UK, but Mr Goff's employment was based at the Norwich office of these companies.

The office was originally based in Pitt Street, Norwich, but this later moved.

While Mr Goff reported to the Norwich office, his job required him to work at the premises of many different companies, some of which were based in Norwich and some further away.

Charlotte Perkins, a specialist solicitor in asbestos related injuries at leading law firm Hugh James, said: 'We are working with his widow and family to appeal for people who might have worked alongside him during his career – whether they worked directly or indirectly with him.'

Former colleagues who knew Roy Goff can get in touch with law firm Hugh James by calling Charlotte Perkins or Richard Green on 0808 231 6604.