Peter Godward, Director and co-founder of Basildon operator Peter Godward Coaches, died peacefully on 1 April after a short illness. He was 81.
Mr Godward semi-retired from the family business in 2021, jokingly telling routeone shortly afterwards that such a step meant him reducing his working days per week to just five. His wife Anita also worked for the company as its accountant until she retired in 2021.
Peter Godward Coaches was founded by Mr Godward and his father Ron in 1967 as G and G Coaches, with a Bedford OB that cost £75 as its first vehicle. The business’s current name was taken up in around 1990 after Mr Godward Sr’s death.
The Essex operator has significantly diversified its portfolio in recent years, now under the charge of Mr Godward’s son John and Head of Commercial Operations Andrew Church. That has seen it work with many partner coach operators, including via duties to and from mainland Europe.
Mr Church has described Mr Godward as “our beloved founder” and says that he will be “hugely missed by us all.” Mr Godward is survived by Anita, with whom he would have celebrated 60 years of marriage in June, their son John, and their daughter Joanna, who is also involved with the business via part-time administration and driving.
Mr Godward’s death quickly drew tributes from other members of the coach sector, with one describing him as being “much loved by many.”
The funeral will take place at 1315hrs on Tuesday 7 May at Christ Church Chelmsford, 164 New London Road, Chelmsford, CM2 oAW. The service is open to all but family only has been requested for the burial.
