Lt. Col. Rex Goddard MBE

Published on:
Feb 17, 2022

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It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Rex Goddard on 15 February 2022 at the age of 102, surrounded by his family.

Lt. Col. Rex Goddard was one of the great figures of cadet shooting recognised and known by generations at Bisley and in Canada. He led a long and remarkable life, living at home independently until very recently and even driving well into his late 90s.

After military service during the 2nd World War Rex joined the staff of Epsom College in 1948 and – amongst his many duties – was Officer Commanding the school Combined Cadet Force Contingent and Master in Charge of the school Rifle Team, winning the Ashburton in 1973. He remained at Epsom until his retirement in 1980.

Rex’s involvement with Epsom shooting led to his invitation to be Commandant of the 1962 British Cadet Rifle Team (The Athelings) and also to join the Committee of the Imperial Cadet Association. This Committee subsequently merged with others to form the Council for Cadet Rifle Shooting in 1969. Rex was invited to take over as Athelings’ Organiser in 1970 and remained in that role until 1995. This long involvement with the Athelings and their Canadian equivalent – the Royal Canadian Army Cadet National Rifle Team – is permanently reflected in the Rex Goddard match which the teams compete for annually. Rex and his wife, Jill, regularly visited Canada to support the Athelings, and he was particularly pleased to travel in 2010 to mark the 100th anniversary of the exchange. Rex was also Chairman of the Council for Cadet Rifle Shooting from 1978 until 1990 and remained interested in all CCRS matters well into his 102^nd year.

There will be a small family funeral with a memorial service at Epsom College to follow later in the year.