WELL-known Zimbabwean businessman David Goodhead, married for just five weeks, returned to his Yorkshire roots to die at his brother's home in York. He was 61.

The funeral was today, at All Saints' Church, Huntington, followed by cremation at York crematorium.

Mr Goodhead's widow and business partner, Pat, will, on Thursday, take his ashes back to his beloved Bulawayo, and has meanwhile asked for all donations to be sent to York District Hospital.

Mr Goodhead emigrated to Zimbabwe 43 years ago to join the British-South Africa police force. Retiring as an inspector, he trained as an accountant and set up his cotton spinning company, Merspin.

Two years ago, as a director, he was instrumental in rescuing Zimbabwe's Merlin towels company in a reverse takeover.

After diagnosis of cancer, Mr Goodhead married Pat with whom he had set up an antiques business in Bulawayo called Wot the Dickens. They visited Britain to get a second medical opinion but he fell desperately ill and was treated at York district hospital.

Mr Goodhead then left hospital to stay at the home of his brother, Clive, chairman of York Opera, in Rowley Court, Earswick. He died there last Thursday.

Clive, who with Jonathan Goodhead is one of two brothers who survive him, said: "David's first wife, Shirley, herself died of cancer nearly five years ago. His marriage to Pat was such a happy occasion for him.

"Messages have arrived from all over the world - South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Australia, Canada, and York - all places where he had family and business links as well as musical connections. He was a clarinettist, and treasurer of the Bulawayo Symphony Orchestra.

"We want all donations to go to ward 16 at York District Hospital. We cannot speak more highly of the hospital and community health services."

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