Goodwin, Derek 1920–2008
Goodwin, Derek 1920–2008
(Richard Patrick Goodwin)
OBITUARY NOTICE—
See index for CA sketch: Born February 26, 1920, in Woking, England; died May 14, 2008. Ornithologist and author. Goodwin's fondness for birds was a passion that could be seen in every aspect of his life. He worked as an ornithologist and scientific officer in the natural history division of the British Museum for his entire career, beginning in 1946. It was a notable achievement for an ornithologist who was wholly self-taught. In private life Goodwin was an avid birdwatcher and dedicated conservationist. In everything he did, birds were the focus of his attention. Goodman acquired an almost encyclopedic memory for references to birds wherever he found them, it is said, from the Bible to the Shakespearean stage, and generously shared his knowledge with others. Goodwin's writings were considered seminal references in the field. They include Bird Behaviour (1961), Domestic Birds (1965), Pigeons and Doves of the World (1967), Crows of the World (1976), and (reportedly his personal favorite) Birds of Man's World (1978).
OBITUARIES AND OTHER SOURCES:
PERIODICALS
Times (London, England), May 24, 2008, p. 79.