It is with deep sadness that the family of John Goodfellow announced his death in Faro Hospital on the 7th of December 2024, following a prolonged illness.

John, of Harrow, London, came from the United Kingdom to live in the Algarve in 1978 with his girlfriend, Veronica Winter. With friends Geoffrey and Anne Swain, they purchased and renovated 2 farmhouses for themselves. John found himself work with an agency selling and renting property and it was not long before he was receiving requests from other like-minded British people to renovate properties for them. In 1981/1982 he set up business with John Smith who became his partner in the company Goodfellow-Smith Lda. Together, they built and renovated many properties amongst which can be added recognition for the construction of St Luke’s Church at Monte da Palhagueira and most of the retirement homes in the nursing home complex there. In 1984, together with Esmé and Harry Warner, John Smith and Cassie Skidmore, he founded the Algarve Riding Club. He has been an active member of the St Vincent’s Anglican Church community and was well known throughout the Algarve.


A private cremation service took place on 13th December, 2024 and a service will be held in the UK for family and friends on the 30th December, 2024. There will be no funeral service in the Algarve, at his request, but there will be a dedication to his memory during a regular Sunday communion service at 11h30 on the 19th January, 2025, to be held at St Luke’s Anglican Church at Monte da Palhagueira. All are welcome.

For any queries, please contact Susan Goodfellow: Email twiga@sapo.pt