Joe Gotobed

[Paul Ramsay]

Im sorry to tell you the reason Joe didnt make it to his last Scarboro' - he was in Hospital.

Joe passed away at 0630 this morning from that bloody evil thing cancer, Im assured by Paul - his son - that he died peacefully. He was annoyed he couldnt get to scarbro to say goodbye to us all.

His funeral will be at the Kings Lynn crematorium at Mint Lynn on 21st September at 1130 AM, all of you have been invited to attend by his children, Tash, Paul and Mark who have also requested to carry on Joe's tradition of attending our weekend.

I have know Joe for over 30 years and Have had many a drink with him and Jill,
we have laughed and worked together and I for one will miss his sense of humour and his silly eye when he had had a drink!!

Rest in peace my friend.holy

Paul

[David McLaren]

Another sad day for the Tankies as another great tankie leaves us.
My Dad new him very well and so did my brother Alex and ofcourse myself.
He was a great family friend and will greatly be missed.
Good bye Joe.....
The McLarens.

[Mark Sanders]

God bless Joe. Another member of the Black Mafia at peace on the eternal Tank Park.

My thoughts are with his family.

RIP. Fear Naught.

Oggy

[pat carroll]

Another Great Man to Green Fields Beyond, Joe my mate rest in peace, you will be sadly missed by one & all,

God Bless

Pat & Gill

[Gilbert Bridger]

R.I.P Joe my friend. Many a haircut you gave me. Still suffering now;-)

Joe Gotobed from Little Snoring in Bedfordshire loul Always had a giggle over that one my friend.

Be in peace Joe.

Gilby

[Mike Kemble]

Paul phoned me a while back with the bad news. I was reminded of something the actor Peter O'Toole said in that he was saying goodbye to many more friends than he was actually making. This is one of the symptoms of our ages sadly to say. Nothing lasts forever. I am pleased to hear that Joe passed away peacefully, he deserved that much. Bye Joe, you were a fixture with the Regiment and at Scarborough. We were discussing you on Monday morning at breakfast in the hotel, having missed you and Steve, Jan, Tony, Connie, Sue & I all hoped that you had not got your dates mixed up. All along I suspected something else but wasn't sure what. May your gods be with you always mate, enjoy the green fields. I have placed a small banner on the home page of the site.

[Gordon Farrell]

I met Joe in Osnabruck when he transferred from 5 RTR along with Harry Dennison, and many others, he was in MT and was a character even then.



Joe Gotobed from Little Snoring (Norfolk) not Bedfordshire (Which we all thought sounded much funnier.)



We lived opposite Joe and Jill in Paget Close Tidworth our Simon was big buddies with Mark and Paul



We worked together for many years in QM(T) and had some hilarious times.



We also had the odd stubby together and as the beer went down Joe’s volume went up.

He could fix just about anything with just about nothing . He always worked hard and played hard,

He would give anybody a helping hand and give the best Basin hair cut in the Army.



He was very popular in the regiment and indeed in Scarborough over the years.



My sincere condolences to his family, Mark, Paul, Natasha and their Mum Jill.



All the Black Mafia will sadly miss him



Rest In Peace Joe.

[eric harding]

adios my friend , RIP .

[Ian Trory]

Farewell and enjoy the great tank park in the sky.holy

[EDDIEKIRWAN]

May you rest in peace old pal

My sincere condolances to all Joes family.

[pete corrigan]

God Bless Joe. Safe Journey.

[keith Hudson]

http://www.royaltankregiment.com/IntroHTML.jpg


The Royal Tank Regiment

Almighty God, whose perfect love casteth out fear, mercifully grant that thy servants of the Royal Tank Regiment may fear naught but to fall from thy favour, for his sake, in whom thou art well pleased, thy beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

[Alan M Cunningham]

A SAD DAY FOR ALL THAT WHERE TOUCHED BY YOU (JOE )YOU WAS MY FRIEND MY FAMILY AND OUR BROTHER R.I.P.



Our Hearts Are with His Children

ALAN & ANN

[Alan Dixon]

GOODBYE OLD FRIEND
GOD BLESS.

Alan Dixon

[Martin Lawson]

R.I.P. Joe,we will all meet again at some time,where all the good tankies go.holy Farewell.

[Dave Henley]

Joe's passing is a shock to us all and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him - another regimental character who has been posted to the big tank park - RIP Joe and condolences to your family.

[Tiny Hart]

Joe's absence at Scarborough this year was noticed by everyone and we all wondered if he had accidently booked for October and would find himself alone in Scarborough in a months time.

Well Joe, you used to get to Scarborough before most of us and now you've got to the green fields ahead of us too, some things never change!!

farewell old friend

[robbiefox]

Condolenses to Joe's loved ones.

Joe will be sadly missed.

Little did I realise it would be our last drink together at last years reunion.

Here's to you mate.

Cheers.

[Jorgen dyer]

Manynights I sat with you over a few drinks and always enjoyed the company and the chat.

RIP and condolances to all your family

[Paul (Danny) Danisz]

The passing of a man that was every inch a Tankie.

God Bless.

Danny.

[colin woods]

Nice to have known a decent Bloke like Joe

RIP and condolances to your family

[Hendo]

A good all rounder,bet he's at the bar or cutting the mans hair as we mourn athe loss. Fear Naught Joe.

[Paul Ramsay]

A good all rounder,bet he's at the bar or cutting the mans hair as we mourn athe loss. Fear Naught Joe.

wonder what "the mans" hair will look like when Joe has finished with it - hope he dont have no herforder firsticon_thum: he could do with a beard trim as well - oh my god!!

[TOMMY FIELDING]

rest in peace joe keep the legs covered in heaven the angels will be going wild with the denim shorts..tich fielding

[Alan (Smudger) Smith]

Rest easy Joe - if character counted for years you'd have been here longer than all of us. My sincere condolences to your family.

[Mike Kemble]

I have a message from Mark Gotobed, the funeral is on the 23rd. Mark is in contact with the Greenman, Joe's local about a Wake and Mark hopes to get some B&B arrangements sorted for anyone going down. Unfortunately I will be working so cannot go down but I do hope some can make it to say bye to Joe on my/our behalf.

[Paul Gotobed]

Thank you all for your kind comments, unfortunately dad (Joe) was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year which we were advised would be un-treatable.

He fought well with lots of support from his family. As Paul Ramsay mentioned it was his intention that he would attend the scarboro' event and I believe he thouht it would be his last because for once he had organised everything well in advance; bought rail tickets etc.

Unfortunately he was rushed into hospital prior to the weekend and we were advised that it would be a downward spiral from there-on.

He had all his family around prior to his death, and I'm glad to say that his last moments and my memories of him are of him are at rest and at peace. A 'tankie' and stubborn to the end!

The funeral is scheduled for Friday 23rd September 2005 at 11:30hrs.
Location: Mint Lynn Crematorium, Kings Lynn with a Wake to be held afterwards at his 'local' the GREEN MAN Public House at Little Snoring, Nr Fakenham in NORFOLK!

All are invited and I will post further details once known.

To Dad, my love and gratitude is with you all ways!

[Mike Kemble]

Paul, thanks for the note. Wish I could attend but going to be a very busy month for me and all night shifts, sorry.

[Paul Gotobed]

Thank you, it is our intention that with the Associations permission to bring Dad's ashes to Scarboro' next year for the re-union and have an act of remembrance (if it can be arranged) and scatter his ashes with his friends and colleagues present.

[Wayne Smith]

Joe, RIP my friend, my condolence's to Jill and the family, I forgive my haircuts!!! and just last week was talking about the numerous "happy night's" we had in Mac's bar in the cellar great time's, great man you will be missed Joe.


FEAR NOUGHT

[robert jones]

I have been on the phone with Paul this P.M and he has told me of the very sad news of Joe`s passing, he was truly a great bloke and sorely missed by all at Scarborough this year, I would like to offer my sincere condolences to his family, another sad loss to the ranks, R.I.P my friend

[Dave Albison]

A MAN A SOLDIER A FREIND A TANKIE NO MORE TO SAY R.I.P. JOE




Our condolences to the family

Dave & teresa

[Roger Stevens]

We always met at York Station when going to Scarbrough. While waitng for the connection the bar was always the place we met Joe in his "suit" could always be found at the bar of the station. As soon as he saw me a pint was ordered. I liked Joe he was a kind man and always had some kind words for most people.
Going back to our Regimental days he was always there to give assistance in any way he could I personally will miss him terribly. My condolences to his family especially Jill who I knew quite well . Look after yourselves all of you and again my condolences. RIP Joe and have one waiting for me when I get there.icon_ange:thumbup

[SMatthews]

What can i say that already hasn't been said about Joe, always the first into the Lord Nelson on Friday's, and always ready to greet Jan and me with a beerz
We too were hoping that he got his dates for Scarborough wrong seeing it was in October last year. I will let Andy know [ owner of The Stuart House Hotel ] where Joe stayed on his many trips to the reunion, for he too was asking about Joe.

It's Saturday lunch time and I must go now, not for lunch but to sit Jan down and let her know the sad, sad news, she will be heartbroken, for Jan was very fond of Joe.

Condolences to Jill and the family.

[Tony Edwards]

Sad news. So many happy thoughts of Joe. Mind you I did remember not to have a haircut after lunch.

Regards to all his family and be at rest Joe.

[Alan Levi Hodges]

funny how most people remember joe for his infamous haircuts!!

as tony said - never went and had one in the aftertags as joe sank more than the titanic

god bless and stay safefingerz

[Mike Kemble]

What can i say that already hasn't been said about Joe, always the first into the Lord Nelson on Friday's, and always ready to greet Jan and me with a beerz
We too were hoping that he got his dates for Scarborough wrong seeing it was in October last year. I will let Andy know [ owner of The Stuart House Hotel ] where Joe stayed on his many trips to the reunion, for he too was asking about Joe.

It's Saturday lunch time and I must go now, not for lunch but to sit Jan down and let her know the sad, sad news, she will be heartbroken, for Jan was very fond of Joe.

Condolences to Jill and the family.

Steve I have already been on the phone to the hotel.

[SMatthews]

Mike. phoned Andy, he was sad to hear the news.

[Nev and Marie Symms]

One of my first dealings with Joe was baby sitting for him and then getting conned in to buying his bright yellow Hillman Avenger estate the flying banana which took me down to Marie in Nijmegen most weekends. I'll never forgive you Joe would still be single now mate if it wasn't for that car. You were a true mate from 1972 till now to both me and Marie and we will miss you. I suppose I'll have to wear the jeans shorts next year at Scarborough as a mark of respect. Will miss you old mate

[Paul Ramsay]

One of my first dealings with Joe was baby sitting for him and then getting conned in to buying his bright yellow Hillman Avenger estate the flying banana which took me down to Marie in Nijmegen most weekends. I'll never forgive you Joe would still be single now mate if it wasn't for that car. You were a true mate from 1972 till now to both me and Marie and we will miss you. I suppose I'll have to wear the jeans shorts next year at Scarborough as a mark of respect. Will miss you old mate


I think the order of the friday next year will please puggy - shorts and vests in respect!!

and where have you been hiding Mr Symms!!

[Chris Young]

I was deeply saddened to hear of Joe's passing.

Joe was not only a good friend to all those who came itno contact with him, he was also a great source of entertainment.

He had the ability to get bladdered where others could not even find a drink. He produced items which were either not available because of the Atlantic Conveyer or the Moratorium or the QM(T) had locked in the cupboard.

I shall never forget Jeff Lyman ordering Nev Hoult and myself to "remove Sgt. Gotobed" for heckling at a Regimental Dinner. This we duly did. After the dinner where did we find him? In the mess kitchen having a beer with the waiters (which he of course paid for).

Joe must have been owed loads of beers by those on the ROS Rosta, he did more extras than anybody I can think of.

There was also very serious side to Joe which not many people were privy to. He did not pour out his troubles until asked but he had them.

We often speak of regimental characters, Joe Gotobed was certainly one of them.

He will be sadly missed by a lot of people and our condolences go to his family.

(Can anybody tell me why we called him Joe when his name was Anthony Paul)?

[roy palmer]

The lines on all previous threads say it all from haircuts to tech stores funnies
R.I.P Joe.

[Paul Ramsay]

Spoke to daz logan - 1 RTR will provide a funeral party and a piper for Joe.

I need heads up on those intending to go to the funeral:

Zip and Buckers, Ben Campbell, Myself - Minty Rose, Barry Hoare - Danny Danitz are definate starters - the family need to know to book things - there is a b & b in little snoring next to the green man pub with limited space so lets know if you are going please lads - cheers.beerz

[Mike Kemble]

Sorry, am working. Rest in peace Joe mate.

[Dave Henley]

Regrettably I'm heavily involved in the running of disciplinary hearings so unable to attend. RIP Joe.

[Dave Harmon]

Smudge told me of this bad news. Travelling up on the train to the 2004 reunion I spotted the back of a head 2 seats in front. ' Twas Joe - I joined him and the journey to York seemed to take only a few minutes. He wanted to stop off in York, so I said I'd have one ready in the Nelly by the time he arrived. I too didn't for one moment think that was the last pint I'd have with him. A legendary character and a loss to us all. Heartfelt sympathies to his family. God bless.

Dave

[Derek Atherton]

Just heard the sad news - me and Bert Charman were just two of many who wondered why he wasn't in Scarborough.

RIP Joe!

[Paul Biggs]

The Royal Tank Regiment

Almighty God, whose perfect love casteth out fear, mercifully grant that thy servants of the Royal Tank Regiment may fear naught but to fall from thy favour, for his sake, in whom thou art well pleased, thy beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.http://www.royaltankregiment.com/IntroHTML.jpg

[Paul Biggs]

I knew Joe when he joined 5RTR in Tidworth. I did not beleive his name at first when he told me his name was Joe Gotobed from Little Snoring. But I soon got put in my place about that. He lived around the corner from us in Wolfenbuttel until the Regiment disbanded in '70 then I lost track. I will always remember his Norfolk accent and his slow smile. God rest you Joe.
Biggsey

[patbrown]

RIP Joe old friend... give them a laugh upstairs like you gave us down here...

[robert jones]

I regret that I am unable to attend due to work commiments, ie Nights, and unlike Tankies, the current crop of wasters I work with, well least said, are not forthcoming on the volunteering side of things, but my thoughts will be with you on the day, again apologies for not being able to attend, and pay my respects to a good man

[Paul Ramsay]

Lads I need a bit of help - need an RTR cap badge - staybright variety - for Joes beret for the cask at his funeral. Anyone got a spare lying around - might have one myself but cant emeber where i put the trinket box with that stuff in.

Got a piper and a funeral party from 1 rtr - the flag we show in Scarboro his medals and beret might have a lanyard too.

got some phone numbers for overnight accommodation if anyone is interested in stopping over.

[Bill Kinsella]

So sorry to hear of the loss of such a great man when ever you think of 1RTR you think of Joe will be sadly missed by all who came in contact with him.

will be out of the country on the 23rd but will take a moment to think about you Joe, RIP mate.beerz

[robert jones]

PAUL i`ve got one but its Kings crown and not staybright but if your stuck you are more than welcome to it mate

[Alan M Cunningham]

Paul re:- our phone call it is on its way 20.30 Hours cheers Alan Lads I need a bit of help - need an RTR cap badge - staybright variety - for Joes beret for the cask at his funeral. Anyone got a spare lying around - might have one myself but cant emeber where i put the trinket box with that stuff in.

Got a piper and a funeral party from 1 rtr - the flag we show in Scarboro his medals and beret might have a lanyard too.

got some phone numbers for overnight accommodation if anyone is interested in stopping over.

[Paul Ramsay]

Thanks mate ill pass it on to the undertaker.

thats what mates are for!

[SMatthews]

Paul, as you know i will be going in my own icon_truc: leaving early Friday, will be staying over night, let me know phone number for B&B when you get it.


Anyone else from the Wakefield area going let me know.....

[Paul Ramsay]

Reference the funeral:

A. 1 RTR are providing a bearer party and a piper.

B. Address for condolence cards is

Natash Gotobed-Wilson
3 Yew Tree Court

[Paul Ramsay]

Reference the funeral:

A. 1 RTR are providing a bearer party and a piper.

B. Address for condolence cards is

Natash Gotobed-Wilson
3 Yew Tree Court
Hockering
Norfolk
NR20 3JR

C. Timings are on parade at 11AM at the crematorium in Mint Lynn
(Kings Lynn)holy
Funeral and cremation at 1130AM then on to the Green Man in Little
Snoring for a few drinks to remember our mate JOEbeerz

D. B & Bs in the Little Snoring area are as follows:

Sleepeezy Little Snoring (next door to the Gren Man) 01328 878807
Holly Lodge Thursford 01328 878465
Manor House Gt Snoring 01328 820597

If you need any further details then please ring me 07717456203

[Anthony Ruddock]

One of the best from the FIRST, keep them smiling Joe. Glad I never had a haircut though and always knew I could never match you on the ale. God bless mate,

Tony Ruddock

[Gus Daniells]

Yet another of the characters that every member of 1 RTR has benefited from meeting in some way or other, through his tales or sheer presence we were all richer for knowing Joe. He was missed at Scarborough by both Elaine and I, and as with all those who miss this event warning bells do go off.

To Jill and all of Joes family, Elaine and I send our condolences on your sad loss.
A true member of that great family 1RTR who will never be forgotten.

God bless you Joe old friend.

[Pete Champion]

R.I.P. Mate, You will be missed.

[Alan M Cunningham]

Paul Did the cap badge get to you in time ???Lads I need a bit of help - need an RTR cap badge - staybright variety - for Joes beret for the cask at his funeral. Anyone got a spare lying around - might have one myself but cant emeber where i put the trinket box with that stuff in.

Got a piper and a funeral party from 1 rtr - the flag we show in Scarboro his medals and beret might have a lanyard too.

got some phone numbers for overnight accommodation if anyone is interested in stopping over.

[Paul Ramsay]

Yes thank you mate. will pass on at the funeral.

[Alan Levi Hodges]

To the family we send our thanks for such a man to 1 RTR


RIP Joe and thanks for all the dodgy Haircuts!!!!

Al Hodges
1 RTR 77-94

[Paul Ramsay]

holy shows what a man Joe was and how high he was held within the "gang" over 1750 hits on this thread and over 65 entries so far.........

need I say more.

Paul - the undertaker spoke to me and got quite aggresive - had to explain WHO I WAS and wind his neck in unfortunately - sorry if he says anything to you. he thinks nothing will happen but Ive assured him in no uncertain terms it will.

See you Friday holy

[Mike Kemble]

Undertaker shirty? Ask him if he'd like a Challenger 2 through his parlour?

[patbrown]

unfortunately due to prior work commitments I will be unable to attend Joes funeral,,, have passed my condolences to the family. When we get to the bar in the sky , it`s your round Joe.. a funny popular and friendly guy who will be sorely missed. God bless..

[Keith Birch]

I worked with Joe for many years he was a great boss and friend.

He will be missed by many and the guys from QM(T) will be talking about him for years to come.

Bye Joe

[keith Hudson]

Not only people from Tex Taw's will be talking about him but any one who had meet him . Lay at peace Joe.No more duty storemen let other carry the flame.

[SMatthews]

Setting off tomorrow early doors, for Kings Lynn, staying overnight at the Sleepeezy in Little Snoring.Tel 01328878807 next door to Joe's favourite beerz pub The Greenman. Hope to see lots of ex Tankies there.



Fear Naught icon_chie: But God

[Paul Ramsay]

holy Joe's funeral

Danny Danitz picked me up at 0600 and we had a nice steady drive down to Kings Lynn, non too eventful till we stopped for a coffee, danny got his ok and mine came out in little shots - called the attendant and then realised I was on that double strength stuff! did it give me the shits or what! Stopped for a little thief breakfast again after swearing I wouldnt do it - YES they are still crap and overpriced!!

Arrived at the crem at about 0915 and had a walk amongst the dead! what a wonderful place it was calm tranquill and very well kept, ideal location for a sad event all the same.

Steve Mathews turned up about an hour later after following all the one way signs round Kings Lynn for an hour!! Hijacked his car to take us for a coffee, we were told it was just down the road, 15 mins later no sign so we asked a lady walking her young children - the reply from the little toddler was down there and its got a big slide!! Lady says third turning on the left so off we go 15 mins down same road we came to this sailing club - two mins from the crem - never mind it gets better!!

Has a nice coffee and heads back to the Crem - by now a few of the lads had landed, Barry Hoare and Ben Campbell, the new Regimental Secretary - Arnie Buckley, RSM Daz Logan and the bearer party, which consisted of JAGGSY, TENKO, BRIAN WEEDON, PETE ROONEY AND the Pipe Major PETE MACFARLAND (ex Scots Guards but a thouroughly nice man - apologies for the jock in a frock greeting!!) Thanks RSM it was a special touch for a special little man.
Puggy turned up - he had gone down and done a recce the night before! ended up kipping in his car in the green man car park so it must have been a good old fashioned recce!! Steve Mathews was having a bad hair day in front of the wrong guys!! In the car park of the crem he pulled out what looked like three night shirts on a hanger and says people will think Im a right woman! icon_thum: which one shall I wear........frankly Mr Mathews none of them!! more on this man later.

There were lots of people arriving for Joe's service now and the crem was filling up rapidly, the piper started his lament and Joes carriage arrived draped in the union flag with belt and beret and a wonderful tank arrangement of flowers. The crem was packed for this last farewell to our old mate, his eldest son Paul gave a splendid speech about his dad which for those of us who knew him well was spot on, I read the regimental collect for Joe which was a privilidge my old mate. the piper played another haunting lament and Joe disappeared on his final journey.

We filed out of church to be met by Paul, Mark and Tasha, Jill was there too and so lovely to see her (17 years since the last time) we all moved on to the Green Man and a drink and a bite to eat in the wee mans memory. Good to chat to the serving lads and especially the Pipe Major who has promised to come and play at the scattering of Joes ashes in Scarborough next year. The toast to Joe was with a bottle of Herforder pils! how fitting!! I can recall going to Joe for a few things on the side and he was rewarded with a specific amount of yellow handbags ranging from 1 for small items to 5 for larger items!! many a QM(T) was bypassed in this way and the lads were spared hundreds of pounds in losses!! That was Joe.

Unfortunately myself and Danny could only stop for an hour or so but long enough to have a good chat with Jill and the family who all will be in Scarborough next year to say goodbye for the last time to Joe.

Now just to end....................cannot go without passing comment on Mr Mathews navigational skills........he got lost in Fakenham and again in Little Snoring which may I add is a one road town..................now which shirt did you wow the pub with then Mr M.......

Thank you to the whole Gotobed family for making us welcome and we will reciprocate in September next year when we scatter "titch's ashes...........holy

[eric harding]

well put paul he had a good send off , when i arrived on the thursday i learnt something which was a tiny shock , as i went into the pub the landlord greeted me and asked the usual q,s i said can u help me i have come for jo,s funeral and am looking for b/b , he looked bemused and said jo ? joe who ? joe gotobed says i , whereupon jo,s son mark introduced himself and said , ahh thats my dad who is called anthony paul gotobed . the landlord says oh yea you mean titch ?????????? right ?????? . apparently it was only the mib who called him joe ( the barber ) anyway i spent a good night drinking with the locals who all had something good to say about . anthony paul titch jo .

ps sleeping rough is only now recommended for younger souls , its ok for the 1st 2 hours until the drink wears off .then its a nightmare .

r i p , joe

[SMatthews]

Paul, decided to come back early from the Green Man, said my farewells to Joe's family and collected my Shirts from the B&B and left them a note with £10. So off I went A17 to A1 and not a wrong turn. Did get caught up in roadworks and a rain storm, but still got home in time, to shower and put a clean SHIRT on, the brown one, and off to watch the rugby, well done Bradford. Got in just after 12, so I had my own Wake in [Wakefield]

God rest your soul, JOE holy

[Paul Ramsay]

Paul, decided to come back early from the Green Man, said my farewells to Joe's family and collected my Shirts from the B&B and left them a note with £10. So off I went A17 to A1 and not a wrong turn. Did get caught up in roadworks and a rain storm, but still got home in time, to shower and put a clean SHIRT on, the brown one, and off to watch the rugby, well done Bradford. Got in just after 12, so I had my own Wake in [Wakefield]

God rest your soul, JOE holy

Yeah we got caught in the same as well but still didnt do too bad 3 hours in all.

St Helens and Leeds on Friday and Hull v Bradford on Saturday

Watched Hendo's Queensland Cowboys get through to the Aussie grand final this morning - will be rooting for them next Sunday morning in the GF.

[SMatthews]

Didn't get lost for a change wormface