The Rt Rev Maurice Goodall, sixth Bishop of Christchurch from 1984-90, died in Christchurch Hospital on October 27 after a short illness. He was 82.

A private funeral is being held at St Stephen’s, Shirley, this week.

A diocesan-wide memorial service will take place in ChristChurch Cathedral on Monday, November 8 at 2.30pm.

"Maurice was greatly loved across the diocese for his warmth and compassion," said Canon Brian Thomas today. "Indeed, as an evangelical bishop he always shied from any sort of pageantry that might separate him from the embrace of his people, especially the poor."

Bishop Goodall, MBE, was educated at Christchurch Technical College and the University of New Zealand.

Ordained in 1952, he did his curacy at St Albans, Christchurch, and then became Vicar of Waikari, followed by Shirley.

From 1969-76 he was City Missioner for Christchurch, then Director of the Community Mental Health Team.

In 1982 he became Dean of ChristChurch Cathedral, leading to his installation as Bishop of Christchurch in 1984.

Bishop Goodall's wife Beverley and their family have asked for space while they mourn their loss.