Tributes Pour In for Beloved Fishmonger Arthur Maddock

The Wirral community mourns the loss of Arthur Maddock, a cherished fishmonger who passed away at the age of 81 this week. Known for his vibrant personality and deep community ties, Maddock leaves behind his wife, Leslie Maddock, and three children, Arthur, Rosemary, and Suzanne Maddock. His daughter, an actress known for her role in ITV’s “The Bill,” expressed the profound impact her father had on those around him.

Maddock’s career spanned over five decades, during which he sold fresh seafood around the Great Float in Birkenhead and Wallasey. He became a well-respected figure, described as “loved by everybody.” Suzanne recalled, “Everyone knew my dad. He was really nice, always had a smile, always made everyone laugh.”

A Life Dedicated to the Sea

Arthur Maddock’s connection to the sea began early in life. He left school to fish alongside his father in 1958. His commitment to maritime service continued as he served as both a lifeboat man and mechanic for the New Brighton RNLI during the 1960s.

Maddock sold seafood from the historic vessel, the Manx Beauty, which was built in 1937 to support the Isle of Man’s fishing industry. The boat, currently owned by the Cellardyke Trust, is in need of restoration, a project Maddock had hoped to see completed. Suzanne noted, “What’s really sad is that my dad couldn’t see the boat restored, because he always wanted that to happen.”

When reflecting on her memories of her father, she highlighted their shared experiences on the water, particularly the Tall Ships Race in 1984. “We had all of our friends and family on the boat, and were taking people up and down the river, getting up close to the tall ships,” she said.

A Community’s Grief and Gratitude

Following the announcement of his passing, many locals took to social media to express their condolences and share memories. One individual described Maddock as a “legend,” recalling the joy of visiting his boat during lunch breaks to purchase shrimp. Another shared their sadness upon learning he had sold his boat, noting the chance encounters they enjoyed walking along the promenade with him.

The New Brighton Lifeboat Station released a statement expressing their sorrow at Maddock’s death. “All of us at New Brighton RNLI were saddened to hear of the passing of Arthur Maddock on September 1, 2025. Arthur served as a mechanic at New Brighton RNLI for 12 years in the 1960s, and we thank him for his service to saving lives at sea.”

In her heartfelt remarks, Suzanne thanked everyone for their kind words, noting the widespread affection for her father. “Loads of people have been reaching out to me—people I don’t know. My dad had so many friends. Hundreds and hundreds of people knew him,” she said.

When asked to encapsulate her father’s essence, she stated simply, “Loved by everybody and a proper boat captain with a massive heart and a big smile.” The legacy of Arthur Maddock will undoubtedly endure as a testament to his dedication to both his craft and his community.