A retired Trowbridge rector has lost his battle with pancreatic cancer, aged 70.

Canon Christopher Brown was Rector at St James’ Church, Trowbridge, from 1988 to 2009, and of Keevil from 2007 to 2009. He was also Rural Dean of Bradford on Avon from 1994 to 2001.

After retiring he became a member of the congregation at St John the Evangelist in Upper Studley.

Bob Rogers was on the selection committee that appointed him to St James.

“He was a wonderful man, a gentle man, very traditional,” said Mr Rogers, who is now on the parochial church council at St John the Evangelist in Upper Studley.

“He had a great sense of humour and we would always joke in the vestry before service, but as soon as we came out of the vestry the joking stopped.

“He was a very good people person and had a lot of sympathy to share with people. He was a very good listener and you always felt better after you saw him.

“He was a great personal friend and helped me through difficult times when my daughter had a very serious car accident.

“He had great reverence with everything he did. He gave excellent sermons, which always had a point.”

The Rev Selina Deacon, of St John the Evangelist in Upper Studley, will be taking Mr Brown’s funeral service there on Tuesday, October 21, at noon. She said: “The great joy of serving God was paramount in his life, as was his family.”

Donations can be made in his memory to Pancreatic Cancer Research UK.

Obituary: Page 44