A FORMER rural dean of Kidderminster has died aged 60 after losing his battle with cancer.
The Rev Canon John Gibbs spent six years in the 1980s co-ordinating parishes across Wyre Forest and was warmly remembered by his one-time colleague the former Archdeacon of Dudley the Ven John Gathercole.
He said: "His time as rural dean of Kidderminster was a very creative period which combined his administrative competence with a live spirituality enriched by his ecumenical experience and vision.
"He was held in great affection in the diocese and will be greatly missed."
Mr Gibbs, who was originally from Surrey, co-ordinated with clergy and was responsible for services in Kidderminster, Bewdley and surrounding villages including Chaddesley Corbett.
The year before he became rural dean in 1983 he was appointed rector of Ribbesford with Bewdley and Dowles.
Mr Gibbs, who leaves a wife, three daughters and two grandchildren, died on Saturday at Pershore.
His funeral takes place tomorrow at 11.30am at Fladbury Church.2
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