Tributes to former Archdeacon of Suffolk and Ipswich

Tributes have been pouring in for a senior Church of England clergyman who served Suffolk for three decades.

The Venerable Terry Gibson, a former Archdeacon of both Suffolk and Ipswich, died in hospital during the early hours of Saturday morning (September 26), following a fall.

The retired clergyman, who was aged 77, celebrated 50 years of priestly ministry last year, 30 years of which he had served in the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich.

His colleagues remember him as a much loved and respected priest who had continued an active ministry in his retirement and who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

The Rt Rev Martin Seeley, Bishop of the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, said: “Terry was a great servant of the Church who combined wisdom, compassion and humour in equal measure. He will be missed immensely across the Diocese and by his many friends in Suffolk.”

The Rt Rev John Waine, who amongst his roles was Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich from 1978 to 1986, knew Terry for more than 45 years.

He said: “He was 100 per cent dedicated to his work, he worked and worked. He has been retired for some years but there were few weekends when Terry was not busy in a parish. People knew him and loved him.”

The Venerable Ian Morgan, Archdeacon of Suffolk, said: “I’ve known Terry for almost 25 years and on many occasions I have been able to appreciate his deep pastoral concern, kindness and profound wisdom.

“In addition Terry was a fine preacher, not afraid to be provocative and to challenge complacency.

“A generous smile, a beguiling chuckle and a life dedicated to God’s service made him an exceptional man and priest who will be warmly remembered for many, many years.”

The Venerable Terry Gibson studied at Jesus College, Cambridge, gaining BA and MA degrees, and trained for the ministry at Cuddesdon College.

He started his ministry as a curate at St Chad’s church in Kirkby, Liverpool, a post he held from 1963 to 1966.

He was a youth chaplain 1966 to 1972, team vicar at Kirkby from 1972 to 1975, team rector of Kirkby from 1975 to 1984 and Rural Dean of Walton in the Liverpool Diocese from 1979 to 1984.

He became Archdeacon of Suffolk in 1984 until 1987 and then Archdeacon of Ipswich from 1987, living in Valley Road, Ipswich.