It is with sadness that we share the news of the death of the Revd Canon Richard Mitchell.
Bishop Rachel writes, “Many of you will remember Richard, who retired from the Cathedral as Director of Congregational Development and Canon Precentor in 2023, following his terminal cancer diagnosis. Since then, he and Lucie (previously Head Teacher at Miserden Church of England Primary School) have been living in Yorkshire.
“Prior to his appointment to the Cathedral in 2016, Richard was Vicar of the Greenway Benefice; and when I arrived in the Diocese in 2015, Richard was Area Dean of Severn Vale and Chair of the House of Clergy, and a dedicated General Synod representative. I deeply appreciated his wisdom, care, friendship and integrity.
“Richard was an extremely kind person and also a very fair person. He treated everyone with equal respect and dignity and was committed to listening to people and giving them the gift of his time. His gentleness was combined with robustness, and he had a gift of combining encouragement with appropriate challenge, rooted in his desire for people and situations to be the best that they could be.
“The way Richard lived with his cancer diagnosis and all to which that led, was a great testimony to his Christian faith. He did not hide the pain, struggles and questions, yet never imposed his thoughts and feelings on others, and exuded a peace and hope which flowed from his rootedness in the love and hope of Jesus Christ.”
His funeral is this Thursday (9 July) in Yorkshire. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
I had a number of dealings with Richard when he was Area Dean of Severn Vale and think the summary is 100% accurate – kind and gentle, but also firm when needed. May he rest in peace and rise in glory
To Dear Canon Richard, will always be remembered for being so thoughtful and kind to us all. At great length we talked about Selby, York, and the Minster.
Greatly missed and wiser for knowing you.
I will always be thankful to
Richard for his friendship as we served on the CNC together and then on General Synod. . He was a wise, gentle man with a wicked sense of humour.
Rest in peace dear Richard and rise in glory!
I was Deanery Chair for a short time when Richard was appointed Area Dean. I can only echo those sentiments written above. As our paths crossed at the Cathedral, Richard always asked about things we had in common.
He was a true gentleman. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.