TRIBUTES have been paid to a Church of England vicar.

The Reverend Canon Colin Johnson died on Wednesday July 18, aged 85.

He served parishes in Barrow, Addingham, Carlisle and Wigton for 35 years, and retired in 1996.

Colin was also made an honorary Canon of Carlisle Cathedral in 1985, and was granted the Bishop’s Permission to Officiate, meaning he could continue to minister after retirement.

The Rev Canon Geoffrey Ravalde, his successor as vicar of Wigton, said: "Colin was a much loved parish priest and a community person through and through.

"He was forever patient, cheerful and outgoing and was very well known outside the walls of the church."

Rev Johnson graduated from Leeds University in 1959 with a degree in General Studies, and undertook theological training at the College of the Resurrection in West Yorkshire.

He was ordained Deacon in 1961, became a priest a year later and served at Barrow St Matthew and St Francis from 1961 to 1967 before taking on the position of vicar of Addingham, near Penrith, from 1967 to 1971.

The Bishop of Carlisle, the Right Rev James Newcome, said: "Colin’s ministry was one of dedication to the communities he served and dedication to God.

"We give thanks for all the lives he touched and the witness he bore as he shone the light of Jesus onto others."

Rev Johnson became vicar of Carlisle Holy Trinity for nine years, and then served as vicar of Wigton for 10 years.

He returned to Barrow St Matthew and St Francis as vicar from 1990 to 1996.

Rev Newcome said: "It seems wonderfully fitting that his final incumbency saw him return to Barrow St Matthew and St Francis as Vicar, where his many years in ministry first began as curate.

"Our prayers are with Colin’s family now and in the future as they come to terms with their deep loss."

Rev Johnson married his wife, Barbara, in 1961 - they adopted their family of six children, and they have 11 grandchildren.

His funeral and interment was set to take place today (Thursday) at St James Ireby.