AN ‘exceptional’ clergyman who was an ‘integral part’ of a village church has died aged 77

Reverend Canon Brian Findlay passed away of prostate cancer.

Tributes have been paid to Rev Canon Findlay who was described as a 'warm person' and 'great listener'.

He began his career as an academic scholar, studying at Cambridge and going on to become dean of divinity at Magdalen College, Oxford.

Rev Canon Findlay went on to supervise postgraduates in church history and music.

After 10 years, he decided to enter parish work and became vicar of Tonge Moor, Bolton and then rector of Monks Eleigh in Suffolk.

In 1988, he and his wife Kirsty moved to the village of Thwaites near the Duddon Valley to enjoy their retirement.

During this time, he had been helping with the parishes of Millom Benefices for the previous 10 years - particularly St Anne’s Church in Thwaites.

Mrs Findlay said: “He was a keen scholar and has a personal library of more than 20,000 books.

“He was an exceptional gardener and loved plants.

“He was also an exceptional organ and harpsichord player.

“He loved cooking and having people round for dinner.

“He was a very warm person and a great listener.”

Peter Ford, church warden of St Anne’s Church in Thwaites, described Mr Findlay as very ‘understandable’ and an 'exceptional’ clergyman.

“He was a highly-educated man whose sermons everyone understood,” he said.

“He was a very good friend of mine who I shall miss dearly.

“He was absolutely devoted to his wife.

“They never went anywhere without one other.

“He helped to improve St Anne’s Church and made absolutely everyone feel welcome.

“People keep telling me how much of a tragedy it is.

“He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”