Former archdeacon, the Venerable Terry Gibson, was a ‘great servant’ of church

The Venerable Terry Gibson, a former Archdeacon of both Suffolk and of Ipswich, died in hospital aged 77 following a fall. (Image: Archant)

The Venerable Terry Gibson, a former Archdeacon of both Suffolk and of Ipswich, died in hospital aged 77 following a fall.

He celebrated 50 years of priestly ministry last year, 30 of which he had served in the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich.

The Rt Rev Martin Seeley, Bishop of the 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.”

Former diocesan bishop, the Rt Rev John Waine, said: “Terry 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.”

Mr Gibson studied at Jesus College, Cambridge, and trained for the ministry at Cuddesdon College.

He started his ministry as a curate at St Chad’s in Kirkby, Liverpool, in 1963. He was a youth chaplain 1966 to 1972, team vicar at Kirkby from 1972-75, team rector from 1975-84 and Rural Dean of Walton in the Liverpool Diocese from 1979-84.

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