Popular Shrewsbury vicar the Preb Mark Salmon has died at the age of 56.
Mark had been vicar at Harlescott since 2004 and also spent almost five years as Rural Dean of Shrewsbury between 2013 and 2018. He was made a Prebendary of Lichfield Cathedral last year.
A keen amateur photographer, he was often seen capturing diocesan events, including synod meetings, with his camera.
Archdeacon of Salop, the Ven Paul Thomas, said: "Mark was a buoyant, energetic and outgoing person who easily won friends both inside and outside the church. In his 12 years as Vicar of Harlescott, Shrewsbury, and Area Dean for five years he created many important networks and was also a key figure in Soul Purpose and its activities. What drove Mark was a passionate desire to see people discover the joy of receiving Gods love in Jesus as he had done from a young age.
"Mark and Debs recently celebrated their thirtieth wedding anniversary in their beloved Cornwall and returned there a few weeks ago for a family gathering. Their love was a mainstay of all he did and sought to achieve.
"The last time I saw Mark my offer of prayer was met by a large left hand held up for me to grasp - a hand that symbolised his openness to and trust in God. Our hearts go out to Debs and their three children Jack, Grace and Harriet plus other members of their large family circle as we commend them and Mark to Gods unfailing love."
Mark was ordained in 2000 and served his curacy in Bath and Wells Diocese before moving to Harlescott, where he served predominantly at The Church Of The Holy Spirit in Meadow Farm Drive, Shrewsbury.
The church was the home of Soul Purpose which draws together young people from around the Shrewsbury area to serve local communities. Mark can be seen talking about Soul Purpose in this video below from 2014.
Mark's family have asked for time and space to grieve Mark's loss.