Tributes have been paid to the former Bishop of Gloucester, the Rt Revd David Bentley, who passed away following his retirement to Lichfield.
Bishop David was Bishop of Gloucester from 1993 to 2003 and became an Honorary Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Lichfield on his retirement.
He and his wife Clarice have had a long and happy retirement in Lichfield where they have enjoyed being active members of the Cathedral congregation amongst other local groups and societies. Bishop David died on Wednesday 4 March at Queen’s Hospital in Burton aged 84 after a short illness.
His funeral will be at Lichfield Cathedral on Monday 23 March at 12.30pm, presided over by the Bishop of Lichfield, the Rt Revd Dr Michael Ipgrave.
Bishop Michael said: “Bishop David was a lovely man and a pastorally gifted bishop. It was truly a blessing for our diocese that Bishop David and Clarice retired to Lichfield and I appreciated his ministry here very much.”
The Bishop of Gloucester, the Rt Revd Rachel Treweek, said: “It is with great sadness that I heard the news of Bishop David’s death. He was a faithful follower of Christ and showed integrity and care in his leadership in the Diocese of Gloucester and I am personally thankful for the privilege of being one of his successors.”
The Revd Canon Andrew Stead, Lichfield Cathedral’s Canon Precentor, said: “Bishop David was an active and supportive member of the worshipping community at Lichfield Cathedral. His ministry here in his retirement as well as his companionship and friendship has been valued and appreciated hugely by so many people. He was a man of great compassion and wisdom, encouragement and prayerfulness. We offer to Clarice and the family our condolences, our love and our prayers at this time. Bishop David will be sorely missed by so many and we give thanks for the blessing of having him here as one of us. May he rest in peace, and rise in glory.”
Bishop David was a loving and much loved husband, father and Grandpa. He and Clarice have four children and 13 grandchildren and he will be greatly missed. His two sons-in- law are also bishops in the Church of England. He was ordained in 1960 and served in Bristol and Guildford dioceses and as Bishop of Lynn in Norwich Diocese between 1986-1993 before becoming Bishop of Gloucester. His ashes will be interred at Gloucester Cathedral where he spent many happy years.
Pictured: Bishop David (left) with Bishop Rachel and Bishop Michael Perham, also a former Bishop of Gloucester.