CANON John Bearpark, former Steeton and Bentham vicar, passed away peacefully at home in Settle on Saturday August 17 at the age of 88.

John was born in Odsal, Bradford, and moved with his family to Guiseley as a child, where he attended Oxford Road School and St Oswald's before studying at Bradford Grammar School. John then went to Oxford University and Lincoln Theological College.

John was made Deacon in September 1961 taking the role of Assistant Curate at Holy Trinity Church, Bingley. He then served as Priest in Charge at St Hughes, Baildon, before becoming the Vicar at St Saviours Fairweather Green in 1967. In 1977 John, his wife Dorothy and their children, Andrew, Rachel and Catherine moved to Steeton.

John served as vicar at St Stephen’s Steeton with Eastburn and as Chaplin at Airedale General Hospital. In 1994, he became Parish Priest at St Margaret’s High Bentham as well as Rural Dean and in 1999 St John the Baptist Low Bentham became part of John’s remit.

John was dedicated to his service and became actively involved in all the communities where he worked. He enjoyed meeting people, bringing people together and being part of all the community.

He conducted countless weddings, funerals and christenings with care and found it a privilege to be an integral part of such events. He became involved in the local schools, care homes, amateur dramatics, chaired election hustings and supported his parishes in any way he could.

John and Dorothy retired in 2001 to Settle. During this time he served at Settle Parish Church but was also able to spend more time travelling, visiting friends and family, being involved in local railway groups and the U3A, following Bradford City, walking and travelling by train whenever he could.

The congregation of Settle Parish Church was joined by visitors from across the diocese to celebrate the 60th anniversary of John's ordination. Members of his family joined the congregation for the service along with parishioners from many of his former parishes.

At the celebration, John thanked his wife for everything she had done over the previous 60 years, explaining that they had always been a double act, complementing each others skills and talents.

John and Dorothy have 11 grandchildren and John was a very special and adored grandad. His funeral will be held at Settle Parish Church on Tuesday, September 10 at 11am.