Bishop leads tributes to ex-Archdeacon of Lynn 

The Bishop of Norwich has led tributes to the former Archdeacon of Lynn Ian Bentley who died on May 31 in Priscilla Bacon Hospice surrounded by his family.

“Ian was much loved and hugely respected by all who knew him. He served the Diocese of Norwich with distinction, ministering in its many parishes, latterly at Oulton Broad, St Peter Mancroft, and then as Archdeacon of Lynn. He also served on the Chapter of Norwich Cathedral,” wrote Bishop Graham Usher.
 
“He bore the news of his cancer diagnosis with huge fortitude, witnessing throughout his illness to the Lord Jesus. Many of us have lost a friend and the Diocese will mourn a faithful minister of the Gospel. Our prayers today are particularly with Caroline and their children Hannah and Tim, and the beloved grandchildren.
 
“Ian was a passionate follower of Jesus Christ: he loved being part of missions and sharing his faith with humour and warmth.”
 
Archdeacon Ian enjoyed playing the piano, often dusting off the organ when visiting rural churches, and delighted in a G&T whilst on his motor cruiser on the Norfolk Broads.
 
Archdeacon Ian grew up in Essex, studied geography at the University of Sheffield, and, following a career in teaching including being Deputy Headteacher of a school in Germany, trained for ministry in Durham. He served his curacy in the Mattishall parishes, was rector of the Earsham group in and around Ditchingham, was vicar of St Mark’s Oulton Broad and interim priest in charge of St Peter Mancroft.
 
The Bentley Family have issued an open invitation to join them to celebrate the life of The Venerable Ian Bentley, Archdeacon Emeritus of Lynn, at Norwich Cathedral on June 15, at 12.30. Refreshments will be served in the Cloisters afterwards and all are welcome.
 
Article extracts from Diocese of Norwich

Picture courtesy of Diocese of Norwich.