TRIBUTES have been paid to a senior East Yorkshire clergyman who "cared about people".
The Reverend Canon Dr Francis Gordon-Kerr died suddenly from a heart attack on Monday, aged 74.
From 1987 to 1996, he held the position of dean of west Hull and between 1989 and 1996 he was rural dean of Hull.
Mr Gordon-Kerr's posts also included chaplain of the University of Hull, from 1975 to 1982; vicar of Welton and Melton, from 1982 to 1992; and vicar of Anlaby, from 1992 to 1998.
He was made a canon of York Minster 1989.
Joy Hindley, a reader at St Peter's Church in Anlaby, said her friend, teacher and fellow worshipper will be remembered as a "humble" person who cared about helping others.
She said: "We were very fortunate to work with Francis, as he was a great Christian teacher, preacher and trainer, always encouraging others to use their gifts for God.
"Francis introduced family services at St Peter's, a weekly Saturday club for children and a youth group.
"He also supported and encouraged the Tuesday pram service, which still meets today.
"His kindness and pastoral outreach was wide-ranging, both within the church and outside in the community of Anlaby.
"Francis will be greatly missed, but fondly remembered by many."
The Right Reverend Richard Frith, Bishop of Hull, said Mr Gordon-Kerr was well liked and respected by his fellow clergymen and church-goers.
He said: "Although Mr Gordon-Kerr retired before I moved to Hull, I met him on a few occasions and I have heard a great deal about him.
"I know that he was really loved and appreciated."
Mr Gordon-Kerr's wife, Janfryd, paid tribute to her husband of 44 years.
She said: "Francis was really loved by everyone he was involved with. He was a great communicator and learned.
"He cared about people and gave them lots of time."
Mr Gordon-Kerr was born in Carlisle and followed his father, an Anglican clergyman, into the Church.
He spent his early years in northern England and Scotland.
While juggling his various roles prior to his retirement from Crowland Abbey in Lincolnshire in 2004, Mr Gordon-Kerr was involved in the Church's selection process for ministers.
After his retirement he taught occasionally in the theology department at the University of Lincoln.
Mrs Gordon-Kerr said: "His special interest was the 300-year period between the New Testament and the Old Testament, which was the focus of his PhD paper."
Mr Gordon-Kerr was father to Martin, 43, and Catherine, 40, and grandfather to Sam, eight, and four-year-old twins Philippa and Grace.
Outside work, Mr Gordon-Kerr enjoyed choral singing and music, ancient history and birdwatching with his wife.
Mr Gordon-Kerr's funeral will be held at 2pm on August 15 at St Wulfram's Church in Grantham, Lincolnshire.
