With sadness we have learnt of the death of The Very Reverend James Atwell, Dean of St Edmundsbury, 1995 – 2006.  He died at home on Saturday 12 December.

Dean Joe Hawes writes:

James Atwell will be remembered as one of the great Deans of St Edmundsbury. The cathedral tower stands as his most visible legacy and testifies to his determination, energy and vision.

However, these gifts alone are not enough to build a lasting witness; it was perhaps his gifts of friendship and faith which will be most celebrated and remembered here in the cathedral and county of Suffolk. He built networks of relationship undergirded by gentleness and attentiveness and these persist to this day, as do his writings and prayers, a testimony to a fine priest and friend.

The cathedral celebrates all that Dean James bequeathed to us and we grieve with Lorna, Luke, Elizabeth and Mary that they did not have longer to enjoy their husband and father.

May he rest in peace, and rise in glory.

Obituary in The Telegraph on Wednesday 16 December.