I was deeply saddened to learn, earlier today, that Bishop Clive Young, former Bishop of Dunwich, died yesterday aged 67.
He retired just two years ago, after four decades of devoted service as a deacon, priest and bishop, serving as Suffragan Bishop in this diocese from 1999 until his retirement.
Although I have only recently moved to Suffolk, I have known Clive since 1996 when I became vicar of the Isle of Dogs; he was on the appointment panel as Archdeacon of Hackney. From then on I experienced his deep wisdom and care for which he is so widely known in Suffolk. His support became very personal when he helped Jutta and I in our plans to be married.
We do not yet know the date of the funeral, which is likely to be in Herefordshire, but we are planning a Thanksgiving Service as part of Evensong on Sunday 15 November at 3.30pm at the Cathedral.
It is with real poignancy that the news of Clive’s death came at exactly the same time as I was updating clergy on the process of appointing his successor.
I know you will share my deep sadness for Clive’s wife Sue, that he has died so soon after his retirement and hold her in your prayers.
I would like to share you with the thoughts of Bishop Nigel, which I have just received...
"It was with immense sadness that I heard of the death of my gentle, wise and delightful colleague of six years. I saw him not all that long ago at a service of consecration of bishops, and was reminded of how much I owed him. All those shared car journeys, shared celebrations and shared crises over the time we were together in Suffolk brought out the depth of Clive’s experience, compassion and faith. The loss to us all of Clive’s gifts of music, literary depth and sense of history is very great. These were the things that produced inspirational quiet days and retreats. Of course our prayers and heartfelt sympathy go out to Sue, who with Clive was so kind and hospitable to several generations of ordinands and readers in training and many others. I am sure that Clive is now bound up with the risen Lord Jesus whom he served so faithfully.”
