Father-of-two pays tribute to late Thornbury vicar (From Gazette Series)

Father-of-two pays tribute to late Thornbury vicar, the Rev John Suddards

11:08am Wednesday 22nd February 2012 in News Exclusive By Marion Sauvebois

A FATHER-of-two whose son Daniel had been christened by the Rev John Suddards just weeks before his untimely death has paid a special tribute to the late Thornbury vicar.

Paul Craig, of Larkspur Close, first heard of the clergyman’s murder on Tuesday as he was waiting to board a transfer flight in Amsterdam.

As stunned as he was by the news, he took the time to write to the Gazette to share his memories of the "caring and compassionate man" with a fantastic sense of humour, he had become so close to.

Mr Craig said: "I was incredibly shocked and saddened to hear about the events of yesterday and the untimely death of John Suddards. I live in Thornbury with my wife and two children, and got to know John recently while preparing our son’s christening. John performed the baptism of our son only a few weeks ago and made a real impression on both our families. He was clearly a very caring and compassionate man who valued community and considered everyone a close friend."

What will stay with him are the recollections of John’s ability to engage with children on Sundays.

According to him and many other parents in the community, Mr Suddards was immediately able to bond with even the most reserved of children. He certainly left a long-lasting impression on his toddler Daniel.

"On Sunday afternoon John was involved in St Mary’s monthly kids’ praise, which we as a family attended," he added.

"John gave the impression of having immense pride and happiness in seeing such a vibrant and large group of families attending. Our son Daniel, took a real shine to John probably due to John’s calming nature, and enjoyed his company, regularly toddling towards him with his arms in the air seeking a calming cuddle.

"John would pick him up and talk to him, telling him about the historical objects in the church with little humorous quips and chuckles."

Like most in Thornbury’s churchgoing community, Mr Craig is mourning the loss of a man he had come to consider as a family friend.

"Those who met John will miss him dearly, he was one of life’s truly nice guys."