Bishop pays tribute to parish priest who died this week

The Parish priest in charge of Finningley with Auckley, The Revd Dr David Ottewell, died suddenly on Tuesday 8th May 2007.

The Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham, the Rt Revd George Cassidy, paid tribute to him and said: “I’ll always remember the warmth of David’s smile, and loving pastoral care and leadership with which he served the Church. David combined a very busy professional life with sacrificial service to the people of Auckley and Finningley. Only last week he had been at a party for Self Supporting ministers here at Bishop’s Manor. His death has come as a great shock to us all and our heart goes out to Margaret and the family.”

David joined the Diocese in 1997 having previously served as a non-stipendiary priest in Barnby Dun parish, Sheffield(1993-1997), where he worked for the University and Health Service.  He was one of the Diocese’s longest serving ‘House for Duty’ Self Supporting Priests-in-Charge and was due to retire this year having guided his parishes into Sheffield Diocese where the Church’s mission is refocusing on the new international airport near Doncaster.

He leaves a wife Margaret, and two sons, Christopher and Simon.

Funeral details are to be arranged.

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