Tributes paid to long-serving deacon Mike

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Tributes paid to long-serving deacon Mike

Tributes have been paid to Deacon Michael Wells, who served the parish of St Benet’s, Beccles, for 30 years, and who died at the age of 75 at the James Paget Hospital, Gorleston, on October 13.


Fellow Deacon Tony Felton said: “I have known Mike for many years and am aware of the steadfast service he has given to our parish, not only in his diaconal ministry but also as a firm friend.

“He was ordained in May 1991, five years before me, and gave me much invaluable support during my training for which I will ever be grateful and continued that support as a brother deacon ever since.

“Although his health limited his mobility for the last few years, he remained a rock-like figure in the background and gave much good advice to the parish especially in regard to the building and the churchyard as a member of the finance and fabric committee. I am sad at having lost such a good and faithful friend.”

Mike’s brother-in-law, Richard Jones, paid tribute, saying: “As a deacon, Mike was of course required to read prayers and excerpts from Scripture each day. But this was no imposed duty for Mike; he often said that if there were to come a time when he could no longer carry out this daily commitment he would miss it greatly. Mike loved the rhythm of the daily Office.”

Reflecting on St Paul’s second Epistle to Timothy in which the apostle looks back on his life, full of immense trial but unshakeable faith, Richard commented: “Mike endured his own trials, his long illness confining him to a wheelchair for many years, but he was still able to serve the parish even though his ministry to other parts of the deanery had to end.”

Mike’s funeral Mass will take place at St Benet’s on Friday October 29 at 2pm.

Pictured above are Mike and Hilary Wells.

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