IT is with great sadness that his family announce the death of Charles Grayson Edwards - former Rector of St Swithun’s, Sandford (with Upton Hellions and Newbuildings) - who died peacefully at his home in Crediton on March 6.

He is survived by his wife Georgina, two sons Nick and Jeremy, his sister Penny, two grandchildren and four step grandchildren.

Charles was born in the USA in 1937. He grew up in St Paul (Minnesota) and attended Breck School and Macalester College where he studied Economics and Spanish.

Having moved to the UK, he married his first wife Elizabeth in 1963. He attended Ripon Hall Theological College in Oxford and was ordained into the Church of England. His first roles in the clergy were in Bletchley, Buckinghamshire and Ware, Hertfordshire.

UNFORGETTABLE

In 1975 he became Vicar of Christ the King in Brighton Hill, Basingstoke, Hampshire, where he worked for five years.

Many readers will remember Charles as the Rector of Sandford between 1980 and 1994 where he was very much the “parson for the whole parish” rather than just for churchgoers.

An unforgettable character, he was often seen and heard striding (and sometimes driving a Sinclair C5) around the village, warmly greeting all-comers.

Charles was always a “people person” and seldom forgot a face, or a voice and was as at home in the village square, the shop, The Rose and Crown or The Lamb, as he was in the church.

SITTING ON STEPS

A book of “Devon Eccentricities” published in the 1990s had two local entries: the Kennerleigh village shop and Charles - his face beaming out from a full-page photograph next to text celebrating an extravert, white-haired, partially-sighted American who was the Rector of a rural Devon parish.

Another photograph, still in the possession of the church, shows Charles in full clerical robes, crook in hand, sitting on the church steps surrounded by a great mob of parishioners, entirely in his element.

In church, Charles’ sermons were invariably original, funny, thought-provoking and often flamboyant; his services were never dull or overly formal.

His style of ministry attracted many people who, in other hands, may never have considered going to a service. A good friend to many in the area, when Charles departed the parish many in the local community felt it was a great loss.

“GOSSIPING”

His commitment to spirituality and churchgoers continued after he left Sandford: he took occasional services at St Stephen’s in Exeter and at St James’, Bondleigh, as well as serving as a volunteer chaplain at Exeter Cathedral.

He also held a weekly Eucharist for friends and former parishioners who preferred his unique style at his home in Crediton where he lived with Georgina, whom he married in 1994 and her children Jonathan, Fleur and Timothy.

“Gossiping the gospel” and amicable, yet robust discussions on theology and life were what he did best: not only in church, but also in pubs and on trains, or even whilst building his giant Lego cathedrals.

His other passions included campaigning for peace and equality, enjoying fine food, beer and wine and Baroque music (particularly Bach).

A lifetime railway enthusiast, retirement enabled him to enjoy numerous train trips - which led to several important friendships. He also regularly travelled around the UK, Europe and the USA to see family and friends and visit his beloved Gothic Cathedrals.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Charles, who had poor eyesight due to his albinism, was a founder member of the Crediton Access Group which supported disabled people in the area. He also quietly supported a great many local and overseas charities.

It was Charles’ wish to have a private cremation.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at St Swithun’s, Sandford.

Friends, former colleagues, parishioners and anyone wishing to show their respects and share Charles’ spirit of generosity, fellowship and inclusion are warmly invited to join his family on Wednesday May 4, at 3pm at St Swithun’s, Sandford.