Alastair Thompson

Canon Alastair Thompson

We are all deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden and unexpected death of Alastair Thompson. Alastair had been chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance since 2003 (and a member since 1993) and was a Canon of Ripon Cathedral. He unstintingly served the Diocese of Ripon and Leeds in so many ways and on a great number of committees. Above all, many of us in the diocese knew him as 'the man who could make finance understandable.' Members of the Diocesan Board of Finance, the Diocesan Synod and the Cathedral community will often have heard him offer concise and lucid explanations of complicated figures. He unfailingly enabled debate and always took seriously the questions of everyone present, no matter how complex or how simple. He always said, 'I can produce the evidence for that!' and he did! We have much to thank Alastair for. His wise guidance has enabled us to manage our funds and inspire generous giving to great effect. His own example in the positive and careful stewardship of money enabled the Dioceasan Board of Finance to make sound decisions about how it organises and manages the finances of the diocese. With a sure hand, he guided us in keeping our finances on a secure footing so that they support our mission and enable the work of the whole diocese. He was always committed to ensuring that the bishop could deploy his full quota of parish clergy.

Alastair was generous with his time, encouraging to all with whom he came into contact, knowledgeable about so many things and always good to work with. He was good company whether as a dinner companion or a fellow worker, whether you were 89 or 9. I will remember him as quintessentially a Yorkshireman with a twinkle in his eye, proud of his roots, and always ready to make a contribution to whatever he found to be worthwhile. He supported many organisations and charities. The last time I saw him, he was telling me about the work of the Friends of the Leukaemia Unit in Leeds - it was only after the conversation ended that I discovered from someone else that he chaired the group. This was typical of Alastair.

We shall miss him very much. We have every reason to be deeply grateful to him; he inspired us in the Christian stewardship of not just money, but life, and he lived his life fully to the very end. Our thoughts, deepest prayers and sympathy go to his family. His funeral will be on Wednesday 25th January at 12.30pm at his parish church, St Giles, Bramhope, in Leeds. 

You can read more at http://www.riponleeds.anglican.org/press-434.html