People across the Diocese of Canterbury have been paying tribute to a 'loyal' and 'enthusiastic' Church Army Officer from Maidstone, who passed away from cancer.

Graham Nunn was just 65 when he died on Sunday, June 6.

He leaves behind a legacy as a compassionate man who was a key supportive figure in the faith journeys of countless people.

The Venerable Andrew Sewell, Archdeacon of Maidstone, who was a personal friend of Mr Nunn said: “I have known Graham as a great colleague, a loyal friend and an occasional golfing partner for the 23 years I’ve been in the diocese.

"He was a born evangelist, instrumental in the faith journeys of adults and young people as well as countless children.

"I have never seen anyone who could hold a roomful of kids spellbound so effortlessly, exciting them with magic, delighting them with singing and quieting them with prayerful calm.

"He told it like it was, did Graham, but his deep compassion for people and his deeper love for Jesus were never far below the surface.

"His illness and death, just before he was due to retire, have come as a terrible shock to all who loved him.

"Lots of us are reeling. But we’re deeply grateful to have known him.”

The Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover, said: "‘Graham was an enthusiastic and effective evangelist with a deep desire to make Christ known.

"We are enormously indebted to him for his faithful and creative ministry across our diocese and further afield.

"When Graham spoke of his various engagements, one could not help but be caught up with his joy at souls being won for Christ.

"In the midst of accepting the outcome around his diagnosis, his primary concern was for his immediate family.

"I watched his face light up as he moved from the thoughts of leaving them behind and began to share with me something of the journey he had embarked on as an evangelist.

"We talked about the many who have been reaching out to him from amongst those whom he had served.

"He shared his thankfulness to God and surprise for having been entrusted with this extraordinary ministry.

"Graham, my fellow Church Army evangelist, hear the words of our Lord, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” May his soul rest in peace and rise in glory.’

Information regarding Graham’s funeral will be published by the diocese in due course.

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