The Revd Stuart Ansell
The Revd Stuart Ansell

The Bishop of Lichfield has paid tribute to a Staffordshire vicar who has died.

The Revd Stuart Ansell, Vicar of Silverdale since July 2000 and of Keele since 2003, died in the late hours of Wednesday night (February 2) after a short illness, aged 51.

The Rt Revd Jonathan Gledhill, said:

“Stuart was a much loved priest who spent his entire ministry in Lichfield diocese.  He was known as a gifted youth officer and for all that he contributed to the diocesan youth work.

“In the ex-mining parish of Silverdale he did great things and formed a fruitful partnership with the Revd Barry Wilson in nearby Madeley and Betley. His faith, hope and good humour during his last illness have encouraged many people.  We all join Kay and the family in mourning the loss of a very special labourer in God’s vineyard.  We give thanks that his pain and sickness are now finished; and we commend him into the hands of the Lord.”

Revd Ansell leaves a wife, Kay, and three grown-up sons.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.