FRIENDS, parishioners and colleagues have paid tribute to a “maverick priest” who possessed incredible intelligence, wit and humility.

The Reverend Canon Doctor Ian James Tomlinson died peacefully at home on October 31 in the parish which he had served for more than 37 years.

A Yorkshire man originally, he moved to the benefice of Appleshaw, Fyfield, Kimpton and Thruxton – and later Shipton Bellinger – where he remained rector until his death.

As a doctor of theology he studied throughout his life at King’s College in London, Hull University, Oxford University and again at King’s.

He had the distinction of being both the longest serving incumbent and member of the College of Canons and served as the chairman of the House of Clergy.

Throughout his time in the benefice he was on the board of governors at Appleshaw and Kimpton primary schools and he was involved with Andover Crisis and Support Centre (ACSC) for more than 30 years.

He also set up the Diocesan Counselling Service which provided support for ministers in the Diocese of Winchester.

Canon Tomlinson consulted for the Grubb Institute where he worked with The Very Reverend Professor Martyn Percy, Dean of Christ Church College, Oxford, who later became his postgraduate professor.

“I worked with Ian over many years,” said The Very Reverend Professor Percy paying tribute.

“Ian completed a brilliant doctorate in practical theology and it was a pleasure and privilege to supervise him on this project.

“Perhaps above all else, Ian was an articulate, wise, generous, kind and pastoral man – a passionate parish priest, who reflected on and processed his own vocation and ministry with exceptionally rare intellectual insight. He was, and will remain, an exemplary scholar - pastor-priest, and our world is the poorer for his loss.”

“Ian was a most delightful contradiction,” said parishioner and friend Bruce Parker who is chairman of the Friends of Winchester Cathedral and a Cathedral Trust trustee.

“Although happiest in the company of true down-to-earth villagers , his sermons could be littered with references to Greek classics.

“He was the old-fashioned parish priest par excellence, hugely involved with every single village institution and what’s more, he did it all for more than 35 years.

“Appleshaw and the surrounding benefice has lost a wonderful, maverick priest. By golly, we’re all going to miss him.”

Affectionately known as Tommo by the staff and management committee at ACSC, he had responsibility for the welfare of the staff team and sourcing individual supervisors.

“In 1996 Ian was elected chairman of the committee,” said Yvonne Bradbury, manager of ACSC, “bringing genuine enthusiasm, vision, charm and a unique sense of the ridiculous to the role.

"It was his sense of commitment and vision which drove ACSC forward, resulting in the expansion of, not only the building, but the range of services provided today. The staff team and management committee are proud and privileged to have known and worked with Ian and we are left with a vast Tommosized hole in our lives.”

Fellow rector Reverend Andy Edmeads , now chaplain of Naomi House, said: “Ian was always a great friend. He was an endless support and I was very fortunate and blessed to have known him.

“He had a wonderful sense of humour and was always poking fun at the church. One bishop remarked that Ian ‘did good by stealth’. I would wholeheartedly agree, most of Ian’s good work was hidden and that is just how he would have wanted it to be.”

Chairman of Winchester Cathedral Council, Jean Ritchie QC, said: “Ian was a delightful member of the council. He was thoughtful, thought provoking and made a real contribution to our deliberations. He made us think outside the box, but always did so with a twinkle in his eye.

“He was a privilege to kno w and a joy to work with.”

Colleague Sue Armstrong who worked with Canon Tomlinson through the Diocesan Counselling Service said: “He was a model colleague: efficient, reliable, discreet but someone who never took himself too seriously.

“His wonderful sense of humour and ability to poke fun at himself, as well as others, made many a meeting an occasion to relish rather than to avoid.”

Parishioner Lucinda Green said: “There was never one like him. He brought the church to the people through his wonderful sense of humour, warmth and quick wit.”

Reverend Sandra Williams , who has now taken on the responsibility of the benefice, said: “I have enjoyed my three years or so working with Ian, he has been inspirational, affirming, humorous, generous, extremely knowledgeable and well liked throughout the benefice.

“It has been a joy, privilege and a real blessing.”

Headteacher of Appleshaw Primary School, Ian Hickman, said:“His passing is a great loss to our school and the wider community. I, for one, am hugely thankful that our paths crossed, albeit briefly.

“He was a man of great intellect, wit and humility and he fortified my instinct in doing what I believe to be right. Ian will have a lasting impact on me and I know that I will have cause to remember him and reflect on his words, ideas and beliefs.”

Canon Tomlinson leaves behind his wife Caroline, three sons – Hugh, Ralph and James – and three grandchildren, along with a wealth of friends and parishioners.

A Service of thanksgiving, where all will be welcome, will be held at St Peter-in-the-Wood Church, Appleshaw, on Friday, November 25 at 2pm, donations to go to Andover Crisis and Support Centre.