The Rt Revd Graham Usher, the Bishop of Norwich writes:
“It is with much sadness that I share that Archdeacon Ian Bentley died yesterday evening (31 May) in the Priscilla Bacon Hospice. He was surrounded by his loving family, and my prayers are particularly with them at this time.
Ian was much loved and hugely respected by all who knew him. He served the Diocese of Norwich with distinction, ministering in its many parishes, latterly at Oulton Broad, St Peter Mancroft, and then as Archdeacon of Lynn. He also served on the Chapter of Norwich Cathedral. He bore the news of his cancer diagnosis with huge fortitude, witnessing throughout his illness to the Lord Jesus. Many of us have lost a friend and the Diocese will mourn a faithful minister of the Gospel. Our prayers today are particularly with Caroline and their children Hannah and Tim, and the beloved grandchildren.”
The Venerable Ian Bentley was a passionate follower of Jesus Christ: he loved being part of missions and sharing his faith with humour and warmth.
He enjoyed playing the piano, often dusting off the organ when visiting rural churches, and delighted in a G&T whilst on his motor cruiser on the Norfolk Broads.
Archdeacon Ian grew up in Essex, studied geography at the University of Sheffield, and, following a career in teaching including being Deputy Headteacher of a school in Germany, trained for ministry in Durham. He served his curacy in the Mattishall parishes, was rector of the Earsham group in and around Ditchingham, was vicar of St Mark’s Oulton Broad and interim priest in charge of St Peter Mancroft.
The Bentley Family invite you to join them to celebrate the life of The Venerable Ian Bentley, Archdeacon Emeritus of Lynn, at Norwich Cathedral on 15 June at 12.30pm. Refreshments will be served in the Cloisters afterwards and all are welcome.