Canon Richard Saunders, who died recently at the age of 99, served some 20 years in the Bristol diocese.He was vicar of Saint Ambrose, Whitehall from 1962-1975, priest-in-charge of All Hallows, Easton 1965-1968, and subsequently the first team rector of the East Bristol Team Ministry, from 1975-1977.
In 1977, he moved from the vibrant inner city to the equally challenging 'White Highlands' of the diocese as priest-in-charge of Colerne and North Wraxall, latterly serving as rural dean of Chippenham deanery until his retirement in 1982. He was appointed an honorary canon of Bristol Cathedral in 1980.
In one sense, Richard's background (his father was Bishop of Lucknow 1928-1938) would suggest that his would have been a classical middle of the road approach to a style of ministry. In fact, he was possessed of a radical commitment to Christ the Peacemaker, a commitment which involved his membership of an advocacy for the Anglican Pacifist Fellowship and the Fellowship of Reconcilliation.
May he rest in peace and rise in Glory!