The obituary notice of JONATHAN BAILEY

Bishop Jonathan was truly a people person. I had the privilege of working with him when he was Bishop of Dunwich and I was on the staff at St Edmundsbury Catherdral. I remember clearly the time he came to conduct a Confirmation Service and one of my teenage candidates was quite poorly. At Bishop Jonathan's suggestion, it was quickly arranged that after the service in the Cathedral and the usual photo-calls, we should go to the home of the young man, so that he might confirm him there. I can think of few bishops who would have taken such action, which was truly appreciated by all.

A few years ago I happened to be walking past Derby Cathedral. There had just been a major ecumenical service there and Bishop Jonathan was standing outside, deep in conversation with an Indian man, both of them in ceremonial robes. I stood aside to let them walk past me, and the Bishop broke off his conversation to greet me. "Hello, Peter!", he said. I was astounded, for I had only met him at most twice, face to face, and yet he knew me by name, and was so courteous to acknowledge me, even though involved in a big event. I shall not forget that moment. He was a true gentleman of the Church.