The obituary notice of Father Nigel ORCHARD

I only learned today of the sad passing of Nigel. We first met in 1975 at Teacher training college in Cheltenham. We mostly kept in touch through letter writing- I so looked forward to receiving his letters and hearing the every day things that he was up to. He never took the easy route, he always looked for the ways in which he could do most good. I remember when he was in India-he craved chocolate so I sent him some! I will never forget Nigel, he holds a very dear place in my heart. I would so like to attend his memorial service to tell his family and Michael what a wonderful man he was.
Left by Karen Frost

I loved Nigel Orchard. He was always so lively and funny, a great childhood friend growing up in Dorset and so much a part of our life there. My family adored him. He was a wonderful person and a credit to his family. He went on to become an inspirational priest. I was lucky enough to get him to conduct my wedding ceremony where he spoke so wonderfully that none of us will forget it. He also gave us a very moving sermon at my father's funeral, with a wonderful tribute to my mother who died the year before and who had loved him very much.. I am sure he must have inspired all his many parishioners in the same way all his life. I am so very sad that we have lost Nigel. Avril and Sarah and Michael we will never forget him. All my love, Pippa xxxx

I only learnt today (2nd June) of the death of dear Nigel . I last emailed him 15th March but having no word since was unaware of what happened . I am Jo Gray, one of the four L-J girls who grew up with Nigel In Stourton Caundle . He was the brother we never had . Nigel & I were the same age so spent so much time together ; misbehaving on the school bus , larking about in the village & generally having a great time . As we all moved away contact was less frequent but Nigel was always there : giving me such support during a traumatic first marriage, officiating at my sister’s(Pippa ) wedding , my father’s funeral & finally my husband’s funeral 20 years ago . That was such a comfort to me & a fitting farewell & now we have to say farewell to a very special & much friend .
I have lost contact details for Avril , his mum so if anyone can pass on an address I would be so grateful & I need to get in touch .
Jo Gray ( nee Leslie-Jones)

We were desperately sad to hear that Nigel lost his battle at the end of March. We only heard the news today & feel we have lost a member of our family, The L-Js (my parents, Roger & Alison & my sisters Caroline, Jo and Pippa). Nigel “adopted” us when we moved to Stourton Caundle nearly 50 years ago. He was always with us through all our family celebrations, sparkling with fun and making us laugh. My son & daughter (Ben & Camilla) both remember him officiating at Caroline’s wedding. He also officiated at my father's funeral but unfortunately was in India when our mother died. We send all our love to Nigel’s family and wish them peace in these troubled times. Wiggy (L-J) & Alan Eaton xx

This entry is dated 2nd June 2020 and we have only just heard of Nigel's passing.

My first contact with Nigel was when I was courting the eldest of the four Leslie-Jones daughters who lived in The Old Vicarage.
Caroline L-J and I did marry and subsequently saw Nigel on the many occasion we went back to Stourton Caundle. Caroline, Wiggy, Jo and Pippa (the 4 L-J's) all loved it when Nigel would turn up for he certainly brought a sparkle to any occasion. It was really great to see Nigel officiate Pippa and Richard's wedding.

That such a vibrant, colourful and cheerful person should loose hi life relatively young is a great shame.

Our commiseration to Avril and the whole family

Nigel was