A MUCH-loved and respected retired Teignmouth clergyman has died aged 87.

In September a special Eucharist service was held at St Michael’s Church to mark the Rev Canon Philip Brown’s 60 years of being an ordained priest.

He served in Hemel Hempstead, Gloucester, Norwich, Lowestoft and Northleach, and with his wife Gill, retired to Teignmouth, where he helped out with the local churches whenever asked.

He had been ill and died surrounded by his family.

Former Post columnist John Silverman who compiled a special feature on Rev Brown in September wrote at the time: ’Whenever I see him, it instantly brings out a totally sense of affection towards the man.  

’This is strange to me because, after all, I don’t know him one iota, but whatever qualities he has, something deep in me taps in, transporting me back over 60 years in time.’