A LONG-serving Kendal vicar who loved to share his passion for local history has died at the age of 91.

Canon John Hodgkinson came to serve as a vicar at Kendal Parish Church in 1971. During that time he also held the position of chaplain at the town’s Westmorland General Hospital.

He retired from his role at the church in 1990, but still remained as a valued member of the congregation.

Mr Hodgkinson was born in West Bridgeford, Nottingham, in 1927 and completed his National Service in the Royal Artillery before reading Theology at Trinity Hall, Cambridge University.

A man with a curious and active mind, Mr Hodgkinson was very keen on local and church history and when he moved to Kendal he wrote a number of books, including one on ‘The Greater Parish of Kendal’ and the treasures, memorabilia and stained glass windows of Kendal Parish Church.

In 2003, the author also published ‘Tales of a Cumbrian Parson,’ a highly entertaining book about his years as assistant curate of St Andrew’s Church, Penrith, and vicar of Kendal Parish Church.

A man of many talents, Mr Hodgkinson also excelled at woodwork. Along with making furniture, his passion lay in crafting musical instruments, including violins and cello, which he would then play.

The Rev Ashley Henderson said that among Mr Hodgkinson’s main achievements at Holy Trinity was the introduction of a family communion service which became the main Sunday service and the formation of a lay ministry team to help lead services, and he also trained a number of curates during his time here.

“Through his writing John has truly left a legacy for future generations,” said Mr Henderson.

“He truly enjoyed writing and was a determined man.

“Without him, a piece of Kendal’s history would certainly be lost.”

After retiring from his post, Mr Hodgkinson lived in the Lyth Valley for several years before returning to live in Kendal.

He is survived by his wife Jean, children Katherine, Sarah and David as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren. His funeral is at noon on Wednesday, June 26 at Kendal Parish Church.