Canon Gary Philbrick, 67, dies days after sudden illness

Tributes have been paid to Canon Gary Philbrick, 67, who held a number of posts in Southampton, Winchester, and the New Forest after moving south from his native Cheshire in 1975.

In 2022 he became the new chaplain at Winchester Cathedral's following the retirement of Canon Nick Fennemore.

Posting on social media, the Dean of Winchester, the Very Rev Catherine Ogle, expressed her "deep sadness" at the news of his death.

She added: "Our hearts go out to his family in their grief following Gary’s sudden and short illness. It is hard for us all to comprehend what has happened."

Canon Gary Philbrick has died after a short illness (Image: Diocese of Winchester)

The Bishop of Winchester, the Right Rev Philip Mounstephen, added: "Gary was very greatly loved in the Diocese of Winchester and will be very greatly missed."

Gary’s foster son Rev Craig Philbrick, who followed him into the ministry, said: “Dad embodied the light of Christ: gentle, humble, and exceedingly generous to all.

"He gave of himself to others;  he lived love; he was one of life’s loveliest people.”

After moving to Hampshire, Canon Philbrick read music at Southampton University before becoming an organist at Otterbourne.

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Ordained in 1986, he served in Maybush, Fawley, and Swaythling before becoming Area Dean of Southampton 2007 and an Honorary Canon of Winchester Cathedral in 2009.

In 2013 he was made Rector of the Avon Valley Churches, which comprises seven places of worship on the western edge of the New Forest.

Gary Philbrick at a jigsaw puzzle festival at St Mary's Church in Fordingbridge (Image: Tom Gregory)

Two years ago it was announced that Canon Philbrick was to be the new Cathedral Chaplain in Winchester.

Speaking at the time, he said: "I am enormously excited by this role and am looking forward to serving Winchester Cathedral, given that I have been connected to it for such a long time through various roles."

The Dean said he was well placed to make a significant contribution.

She added: "Gary’s appointment is a real benefit to the cathedral, bringing with him a gracious, thoughtful, wise and encouraging presence, which I know will make him a brilliant addition to the team.”

READ MORE: St Mary's Church in Swaythling needs £200,000 for vital repairs

One of Canon Philbrick's friends, a fellow clergyman, said he was "devastated and heartbroken" after learning of his death.

Posting on social media he said: "I cannot imagine what Gary’s family are going through and offer my prayers and deepest sympathies for what feels so painful.

"Gary, you were just awesome - so many gifts and talents and the best training incumbent I could ever have asked for."

Other social media users recalled Canon Philbrick's time at All Saints Church in the New Forest.

One person said: "He was vicar at Fawley in the 80s and 90s and a great inspiration to many in the church and further afield."

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