Gordon was to many hundreds of people the ‘face’ of Holy Trinity as he met them at the church’s front door for the countless services and occasions he served at.

His friendly way with people and invitational presence made a big impact on people and got him the nickname the “cheerful” verger.

Revd Canon Dr Neal Barnes, said: “Gordon was a wonderful man and colleague. His faith and personality were infectious. Everyone knew Gordon. He lived his life and served in his important role at Holy Trinity with such a Christ-like attitude. Few people will forget Gordon’s huge smile at the church door. We will miss him greatly. Our prayers are with his family.”

Gordon was born in 1933 and worked on the railways for many years. He married his late wife Brenda in 1955.

He started as a junior member of the sidesmen team at Holy Trinity’s North Door and in about1979 becoming an assistant verger later taking over as head verger. Gordon held the position until last year when he was given the honour of becoming ‘verger emeritus’.

He also loved to get his hands dirty for the church and organised Holy Trinity’s Saturday morning cleaning team.

Gordon was well known and respected in the city by the civic authorities and especially by his colleagues in the Ex-Servicemen’s Associations.

His family are regular attenders at Holy Trinity and form part of our bell-ringing team.

Gordon’s funeral takes place at Holy Trinity on Wednesday, June 1st, at 2pm