Archdeacon dies aged 86 (From Salisbury Journal)

Archdeacon dies aged 86

9:13am Tuesday 26th February 2013 in News By Elizabeth Kemble

AN archdeacon who moved to Salisbury 20 years ago and spent several years as chaplain at the Cathedral School has died aged 86.

The Venerable Norman Crowder was born in Nottingham and moved south to Portsmouth on appointment as chaplain to the bishop of that diocese. Thirteen years as chaplain to Canford School followed, then a parish on the Isle of Wight.

In 1975 he was appointed director of religious education in the Diocese of Portsmouth, a post which involved care of church schools and adult and youth education.

He also served on Hampshire County Council’s education committee. In l985 he became Archdeacon of Portsmouth, covering south east Hampshire.

Those years saw many changes in the Church of England including, much to Mr Crowder`s delight, the ordination of women.

One of his great concerns was the establishment in Portsmouth of the Church Urban Fund, which exists to help the poor and underprivileged in society.

In Salisbury he served for some years as chaplain to the Cathedral School. There was also involvement with the cathedral, tutoring groups, and in the diocese, organising pre-retirement seminars for clergy.

The parishes of Stratford-sub-Castle and Western Downland knew him as a welcome visitor during their times with no vicar.

Mr Crowder`s funeral is taking place in the cathedral today at 3pm.

Bishop David Stancliffe, who had known Mr Crowder for more than 40 years, is giving the address.

He is survived by his wife, Pauleen, his son Richard who is head of the economics department at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and two grandsons, Daniil and Seriosha.