Former Thirsk vicar, Ted Spiller, has died aged 77 (From Gazette & Herald)

Former Thirsk vicar, Ted Spiller, has died aged 77

10:43am Tuesday 17th August 2010 in

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A FORMER police chaplain and RAF airman who was a vicar for 15 years in North Yorkshire has died of cancer.

Ted Spiller, 77, of Topcliffe Road, Sowerby, near Thirsk, was diagnosed with cancer of the bladder and kidney several years ago.

He underwent treatment at the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton, but died last Thursday.

Mr Spiller was well known for his controversial views on homosexuality and single and working parents.

Coun Mark Robson, leader of Sowerby Parish Council, said: “He was much loved and quite a character. He was a jolly character and the times I met him over the last few years he never let his illness get him down.”

Mr Spiller was born in Barnard Castle, in County Durham, where his father George Spiller was a vicar.

He went to the local school but then the family moved to Trimdon Grange, near Sedgefield, County Durham, and he went to Bowes School.

He also attended Kelham Monastery, Nottinghamshire, for part of his schooling.

He started in the church as curate in St Hilda’s Church, at Redcar, Teesside, in 1982, later moving to St Cuthbert’s Church, Thornton-le-Moor, near Thirsk. He leaves his wife Jean, children Kevin, Annette and Richard, plus five grand children. A funeral service will take place St Oswald’s Church, Sowerby, on Thursday, at 1pm.