SHOCK, disbelief and sorrow were the emotions felt in Alcester and surrounding villages after the unexpected death of much-loved couple Steve and Kathy Burch.
The retired vicar and his wife died after being hit by a car whilst visiting Beaumaris, Anglesey, last Wednesday.
The 81-year-old driver of the vehicle also died in the crash.
Rev Burch was the vicar of St Mary Magdalene, Great Alne, for the first 15 years of his ministry in the Church of England and came to live in Alcester last November.
Previously he had served as the vicar of St James Fletchamstead in Coventry for 19 years. Mrs Burch worked with the Church Pastoral Aid Society.
The couple, both 65, had three children – David, Jonathan and Sarah.
The church and members of the public came together at St Nicholas’ Church in Alcester on Sunday to reflect and remember them together. Over 120 people attended the service led by Rev Katie Cross and assisted by the minster team.
Alcester vicar Rev Katie Cross said: “ The church community has been stunned by the news and many people have expressed their deepest condolences. Steve and Kathy has touched many peoples lives locally, whether through the church, playing cricket or coming alongside people in need.
“Steve was a popular member of our diocese and well-known for his good humour and unwavering faith. They had reconnected with a number of parishoners from their previous time here in ministry and people were very excited by their return.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with their family as they come to terms with this devastating, unexpected loss. They will be fondly missed.”
Heartfelt tributes to the well-respected couple have also been paid by other members of the local community.
The chairman of Great Alne Parish Council, Coun Lynn Bowring, offered condolences on behalf of the residents of Great Alne and the parish council.
He said the pair lived in Great Alne for many years while Steve was vicar there, adding they were both well-known and regarded by residents with great affection and respect.
“Steve was a champion of numerous local causes, particularly anything that might benefit young people and those less fortunate in the community,” said Coun Bowring.
“Even though they moved away, Steve and Kathy’s connection with Great Alne continued, not just through close friendships and associations, but through the cricket club, where Steve was chairman and a keen player.
“News of their untimely passing has come as a great shock to everyone who knew them in Great Alne and we are all deeply saddened that something so tragic has happened to this lovely couple, who made such an immense contribution to our community.”
Mayor of Alcester, Coun Mike Bowe added the tragic news was a huge shock and everyone’s thoughts and prayers were with Steve and Kathy’s family and friends at this difficult time.
Family friend Susan Barley and husband Rob were married by Rev Burch and he baptised their two children.
She said the ‘extremely special couple’ had thrown themselves back into Alcester life after returning to the area and they would be sadly missed by everyone who knew them.
“He and Kathy were a lovely couple, perfectly suited. They both had a strong faith and Steve’s ministry and sense of fun alongside Kathy’s musical talents and pastoral care meant they made an impact wherever they went.
“They have been an important part of our lives for over 30 years and many others in and around Alcester. We were fortunate and privileged to have shared a friendship that has lasted decades and are absolutely devastated at the news. We are heartbroken for Davey, Jonathan and Sarah and the overwhelming loss they have suffered.”
The couple’s family have asked their privacy be respected as they grieve and thanked people for their understanding and prayers.
A book of condolences is available at St Nicholas’ Church for those wanting to leave a message and funeral arrangements are expected to be announced soon.
Crash investigator Sgt Emlyn Hughes said: “Officers and investigators are trying to piece together what happened.” He said the crash had affected people across Anglesey.
