A TRIBUTE has been paid to an Alcester couple who tragically died following a road traffic collision in Beaumaris, Anglesey on Wednesday afternoon.
The Reverend Stephen and Katherine Burch were both 65 years-old and lived in the town.
The Diocese of Coventry have said their deaths come as a shock.
“Steve, who only retired at the end of last year after serving with us in many roles for over 35 years, most recently as Vicar of St James, Fletchamstead for 19 years.
“Steve was a popular member of our diocese and well known for his good humour and unwavering faith and many will also know Kathy well from her work with CPAS and worship ministry.
“As a couple they were still very active in retirement this year, running an alpha course leading to baptism and confirmations.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Steve and Kathy’s family at this time especially their children, David, Jonathan and Sarah as they come to terms with this devastating, unexpected loss.”
The family have said: “We kindly ask that you respect our privacy as we grieve. Thank you for your understanding and prayers.”
The investigation to establish the cause of Wednesday’s tragic road traffic collision on Alma Street in Beaumaris is ongoing.
Shortly after 2:45pm on Wednesday, August 28 officers responded to reports of a road traffic collision on Alma Street involving a grey coloured Audi A8 and two pedestrians.
Members of the public and the emergency services responded, however, despite the best efforts of all involved, Mr and Mrs Burch and the 81-year-old male driver of the Audi, were sadly, pronounced dead at the scene.
Senior Investigation Officer, Sgt Emlyn Hughes of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “Our profound sympathies remain with the family and friends of all those who were involved at this extremely difficult time.
“I’d like to thank all those who have contacted us so far. Our team of officers and investigators are trying to piece together what happened and we are grateful for the support we have received by witnesses and those who have provided us with CCTV and dash cam footage.
“My thanks also go to the wider community of Beaumaris who have offered their support during this difficult time. The impact of this collision has been felt far and wide across the isle of Anglesey and we’d like to reassure all that we are doing everything we can to establish the cause surrounding this incident.”
Anybody with information that could assist with the ongoing investigation should contact officers at the Serious Collision Investigation Unit via the website or by calling 101, quoting reference number 24000745374.
Tribute from Alcester churches
THE ALCESTER Minister Churches paid tribute to Steve and Kathy following their tragic deaths in Anglesey.
In a post on social media, Rev Kate Cross, the Rector for the Alcester Minister Benefice, said: “This comes as a shock as Steve and Kathy only retired at the end of last year into our benefice.”
Steve had served in the diocese in many roles for over 35 years, his first 15 years, as vicar in Great Alne with the surrounding villages.
The group of churches cancelled their Sunday services and, instead, held a gathering at St Nicholas Church on Alcester for a service of Holy Communion where people could reflect and remember together.
Rev Cross added: “Steve and Kathy had already become active in supporting and serving in our benefice.
“Steve covered services, undertook pastoral visiting and with Kathy ran our recent Alpha course, resulting in several baptisms and confirmations in July.
“Kathy has been leading worship at St Nick’s @9 and Arise.
“They had reconnected with a number of parishioners from their previous time here in ministry and people were very excited by their return.
“The cricket club in Great Alne had benefited from Steve’s relocation, having kept playing with them despite living elsewhere.
“Steve was a popular member of our diocese and well known for his good humour and unwavering faith. Above all they were passionate about sharing Jesus and inviting the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen us in all we do. They will be fondly missed.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Steve and Kathy’s family at this time especially their children, David, Jonathan and Sarah as they come to terms with this devastating, unexpected loss.”
Arrangements for their funerals and celebrating their lives will be announced at a later date and the family have thanked everyone for their understanding and prayers and asked for privacy so they could grieve.
Rev Cross concluded the post with a prayer:
Dear Lord, as Jesus followers asked him to help their friends,
so we ask you today to help our friends
struggling in the darkness of grief.
May they know moments of peace in their pain,
moments of joy in their memories,
and moments of hope in your love. Amen.
