It was with great sadness that we recently announced the death of the Revd Canon Peter Seal who died last week after a short, serious illness. Peter served in numerous roles in the diocese, most recently as Vicar of St Matthew’s & St Paul’s in Winchester where he served for 20 years.
Fellow Canon at Winchester Cathedral, Mark Byford, knew Peter very well and has written these words of tribute:
“It was only eighteen months ago that a packed congregation at St Paul’s Church in Winchester gave an emotional and highly charged farewell to Peter, as the retiring rector after he had served the parish of St Matthew with St Paul in the city for 20 years. Many of the people there, indeed the majority, were in tears. One cannot overestimate the positive and profound impact that Peter made on so many people in Winchester through his personality and ministry. He was a truly brilliant rector, much loved and greatly admired by so many people for so many reasons. He was the most inspiring clergyman and one of the most gifted preachers I have ever known. Pastorally, he was such a superb listener and a truly compassionate and kind individual.
“His whole life was centred on prayer and to be there next to him as he prayed was an extraordinary experience – there was a depth of faith and an extraordinary closeness to God that was both tangible and uplifting. His use of words in so many different situations always seemed so distinctive, conversational, sensitive and yet bang on the button. He welcomed anyone and everyone having a chat with him about God, their doubts and their needs. He liked to describe his theology as having ‘soft edges’ and a faith open to everyone.
“Under his leadership, the Book of Common Prayer and the long-held traditions of Anglicanism were celebrated and cherished at St Matthew’s church. Meanwhile, at St Paul’s, he ensured more than a hundred people were at the weekly 9.30am Eucharist service, the church full with young families, middle-aged people and the elderly. That was a huge achievement. His ‘Building for Life’ project in the parish in recent years will be one of Peter’s great legacies – the transformation and renovation of both the St Matthew’s and St Paul’s buildings were achieved with great ambition, taste, execution and teamwork.
“Most profoundly for me personally, Peter was a great and deeply loved friend and, importantly, a true inspiration and strengthener in relation to my own faith. What a privilege to have experienced him and witnessed his talents at first hand!”
Our prayers are with his wife, Julia, and his family, friends and former parishioners. As we mourn his loss, we give thanks for Peter’s life and are grateful for the ways in which his life was a blessing to so many.
