Canon Michael Wolfe writes:

FURTHER to your obituary of Canon Richard Bevan (Gazette, 11 May), after his curacy at Stoke-on-Trent, in 1949, he was appointed Chaplain of Aberlour Orphanage, in the diocese of Moray, Ross & Caithness. This closed in 1967, but the group, whose headquarters were in Stirling, remained as one of Scotland’s agencies for children’s work, with more than 50 home-based projects all over Scotland. In Richard’s two years at Aberlour, the Warden of the orphanage was Dean Wolfe, my father, who was also Episcopal Rector of St Margaret’s Church and Priest-in-Charge of Gordon Chapel, Fochabers.

Richard’s duties included being pastor and friend to the children, presiding over some of the Sunday services at Aberlour and Fochabers, teaching in the orphanage school, and being a relief housemaster for the various boys’ houses, together with other administrative responsibilities. The “Rev. Bev.” and his charming wife, Sheila, quickly endeared themselves to staff and children and were well liked.

I have a personal memory. I was about to prepare for ordination at Cuddesdon Theological College: Richard introduced me to the Greek language of the New Testament. He was a brilliant classicist and teacher. I have always been most grateful for his kindness and patience.