Correspondents write:
THE motif woven into Stephen’s and Katherine’s lives was their unwavering commitment to raising the next generation to follow Jesus.
The Revd Steve and Kathy Burch, a devoted couple whose lives were intertwined with their Christian faith, died on 28 August, after being struck by a car on Beaumaris Pier, Anglesey (News, 6 September). Steve served for nearly four decades of ordained ministry and Kathy for 17 years in patronage ministry at CPAS (the Church Pastoral Aid Society). The outpouring of shock, grief, and condolences from hundreds of people whose lives were touched by Steve and Kathy has been incredibly moving and is a testament to their faith-filled lives.
Steve, born to Dennis and Jennifer in 1959, is described by his sisters, Deborah and Nicola, as having “a great imagination from a very young age”. Many will know Steve from the football or cricket pitch as much as the pulpit.
Kathy, born to Michael and Frances Thompson in 1958, was a talented musician, the eldest sister to Ruth, Jenny, and Becca, and a dedicated Girl Guide. She left home at 18 to become a nanny and later worked in Heffers bookshop.
Steve and Kathy met in Cambridge. Steve quickly made an impression on Kathy’s family when he arrived at their home in a leather jacket on a motorbike. Ministry was immediately at the heart of their relationship; both loved Jesus and were part of church-planting. They married in 1982.
Steve was ordained priest in 1986, with his first curacy at St Augustine’s, Ipswich. He went on to serve in Coventry diocese for 35 years, as Rector of Kinwarton with Great Alne and Haselor, in further additional rural parishes, and then as Vicar of St James’s, Fletchamstead, for his final 19 years of stipendiary ministry. His prophetic voice, gentle wisdom, and good humour characterised his work.
Their commitment to raising the next generation began in their home, where Kathy prioritised raising their three children, David, Jonathan, and Sarah. It was only after their youngest started pre-school that Kathy began working again, initially as a teaching assistant in a primary school. She then became the personal assistant to the CPAS Patronage Secretary. She was instrumental in the appointment of hundreds of clergy across 692 CPAS patronage parishes.
The former General Director of CPAS, John Dunnett, said: “For the best part of two decades, Kathy was a much-loved team player, a dedicated servant of CPAS, and a consummate professional.” Kathy’s pastoral nature and support benefited many of her colleagues.
There is much to remember about Steve and Kathy: Steve’s passion for gardening, whisky, and jazzy waistcoats; Kathy’s beautiful baking and incredible leadership in sung worship; Steve “Vesta” Burch’s matchstick-like red head and thin legs; Kathy’s near-encyclopaedic knowledge of Crockford; the precious moments with their grandchildren; the annual Boxing Day Monopoly.
Their private lives were a source of love for their ministry, particularly in their calling to invest in the next generation. Their warmth, generosity, and unwavering commitment to others was extended to many, particularly those whom they welcomed to live in their home. Their experience and openness inspired and encouraged their son-in-law, Ben, and others in their callings to ordained ministry.
The Revd Graham Archer, who worked with them both and who officiated at their funeral on 24 October in Coventry Cathedral, said: “I have known Steve and Kathy since teenage years, and in all that time they have faithfully served God and sought to make Jesus known. They made a great team. They were united in their love for each other, for God and their family, and had amazingly complementary gifts combined with a shared vision for life. I shall miss their friendship into old age.”
Although this tragedy has deeply affected many, it has also highlighted the legacy of two faithful servants of God whose impact will last for generations.
After their death, their daughter’s message in Beaumaris was: “Our loss has been heaven’s gain. Our parents knew hope and did not fear death because of their faith in God and the meaning of Jesus’s death on the cross.”