Tributes were paid to the brother of Strictly Come Dancing star and former Tory minister Ann Widdecombe yesterday.
Tragic Canon Malcolm Widdecombe lost a long battle against cancer and died at his home in Bristol on Tuesday.
Father-of-three Malcolm, 73, was described as a ”legendary” vicar who led Bristol city centre church the Pip ‘n’ Jay for more than 45 years.
Close friend and Pip ‘n’ Jay churchwarden Bruce McKay, who had known Malcolm for 48 years, paid tribute to him as ”passionate” about his work.
He said: ”Malcolm had an undeniable fire, passion and zeal for the things of God.
”He never sought personal glory and popularity and could well be described as a radical evangelical who was focused in building up the Church world-wide to be a strong witness to the Christian faith.”
Rt Revd Mike Hill, Bishop of Bristol, said Malcolm would be ”greatly missed” by the city.
He said: ”Malcolm’s long and faithful ministry motivated, inspired and touched many hundreds of people. He will be greatly missed in the Diocese of Bristol and far beyond.”
Malcolm retired in 2009 and leaves his wife Meryl and children Sean, Roger and Fiona.
His funeral will be held at the Pip ‘n’ Jay church in Bristol at 1.30pm on October 21.