Tributes paid to Spencer Webster

The Bishop of Liverpool has led tributes to Spencer who died over the Easter period. Bishop Paul said "It is with great sadness that I learned of the death of Spen Webster, who was a good colleague and friend to me since my arrival in the Diocese. Spen died some days ago of a long-standing illness, with his family around him. He served the people of the Diocese with great distinction as Warden of Readers as well as serving as a Reader himself in Widnes. Spen's prayerfulness and wisdom were evident in all that he did, and I know how much his kindness and thoughtfulness meant to so many. Our prayers are with Joan and the family in their grief."

The Rev Lyn McIver, Vicar at St Ambrose, Widnes where Spen worshipped and ministered said

"Spen was a blessing to everyone that he met, his warmth of character and personality, in the way that he was open to those he met and walked alongside, the friend, the stranger and especially the vulnerable and those in need.

As a minister and Reader at St Ambrose he was a pleasure to minister alongside, in leading worship, his musical ability and preaching.  A person that the congregation loved and looked up to for their spiritual well-being, teaching and discipleship.

Having been born and lived in Widnes all his life Spen was a well known, loved, and respected man and an upstanding member of the community. His career in Local Government finally brought him ‘home’ to Halton Borough Council where he retired as Risk Manager several years ago. After a few years of retirement he returned to the Council and played a key role as Match Day Safety Officer at the Vikings Rugby League Stadium.

Spen’s church life began as a child at St Paul’s Church where Sunday School, Church Choir, Bell-Ringing, Youth Fellowship and Boys Brigade all played a big part in his life. This continued when his family moved house and began worshipping at St Ambrose where Spen became a Reader, Youth Group Leader and BB Captain. After retiring as Captain Spen always maintained an interest in the organisation and the Boys Brigade lowered their colours as his hearse passed the church and his childhood home on the day of his funeral as a sign of respect.

Spen’s faith and beliefs were lived out in the love of God as demonstrated in his preaching, teaching, prayer life and musical talent when Spen played his guitar.  He was a blessing to all both in and outside of the church, the deanery of Widnes, and across the Diocese as Warden of Readers. The Readers from the Deanery walked alongside Spen on his final journey from the gates up to the Crematorium.
As an honest and faithful man he was always ready to challenge injustice, preaching passionately on issues of social justice and highlighting a need for church members to be involved. When times were challenging he had an ability to bring people back to reality by saying the words "it is as it is." Living his life as a most faithful person that one could meet and now, walking in the footsteps of Jesus. Speaking calmly with compassion, nurturing with strength and conviction with a gentleness of character. Spen always looked and found the best in people, particularly the most vulnerable in our church and community.  I, as others will truly miss him, but know that his presence will continue to look down on us from heaven. His memory will remain at the core of the love and mission at St Ambrose, the Widnes Deanery, the Diocese and further afield.  

The church and community was not only blessed by Spen but also by Joan his wife as church treasurer where together their love and encouragement of all was and will continue to be evident.

We at St Ambrose will continue to give thanks and celebrate the loss of a dear friend, preacher, church leader. As his work is over here on earth, may he rest in peace and rise in glory until that day when we meet again reunited in God’s kingdom."

Rec Tim Griffiths who succeeded Spen added

"As warden of Lay Ministers I had the privilege of working alongside Spen Webster for several months. Through our working relationship we became good friends and we met together frequently in his office at his beloved Widnes Vikings Rugby Stadium.

I found Spen to be a kind and caring Christian man with a warm sense of humour, a man who was passionate about his role as Warden of Readers and a man who went about his business in a quiet and yet authorative and professional manner.

Spen was a man of great humility and one who was able to offer great Godly wisdom into various situations. The more Readers I met, the more I began to realise the impact that Spen’s ministry had had within our diocese. This was evident through the excellent conferences that he arranged and through the ongoing spiritual guidance and pastoral support that he offered to our readers, from which many have benefitted. Our Reader ministry remains a strong and vital presence within our churches and communities and reflects the strength of Spen’s leadership during his time as Warden.

I really enjoyed working with Spen and I will miss him, however I take comfort in knowing that he is now with the Lord Jesus, the God whom he so faithfully served.

Thank you Spen!
Rest in peace dear friend"

We will continue to give thanks and celebrate the loss of a dear friend, preacher, church leader. As his work is over here on earth, may he rest in peace and rise in glory until that day when we meet again reunited in God’s kingdom.