Simon Chesters: a life of learning, faith and service

Hundreds of family members, friends, colleagues and church leaders gathered at St Mark's, Saltney, and online to give thanks for the life of Canon Revd Simon Chesters, whose ministry touched countless lives across Chester Diocese and beyond. The many stories shared during the service revealed a man who combined exceptional gifts with extraordinary kindness; someone whose wisdom, humour and faith left a lasting mark on all who knew him.

The Service of Thanksgiving on Friday 21 August 2026 followed a private committal earlier in the day and was led by Revd Henny Johnston, Vicar of St Mark's, where Simon and his family had worshipped for more than two decades.

Opening the service, Henny acknowledged the wide range of emotions felt by those gathered.

"We come in our rawness and do not need to tidy up our grief," she said. "Rather, we come honestly before God with the pain that we are carrying."

Throughout the service, tributes painted a picture of a gifted teacher, pastor, friend, musician and encourager whose influence extended across parishes, dioceses and generations of church leaders.

Revd Steve Mansfield, a close friend of 30 years and Simon's former training incumbent at St Oswald's, Bidston, reflected on Simon's remarkable intellect, warmth and generosity. Describing him as one of the most intelligent people he had ever known, Steve recalled Simon's studies at Cambridge and Oxford, his early career in computing and his subsequent call to ordained ministry.

After his ordination in Chester Cathedral in 1995, Simon served in parish ministry before holding several significant leadership roles. These included serving as Diocesan Ministry Development Officer and Director of Reader Training in Chester Diocese, Regional Development Adviser with the Church Pastoral Aid Society, Director of Studies and Director of Ordinands in Liverpool Diocese, and most recently Director of Ministry in Chester Diocese. In 2024 he was made an Honorary Canon of Chester Cathedral. Yet for all his achievements, Steve said Simon never wore his intellect as a badge of honour.

"His breadth of insight and understanding was always a pathway to empathy," he said. "His gifts were a means to serve others, never a means to gain advantage or superiority."

He recalled Simon's legendary knowledge of music, film and trivia, his annual Christmas letters, his humour and what a selection panel once described as his "inappropriate jocularity" - a phrase that became one of his most cherished badges of honour.

Moving tributes from Simon's children, Matthew, Alex and David, revealed the Simon known and loved at home.

Matthew spoke about a father whose enthusiasm for learning and discovery shaped the lives of his children.

"Dad loved to learn. He loved to enjoy things. He loved to find new hobbies," he said. "He understood that there was a world of joy to be found in the things that make us happy."

Alex celebrated her father's extraordinary love of music and his gift for encouragement.

Sharing a favourite piece of advice, she recalled Simon comparing Christian discipleship to the Spice Girls.

"He explained that if you're a bit rubbish at something, it's just a bit more real and accessible to people. That's far more encouraging because people can look at it and think, 'I could have a go at that.'"

She also paid tribute to the deep love shared by Simon and his wife Liz, recalling the story of his surprise proposal at the Eiffel Tower.

David spoke movingly of his pride in being Simon's son and remembered a father who inspired passions for history, music, films, literature and faith.

"Loving, caring, endlessly supportive, genuinely kind, fiercely intelligent yet so unassuming and humble about it," he said. "He really was the kind of man to be proud of."

He encouraged those gathered not to suppress their smiles and laughter, saying Simon himself believed humour was essential in navigating life's challenges.

In her address, Revd Henny Johnston reflected on Psalm 27, which had been chosen by Simon’s wife, Liz because of its significance throughout their life together.

"The Lord is my light and my salvation" became a recurring theme as she reflected on Simon's ministry and the impact he had on so many people.

"Simon devoted his life to helping others see their potential and gifting," she said, pointing people to the tributes on the Chester Diocese website which have consistently highlighted Simon’s gifts as a teacher, preacher, mentor and encourager who helped others recognise and develop their calling.

Speaking of the many challenges Simon faced, Henny acknowledged that while there remain questions and deep sadness, Christians continue to hold onto the hope found in Christ.

"Today we come before God with our love, sorrow, questions and thanksgiving for Simon," she said. "We give thanks for his life and ministry, for the people he encouraged, the lives he touched and the family he loved."

Prayers were offered for Liz, Matthew, Alex and David, and for all those mourning Simon's death.

A photographic tribute accompanied by music celebrated the many dimensions of Simon's life: husband, father, son, priest, musician, teacher, colleague and friend.

As the service concluded, people were encouraged to continue sharing memories and reflections through the Chester Diocese online tribute page.

Above all, Simon will be remembered as a deeply loved husband, father, colleague and friend whose ministry helped countless people discover God's calling on their lives.

May Simon rest in peace and rise in glory.

Read Bishop Mark’s tribute to Simon and add your memories and messages here.

Watch the funeral service here