PARISHIONERS in Eaton Bray, Edlesborough and surrounding villages are mourning the sudden death of a popular vicar, aged 43.
The Rev Thomas Heffer lost consciousness while driving to work on April 17, leading to a minor collision.
His heart was restarted at the scene and he was taken to a north London hospital where he remained unconscious in the intensive treatment unit.
But he died on April 23 with his family by his side.
He is survived by his father, the Rev John Heffer, honorary assistant priest at the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Eaton Bray with Edlesborough.
A message on the church website reads: “The family of St Mary’s is very sad to announce the death of Tom Heffer, whom we all knew as a dear friend, a compassionate man and a truly spiritual priest.
“The strength of his pasion for his work for the Mission of Seafarers, of which he was secretary general, was so clear to us all.
“He gave a wonderful example of Christianity in practice, showing Christian love to all around him and striving for social justice for the oppressed.”
Mr Heffer was also the Archbishop of Canterbury’s spokesman for maritime matters.
He had worked tirelessly all over the world to defend the rights of seafarers since joining the mission in 2001.
His voluntary work took him to the ports of Singapore and New Orleans.
The mission’s acting secretary, Martin Sandford, said: “He was a compassionate man, motivated by his faith to make a difference in this world.
“Always ready with a witty quip or a welcoming smile, Tom had an immediate rapport with people, instantly making them feel at ease and that they were in the company of a friend.
“His passing leaves a tragic hole in the life and ministry of the Mission to Seafarers, but we are grateful for the time we had to work with and learn from him. Please remember Tom’s wife, Roz, his daughter, Abi, and his family in your prayers. Their loss is so much greater than ours.”
Mr Heffer attended Aylesbury Grammar School before graduating from King’s College London with an honours degree in divinity.
His father was ordained 54 years ago and left the full-time ministry in 1978 for three years to work as a bus driver. He retired to Edlesborough in 1991.
A service of thanksgiving for Thomas Heffer is today (May 9) at Norwich Cathedral at 1pm, with a memorial service in London to be confirmed at a later date.