It is with great sadness that we share the news of the death of Chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance, Ian Theodoreson. Ian served Bath and Wells as Chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance from November 2020.
Bishop Michael says, “I was so sorry to learn about the death of Ian Theodoreson. Ian has been a wonderful encourager, supporter and counsellor into the life of our diocese as he has served with distinction as Chair of our Diocesan Board of Finance. Ian brought to us great skills, wisdom and understanding - and a wonderful and lively Christian faith. We mourn his passing and shall miss his presence and his friendship immensely. We are thinking about Sally and the family and holding them in our prayers at this time.”
He adds, “Ian steered our diocese through the Covid pandemic and was an inspiration not only to me, but to Jenny Hollingsworth, his Bishop’s Staff colleagues, the diocesan finance team and many others.”
Jenny Hollingsworth, Diocesan Secretary says, “Ian lived a very full life and as a diocese we have had the benefit of that. He always had the grace to listen to all and then gently remind us of the vision that God has for us. The knowledge that I would be working with someone with such phenomenal intellect and experience was a great boon to me in my joining Bath and Wells and I was always very grateful for his very dry wit and sense of humour, even when dealing with the most challenging issues. I have no doubt that not only will we benefit from his work in restructuring diocesan finances, but so will future generations as we strive to grow our churches, transform communities, and continue to be a Christian presence in all our communities.”
Ian received a standing ovation from the members of Diocesan Synod in July when he announced his intention to step down as Chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance due to his health.
Prior to taking on the role of Diocesan Board of Finance for Bath and Wells, Ian worked for nine years in London as Chief Financial Officer for the Church of England. He left that role in 2017 but before making the decision to settle down in the Diocese of Bath and Wells, Ian and his wife embarked on a gap year, which took them to New Zealand, before selling their home in Essex and spending time on a narrow boat travelling Britain’s canals.