Tributes have been paid to a well-known member of Off Centre Theatre and a former vicar who has passed away.

Reverend Canon Brian Pearce battled Pulmonary Fibrosis for several years, passed away last month with his wife, Margaret, by his side.

Brian served as a vicar for several parishes, including Hawksley and Kings Norton in Birmingham, Dorcan in Swindon, and Withywood and Fishponds in Bristol. He served as a canon at Bristol Cathedral.

Despite moving to Monmouth to retire 20 years ago, Brian did not stop to relax. A few months after arriving, he and his wife, Margaret, and other Mothers' Union volunteers established a local community playgroup called Tommy Tiddlers.

“There wasn’t a phone call or family visit where they missed the opportunity to share the latest updates from Tommy Tiddlers and other activities he felt honoured to be a part of,” said Abbie Pearce, Brian’s eldest granddaughter. She added, “I truly believe my grandfather was a cornerstone of the Monmouth community.”

In the late 2000s and early 2010s, he was an active member of Off Centre Theatre and participated in various local performances.

Off Centre Theatre shared a message on Facebook stating, “Brian was a true gentleman who endeared himself to everyone with his gracious manner and infectious laughter. He was a great supporter of many community groups, even going so far on one occasion to raise funds by abseiling down the steeple of St Mary's Church. We will remember his many appearances on the stage in, amongst others, Allo Allo, The Dumb Waiter, Hi De Hi, Last Tango in Little Grimley and, of course, not forgetting his performance as Toad in Wind in the Willows.”

Due to his condition, Brian was isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, the community rallied around to support Brian and Margaret. This support continued after the pandemic, for which the pair were very grateful, especially to St Thomas’s Church members who came to their door to share Communion when they could not attend the services in person.

Brian's eldest son, Andrew Pearce, said: “Our entire family is grateful for all the love and support shown to my father and mother, especially over the final few years.”

The Thanksgiving Service for Brian will be held on Monday, February 24th, at 1:30 p.m. at St Thomas the Martyr Church in Monmouth.

Before the Thanksgiving Service, Brian's family invites anyone wishing to pay their respects to line the street between the Bridges Centre in Monmouth and St Thomas’s Church at 10:30 a.m. The funeral cortège will proceed from the Bridges Centre to St Thomas’s Church and pause there before continuing to a private family ceremony.

John Pearce, Brian’s son and owner of Pearce Funeral Services in Swindon, said, “We know how much Brian meant to people in his local community, so this was a major consideration when we planned his funeral.”

For further information, updates and to donate to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust, visit www.funeralguide.co.uk/obituaries/131043.