Obituary: Reverend George Christopher Dobbs

Reverend George Christopher Dobbs died on 12 March.

He was vicar of St Aidan's Church, Sudden from 1983 – 2008.

George was husband to Jo-Anna, father to Stephen and Benjamin, brother to Jane, Priest and friend to all.

A spokesperson for the Diocese of Manchester said: “It was with sadness that the Diocese of Manchester heard of the death of the retired priest Revd George Dobbs who had faithfully served the diocese since 1984.

“George was ordained in 1968, served in the dioceses of Lincoln, Southwell and Birmingham before coming to Manchester.

“For a while he combined his priestly duties with that of teacher and social worker, but it was the 24 years as Vicar of St Aidan's, Sudden, which included nine years as Hon Curate at Castleton, that he will be remembered.

“His gifts of pastoral care extended well into retirement as he continued to assist colleagues, until limited mobility and later illness prevented him.

“Many people have cause to be grateful for his dedicated ministry.”

George was also the founder of the GQRP Club and Amateur Radio author of the SPRAT.

Formed in 1974 by Rev. George Dobbs G3RJV, the GQRP Club is a non-profit organisation run entirely by volunteers to promote Low Power Radio

The quarterly magazine SPRAT, so called for Small Powered Radio Amateur Transmissions, was edited by George.

Steve, G0FUW, Chairman, GQRP Club said: “We’ve lost an iconic man in the world of QRP: the Reverend George Dobbs G3RJV. The founder of the GQRP Club and Amateur Radio author the Rev. George Dobbs, G3RJV, of Littleborough.

“A deep loss to our hobby community.”

The Funeral Service will be held at St Aidan's Church, Manchester Road, Sudden on Wednesday 27 March at 1.30pm followed by a Private Committal.

No flowers - Donations to the Alzheimer's organisation through Dixons Funeral Service, 2 Manchester Road, Rochdale, OL11 4HY, tel: 01706 645501.