SUFFOLK: A loving wife has paid tribute to her husband – a vicar – who was “loved by thousands”.

Reverend Canon Henry Lunney dedicated every day of his life to his family and God according to those closest to him.

Today, his wife and his friends paid tribute to a “respected and admired” man who helped others.

The Rev Lunney died on December 16 in Grove Court Care Home in Woodbridge, after a short pneumonia infection.

The 79-year-old had involvement in the British Legion, an Ipswich-based rotary club, the scouts and churches across the county.

His wife of 54 years, Claire, told the Evening Star that she had never known a man as kind-hearted as he was.

She said: “It would be no exaggeration to say that Henry was loved, respected and admired throughout Suffolk and in very many places across the country.

“He gave himself unstintingly to people and they in turn gave themselves to him.

“He was for 54 years the most loving and devoted husband.

“Very many people will have cause to give thanks to God for this most loving and holy man. He was an example to us all.”

Mrs Lunney said that a highlight of his life had been receiving the Maundy Money from the Queen when he visited Bury St Edmunds Cathedral in 2009.

He had been awarded for his outstanding service to the church and the community.

Ipswich vicar Reverend Andrew Dotchin said: “He was a wonderful gentleman with a great deal of humility.

“He had a particular gift for picking up those who did not fit in. He went out and found the lost ones even if they found it difficult to walk with the church. He will be very missed by many people.”

There will be a Service of Thanksgiving for the life and dedicated work of Henry and this will be held at 2.30 pm on Friday, January 7, at St Augustine’s Church, Ipswich, where Henry was Ordained into the Ministry.

n Would you like to pay tribute to Henry Lunney? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk