A "kind and generous" vicar has died.

The Rev Paul Harwood Jones, who lived in Braintree, died on Monday, November 19 following a heart attack.

Born in Kensington in 1920, the Rev Harwood Jones left school at 14 to work for GEC as an instrument maker. He later lost his job by refusing to make government armaments.

During the Second World War, he worked the land as a conscientious objector.

Mr Harwood Jones married Joan Few in 1945 and they lived in Harrow until he was ordained in 1953. The couple had two children, Susan and Andrew, and in 1968 moved to Essex as the vicar of White Notley and Faulkbourne.

Mr Harwood Jones' wife died after a long illness in 1971 and he married his second wife Jackie in 1973.

From 1972 to 1974, he was the chaplain to Black Notley Hospital and in 1975 took on the parish of Cressing.

In 1981, he moved to Finchingfield as vicar of Finchingfield and Cornish Hall End. He also became the Rural Dean of Braintree.

Then in 1988, he retired through ill health and moved to Braintree.

Although suffering from angina for many years, Mr Harwood Jones helped out at many churches in Braintree and Witham and was widely known, meeting people and would always be available for them.

There will be a service of thanksgiving at St Michael's Church, Braintree, on Saturday at 2pm. All are welcome.

Published Wednesday December 5, 2001