Canon John Sheen 1932-2020
With sadness for a life passing but also with thanksgiving to God for the service of a faithful priest we announce the death of Canon John Harold Sheen on 14 April 2020, aged 87.
Canon Sheen was educated at The Stationer’s Company School, Queens’ College Cambridge and Cuddesdon Theological College prior to being ordained deacon in 1958 and priest in 1959. John was curate at St Dunstan’s, Stepney in London and served subsequently as Vicar of St John the Baptist, Tottenham (1962-68), and St Michael’s, Wood Green (1968-78), both also in the Diocese of London.
John moved to the Isle of Man in 1978 upon appointment as Rector of Bride, a role which from 1980 also incorporated the care of St Olave’s, North Ramsey. He served the Diocese faithfully in numerous other roles including Chaplain of Ramsey Cottage Hospital, Rural Dean of Ramsey, Director of Mission, and Diocesan Director of Ordinands, a post he held until 2001, having retired from parish ministry in 1998. John’s ministry was recognised with the appointment as Canon of St Columba at the Cathedral of St German in Peel in 1991. John took great pride in his education and became a member of the Worshipful Company of Stationers & Newspaper Makers in 2006, a Freeman of the City of London.
Last year at the Cathedral a large gathering of friends and family came together, giving thanks for John's 60 years of service to God in priestly ministry.
John leaves behind his wife Elizabeth, their three children Edward, Jenifer and Henry and grandchildren Peter, Jessica , Katharina and Isabel.
Bishop Peter writes: 'John Sheen’s life was earthed in faithfulness and service. He was a priest for 60 years, loving husband to Elizabeth for 58 years, and in everything a deeply loyal and generous and gracious person. I only came to know Canon John in these last years, but it was clear to me that his life and ministry were marked by the deep gifts of what it means to be human. These qualities were demonstrated too in his work for the wider Church and world, notably through USPG and Christian Aid and World Development. Our diocese was blessed to have John as a priest, serving and retired, for over 40 years. I pray now for the repose of his gentle soul and for the comfort of Elizabeth, Edward, Jenifer, Henry and all who mourn.'
