The Diocese of Middlesbrough is saddened to hear of the death of Father David Pick, who passed away aged 80 on Saturday May 25.
Father David was the first priest Bishop Terry Drainey ordained after coming to the diocese, the ordination taking place at St Mary’s Cathedral on November 21 2009.
In his homily, Bishop Terry spoke of the long journey Father David had made to reach this moment of his life, and the importance of following the Lord’s way and listening carefully to how he guides us.
Father Edward Corbould OSB, from Ampleforth Abbey, presented Father David for ordination, and Father Ged Barry, chaplain at Full Sutton Prison, vested him with stole and chasuble.
David’s wife, Diana, and son, Andrew, brought forward the offertory gifts, which Bishop Terry then presented to Father David for the Eucharistic sacrifice.
The most moving moment of the ceremony was when the cathedral dean led Father David to take his place at the altar with his brother priests.
That completed the long journey to the priesthood Bishop Terry had referred to, with Father David having several careers already behind him.
Together with Diana and Andrew, he was a hotelier in Scarborough and Filey, before answering the call to become an Anglican minster.
He trained at Lincoln Theology College and eventually became rector of Sledmere and a part-time chaplain at Full Sutton Prison.
Father David then felt the call to become a Catholic and sought ordination as a Catholic priest. He helped in the parishes of Bridlington and Beverley, as well as doing supply work and being a chaplain on cruise ships.
Canon David Grant, episcopal vicar for the clergy, said: “His gentleness, common sense, piety and sense of humour was evident to all who met him.”
Sadly, Diana died about a year after he was ordained, and Father David suffered a severe stroke some years later.
“He bore his incapacity and lack of freedom with great faith and fortitude,” added Canon Grant.
His Requiem Mass took place at St John’s in Beverley on Monday June 10 before burial with Diana in Kirkburn churchyard.
