A 'REMARKABLE' retired Peterchurch priest who touched the hearts of thousands with his religious sermons and scientific teaching, has died aged 86, writes SOPHIE BIGNALL.

Prebendary John C. de la Tour Davies was among the longest serving clergymen in the diocese, serving communities for more than 50 years.

Preb. Davies and his wife Jean first arrived in Herefordshire in 1957 when he was appointed vicar of Peterchurch, Vowchurch, Turnastone and later priest-in-charge of Bredwardine, Brobury and Moccas as well as rural dean at Abbeydore.

During his courageous battle with cancer, his doctors described the former Prebendary of Hereford Cathedral as an 'extraordinary' man.

He began his career as a curate in Chipping Norton before joining the army as a chaplain and serving in Burma during the Second World War.

It was then Preb. Davies decided to have images of the crucifixion and Jesus in the arms of his mother tattooed on his forearms as symbols of faith and 'to remind soldiers he was a religious figure'.

Described by Jean as 'a scholar', Preb. Davies spent nearly all of his life studying maths, physics and new testament Greek and he wrote a book which his family now hopes will be published.

His faith rubbed off on his family, including his daughters Beren, Mandy and Rana, who all have connections with the church.

Jean explained that although she has lost her best friend of 51 years and is missing him, the family has drawn comfort from his exceptional faith.

"He was excited about dying, he was really looking forward to his life in Heaven with God.

"Anyone who was there would not fear death after hearing him say 'it was the beginning of the next big adventure'."

Daughter Mandy Hardwick added: "His last lesson to us was how to die - he believed that life was a lesson - life-long learning."

The funeral will take place at Hereford Cathedral on February 22 at 12.30pm followed by burial at St Faith's Church in Peterchurch.