Farewell to solicitor and vicar Stephen, 71
‘A true professional, a man of great faith and integrity’
Tributes have been paid to respected Scarborough solicitor and clergyman Revd Stephen Drury, who has died at the age of 71.
Born in Chesterfield in 1945 only days before VE day, Stephen was referred to as a peace time baby by his parents Philip and Edith Drury.
He was educated at Brimington village primary school and Chesterfield Boys’ Grammar School before securing a place to read law at University College London. After completing his law society exams he was articled to Hotter and SonsSolicitorsinChesterfield, and in 1970 moved to Scarborough to work with Thorpe and Co Solicitors, where he remained until his retirement in 2006.
Stephen spent many happy years at Thorpe and Co Solicitors working alongside colleagues who, in many cases, were to become close friends.
A fellow partner said this of him: “Stephen’s approach to his work was thoughtful and thorough showing a keen intellect and analytical skills, enabling him to quickly grasp the main issue in a case.
“He was a true professional, a man of great faith and integrity, trusted by all who had the privilege to work with and know him.”
During his final year at Thorpe and Co. Stephen was accepted by the Church of England for ordination training and followed in his uncle’s footsteps to study at Mirfield College of the Resurrection.
He was ordained at York Minster in 2007 and later completed a Masters in Theology at York St John.
He returned to St John the Baptist Church in East Ayton, where he had worshipped since arriving in Scarborough, first as Curate, then Curate-InCharge, serving the parish he loved before becoming Priestin-Charge at the church of St Columba, Scarborough, in January last year.
The Revd Ros Walser, who conducted his funeral service at St Columba’s, said: “I know that he will be very sadly missed both at St John’s and here at St Columba’s.
“He developed a wonderful relationship with the congregation as well as being a loved and respected member of Clergy chapter.”
Stephen was also actively involved in a number of local charities and committees and a member of the Rotary Club of Scarborough.
A Rotary spokesman said: “Whatever job Stephen accepted his dedication, professionalism, consideration for others, infectious quiet humour and common sense enthused the members working with him.
“Throughout the whole of his Rotary career and his life outside of Rotary he was an example to all and unquestionably followed the Rotary motto of ‘Service above Self ’. He will be sorely missed as a Rotarian and friend.”
Music for Stephen was a lifelong passion. He learned piano throughout childhood and in his teenage years, with friends, formed a band called The Zombies.
Musical performances continued into adulthood and he could often be found behind the organ at St John the Baptist church in East Ayton.
That church remained an important and consistent feature in Stephen and his family’s lives. He also had a passion for books and it was rare to see him in his armchair in the lounge without his nose in a book and a pile of literature next to him. Other interests include photography and “armchair gardening”.
He leaves his wife, Judith, children Philippa, James and Rachel, son-in-law Kev, daughter-in-law Liz and grandchildren Evie, Rowan and Thomas.