Former Archbishop of Wales, Noakes, dies

The Rt Rev George Noakes, who was Archbishop of Wales from 1987 until 1991 died at his home in Carmarthen on Monday, at the age of 83. He is survived by his wife, Jean.

A native of rural Cardiganshire, he served most of his ministry in West Wales and was Bishop of St Davids for nine years before being appointed Archbishop.

The current Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, paid tribute to his predecessor's ministry in Wales, describing him as a great pastoral bishop and a gifted preacher.

"His down-to-earth, approachable manner endeared him to people across society and he mixed well. His kind and gracious presidency of the Governing Body of the Church in Wales was much appreciated. He was a respected and greatly esteemed leader. We extend our sympathy to his widow Jean."

Bishop Noakes, a fluent Welsh-speaker, graduated from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, and trained at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford.

He began his ministry as Assistant Curate in 1950 at Lampeter before going on to hold a number of ministry positions, including Canon at St Davids Cathedral from 1977 to 1979 and Bishop of St Davids from 1982 to 1987 when he was appointed as Archbishop of Wales in 1987. He retired in 1991.