IN February the Reverend Canon Peter Seal, a much-loved figure in Winchester, died at the age of 65 after a short illness.

It was only 18 months ago that a packed congregation at St Paul’s Church bade an emotional farewell to him on his retirement as Rector. His ‘Building for Life’ project will be one of his great legacies, involving the transformation of both St Matthew’s and St Paul’s churches. A visitor to St Paul’s today will see a redesigned dais and altar, an intimate prayer chapel and glorious nave with oak and patterned stone floor. A new gallery with a glass-fronted meeting-room weaves between the Victorian pillars, effortlessly combining new and old. The space is invitational and spiritual, a physical metaphor for Peter himself who referred to his churches as having “soft edges”, welcoming all-comers.

Hampshire Chronicle: Rved Peter Seal with his wife Julia at a community day (credit: Anna Canfield)Rved Peter Seal with his wife Julia at a community day (credit: Anna Canfield) (Image: Anna Canfield)READ MORE: Obituary: Former head of Winchester School of Art

After studying Theology at the University of Exeter and training for ordination at Lincoln Theological College, Peter started his ministry in 1983 at Lady St Mary, Wareham, where he was curate.

More recently he was Chaplain of King Alfred’s College (now the University of Winchester) where he is still remembered as a kind and open pastor who encouraged students to go “beyond themselves” in helping others. In 1991 he became Vicar of St Luke’s, Stanmore, and finally Rector at St Matthew with St Paul in 2001. He was a foundation school governor for 31 years (probably a record), Rural Dean, Chaplain to Peter Symonds College and a member of Winchester Cathedral Council among other roles.

Hampshire Chronicle: Revd Peter Seal pacesetting on the Parish's annual Clarendon Way walk (credit: Martin West)Revd Peter Seal pacesetting on the Parish's annual Clarendon Way walk (credit: Martin West) (Image: Martin West)Peter’s life was centred on prayer. When he celebrated Eucharist, you knew that you were near someone very close to God. This was also evident in his unrelenting pastoral kindness to those to whom he ministered.

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Among Peter’s interests was walking, especially if combined with a pint of beer and a pub lunch. Later in life, he became passionate about green issues. Peter was a true pilgrim, never short of friends to accompany him.

Hampshire Chronicle: Revd Peter Seal (centre) with Revds Liz Stuart and Mary Copping (credit: Gill Longman)Revd Peter Seal (centre) with Revds Liz Stuart and Mary Copping (credit: Gill Longman) (Image: Gill Longman)Peter once said, “Heaven is the place, praise be, where every boundary will be blown apart, and all that God ever imagined we might be will find its fulfilment.” Peter's congregations imagine Peter in just such a state of fulfilment.

Peter’s family meant the world to him and his retirement to Wareham was an opportunity to be closer to them. He leaves behind him his wife Julia, daughter Katie, son Phil and daughter-in-law Sarah.