THE funeral of Canon Philip Dyson, who died on August 18 after a short illness, took place at the Catholic Church in Penzance which was filled to capacity.

Father Philip was the parish priest of the Catholic churches of Penzance, St Ives, Hayle and the Isles of Scilly. Many letters of condolence from his parishioners described him as ‘a source of inspiration, strength and comfort, a light, always doing things for others’.

He was well known and respected in the towns in the areas he served. His ambition in life from a young age was to be a parish priest. He was a man of faith who had no fear of his own death.

Father Philip had been a Priest in Penzance since 2007 having been ordained in 1975. On April 1, 2008, the former ‘Penzance with the Isles of Scilly’ parish and the former ‘St Ives and Hayle parish’ united as ‘The Holy Family parish’.

Father Philip was formally inducted as Parish Priest on July 25, 2008. He was appointed an honorary Canon of Plymouth Cathedral in 2018.

The funeral was held on Thursday, September 26, which was filled to capacity. It was a Requiem Mass with Canon Paul Cummins as the principal celebrant and approximately 30 priests who also concelebrated with him.

Cannon Philip Dyson was a humble man with a clear understanding of the Christian faith. The dignity and solemnity of the service was a mark of respect by those who loved and respected him.

Church manager David Gridley said: “His Requiem Mass was celebrated with the dignity and solemnity due on such an occasion, with the nearly completed church packed to capacity with family, parishioners, friends and townsfolk who knew him. The Principal Celebrant was the Diocesan Administrator, Canon Paul Cummins and approximately 30 priests who also concelebrated with him,

“Father Philip was a priest of great integrity, faith, generosity and care for those communities entrusted to him and a friend to many.”