A well loved Salford priest who devoted his life to helping the people of Salford has died aged 90.
Canon David Wyatt served in the church of St Paul’s in Pendleton for 53 years and was awarded an MBE alongside his wife, Helen for helping the city’s homelessness. They went above and beyond for the people of Salford with offering beds for the homeless along with hot meals and taking children on trips.
Local residents went to Facebook to share their condolences and described his death as a ‘massive loss for Salford.’ Another resident commented how he was a ‘wonderful human being who was well known for his kindness in the community.’
Along with his role at St Paul’s, he also served at St Clements in Ordsall and The Ascension in Lower Broughton. He had a crucial role in the rebuilding of the church after the fire in 2017.
Before becoming a priest, Canon Wyatt served in the army and understood what the service meant to people.
He conducted funerals for veterans and remembrance services at Salford Quays every year and Agecroft cemetery.
The city of Salford Royal Naval Association said: “David wasn’t just someone we called on to conduct a service. He genuinely cared about people. He and his wife did a huge amount to help homeless people, including helping furnish homes, which also included veterans of Salford, and that work was rightly recognised with their MBEs.
“He was a kind and approachable man who was always willing to help. For many of us in the veterans’ community, he became a familiar face and a friend rather than simply the local priest.
“He will be greatly missed by the RNA and by the many veterans and families he supported over the years.”
Canon David Wyatt has been described as a ‘credit to the community’ and ‘a wonderful man’ whose legacy will live on.
