Tributes paid to Norwich preacher and writer
2007: Oak Grove Chapel in
Norwich has announced the death of its father figure, well known local broadcaster, writer and preacher,
John Breeze.
John, who was an elder of the church for many years, died peacefully in his sleep on December 26 while at his family’s traditional Christmas gathering at Letton Hall in mid-Norfolk.
John, who was in his early 70s, was a life-long member of Oak Grove. “He was a real local lad who did good,” said church pastor Darren Woodward. “He was a leader, our finest teacher, a pastor and to many a brilliant friend who’s heart of service has changed the lives of thousands.
“His ministry was not just confined to Oak Grove either, but regional and truly massive in its influence. We really appreciate the gift that God put amongst us. As a church we send our love to his wife Pearl and the rest of the family and we look to God to see the real legacy of this man called John, a real Catton Grover and Soldier of Christ.
John was a long-time contributor to Radio Norfolk’s Thought for the Day slot and a mainstay writer for Good News for Norwich and, more recently, Network Norwich.
Good News editor, Keith Morris, said: “We could always rely on John to come up with some great ideas for stories and he always knew what was going on in the Norwich Christian community. We will miss both him and his writing.”
Along with Pearl, John worked for many years with the Living Water Festival and Christian holiday company MasterSun.
Please leave your memories and thoughts about John below.