Dean of Ripon, 59, dies only days after writing about cancer battle

TRIBUTES have been paid to the Dean of Ripon who died only two days after writing an emotional note to worshippers at the city’s cathedral to reveal he was battling suspected cancer.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd May 2013, 00:07 BST

The Dean, Keith Jukes, passed away yesterday with his wife, Suzanne, at his bedside in Harrogate District Hospital after being admitted only hours earlier. He was 59.

Dean Jukes, a former vicar of Selby Abbey, had written an announcement on Sunday to be read at services in Ripon Cathedral in which he disclosed he was unwell and that tests had revealed a growth in his upper abdomen which doctors were convinced was cancerous.

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“I am at home at the moment, feeling very weak and tired, but in good heart,” the note said. “I know that come what may, God is with me, and my life is in his hands. Please pray for me, and for Suzanne and our family. God bless you all, Keith.”

The Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, John Packer, expressed his condolences to the Dean’s widow and children, Laura and Matthew.

He said: “Dean Keith was greatly loved by the cathedral community and by people in the wider city and his death will leave a hole in many of our lives.

“I have lost a close colleague and personal friend. Keith has been a tremendous influence for good within the cathedral and Diocese – we shall miss his integrity, his ready smile and his generous support.”

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The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, said he was “very saddened” by the Dean’s death, and added: “Keith was a great vicar of Selby Abbey and saw to its restoration. He has been an inspiring Dean. My prayers go out to his family at this time.”

The MP for Skipton and Ripon, Julian Smith, said he was “hugely saddened” at the death of a “forward-thinking Church leader”.

The Dean took up his post six years ago after Ripon Cathedral had endured one of the most turbulent periods in its history. His predecessor, John Methuen, quit in 2005 in a wine and women scandal before he died in 2010.

Dean Jukes called for “grace and healing” to spread throughout the community when he took up his post at England’s oldest cathedral in March 2007.

Among his major achievements was his vision for the West Front of the cathedral which has seen glass doors installed.

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