Reverend Edward Russell Pilkington (25 Feb 1939 - 21 Oct 2025)

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Rev Edward Pilkington on 21st October 2025. Edward passed away peacefully in the Great Western Hospital, Swindon following a long battle with several illnesses.

Edward, who was 86, was born in Stratford, East London on 25th February 1939. He grew up in Leyton, attending St. Mary’s Church where he was a chorister and his father a churchwarden. He was one of the last in his generation to complete national service and was posted with the army to Devizes in Wiltshire. Edward later worked at Goodwin and Tabb Music Library in London where he famously once held the door open for Vaughan Williams. After feeling called into the ministry he served on the community at Scargill House in Yorkshire and then attended St. Johns Theological College while it was still based in London (then known as the London College of Divinity). He was ordained priest in 1966 and was a curate at St. Luke’s Eccleshill in Bradford and Christchurch, Billericay before serving as vicar in the Diocese of Chelmsford at St. Georges, New Thundersley and at All Saints, Theydon Garnon. Between 1982 and 2004, Edward served as vicar of St. Michaels and All Angels Gidea Park. He retired to Swindon where he became an active member of the Dorcan Church congregation.

Edward had a great love of music, especially the operas of George Frederick Handel. A fan of Mozart and Vaughan-Williams, he enjoyed playing the piano and was a member of various choirs including the Havering Singers and Swindon Choral Society. He had a great sense of humour and a love of classic comedy, such as Dad's Army and Hanock's Half Hour. He was passionate about cricket, wildlife documentaries, history and The BBC Proms.

Edward is survived by his wife Tricia, his children Leonard, Pamela and Russell and 7 grandchildren.