SPCK pays tribute after spirituality writer David Adam dies, aged 83

SPCK has paid tribute to Celtic spirituality writer David Adam, who has died at the age of 83.

The Christian publisher said Adam died suddenly at home on 24th January. Paying tribute, SPCK said: "Over sixty joyous years, David exercised a rich and profoundly influential ministry."

Adam was born in Alnwick, Northumberland, an area of the country he described in The Wonder of the Beyond as "a land of open fields, moorland and beaches: a land of castles, of history, of heroes, saints and story... a radiant world... full of the mystery of existence."

His first book, The Edge of Glory: Prayers in the Celtic Tradition, was published in 1985 and he followed it with many volumes of prayers, poems and meditations during 13 years as Vicar of the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.

SPCK said: "In retirement, he continued to write and to delight us with his vision and humour. Publisher Alison Barr learned to relax during the frequent pauses in their phone conversations. Sooner or later she knew she would hear, ‘I‚Äôm watching three red squirrels chasing each other to find a hare in the garden!‚Äô or ‘There‚Äôs a long-tailed tit on the peanuts!‚Äô

"In the last email she received, David wrote, ‘I wish you a glory-full Christmas.‚Äô Enabling us to perceive the radiance of God‚Äôs glory in the world will be his lasting legacy to many."

His daughter Dawn said: "David and Denise enjoyed a rich and happy marriage. He was quite a character and a wonderful father to Sharon and me. I am sure many people will feel his loss as we do."