A former bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney has died at the age of 92.
Originally from Liverpool, the Rt Rev Darwent was the Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney from 1978 to 1992.
A man of many talents, Mr Darwent’s career started in the Army and then banking, before he was ordained at the age of 37. He moved to the north-east a year later, where he became rector of All Saints’ Church in New Pitsligo.
Later he was rector of St Peter’s in Fraserburgh and canon of St Andrew’s Cathedral in Aberdeen before becoming bishop.
Mr Darwent was also known for his musical talents and was a member of several groups, including the Granite City Barbershop Chorus, Fraserburgh Music Society and Aberdeen Operatic Society.
He was also one half of act Nite Music, and played Frank Sinatra classics at venues around Aberdeen.
His daughter, Helen White, described her father as a man with many interests and talents outside the church.
She said: “My father was the most lovely man you’d ever hope to meet, he prided himself in seeing the best in people and was a very caring man.
“When the grandchildren were born he was very proud of them.
“He was a very talented pianist even though he couldn’t read music, he could listen to a song and would be able to just play it.
“I remember he and his friends would play for hours at gigs or just at home.”
Born in Liverpool in 1927, he began his education in neighbouring town Ormskirk at the now closed Ormskirk Grammar School.
After school he went on to serve with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers in the far east before being ordained as a Deacon in 1961.
Two years later he became a priest, before becoming the curate in Wigan.
In 1948, he married his first wife Edna Lily and the couple welcomed twins Helen and Sarah.
Sadly his wife died in 1981, but Mr Darwent remarried two years later and settled into life with Roma.
He was a proud grandfather-of-five and great-grandfather of three.
Mr Darwent, who died on January 15, is survived by his wife and daughter.
His funeral will be held at 11am on February 6 at St Andrew’s Cathedral, King Street.
