Death of the bishop of Bangor, 62

The Right Reverend Anthony Crockett was ordained in 1971

The bishop of Bangor has died 18 months after being diagnosed with cancer, the Church in Wales has announced.

The Right Reverend Anthony Crockett, 62, was appointed to the post in May 2004, having previously served as the archdeacon of Carmarthen.

At the time, he was the first bishop in the UK to have been divorced and remarried. He had remarried in 1999 and had three grown-up children.

Mr Crockett's career in the church spanned 37 years.

Archbishop of Wales Barry Morgan said: "In the four short years Bishop Tony spent in Bangor he endeared himself to the diocese and made his mark on it.

He was perceptive and honest about the present and inspirational and supportive for the future Dean of Llandaff John Lewis

"He was a feisty and forthright man, not afraid to express his vision, yet had a warm pastoral heart and would go out of his way to help anyone.

"He faced his last illness with resilience, faith and hope. His tremendous courage and faith strengthened and inspired others.

"He showed great ministry in his weakness, continuing his work in hospital - even taking confirmations - while never afraid of showing his weakness and vulnerability. He will be hugely missed."

'Great pastoral leadership'

Mr Crockett was born in Pontypridd and studied classics and theology at King's College, London, and pre-ordination training at St Michael's College, Cardiff.

He was ordained deacon in 1971 and priest in 1972 and served in Cardiff, Ceredigion and Dowlais until his appointment as archdeacon of Carmarthen in 1999.

His appointment as bishop had raised some concerns among a section of the clergy in his diocese because of his marital status.

Dafydd Elis-Thomas, presiding officer of the Welsh assembly and a former member of the governing body of the Church in Wales, said: "Bishop Tony brought great pastoral leadership to a diocese that covered such a huge geographical area.

"He had such commitment that he continued his ministry even during his long illness. I last heard him preach - in English and Welsh - at Bangor Cathedral on Easter day, he turned up despite the fact that he was so ill.

"He was a charismatic man and I and the Church in Wales will miss him greatly."

The dean of Llandaff, the Very Reverend John Lewis, said: "Tony was a great friend and splendid company.

"His life and ministry were a true pilgrim's journey and he allowed many to share that journey with him.

"He was perceptive and honest about the present and inspirational and supportive for the future. We shall miss him."