This is a text-only version of an article first published on Wednesday, 18 April 2018. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
THE death has been announced of Terry Landsbert, who was diocesan secretary from 1982 until his retirement in 1998.
Terry was born in Southgate, (then Middlesex) in 1936, and was educated at St Albans School.
After school, chartered accountancy seemed a sensible option and he qualified in 1959.
However, when the opportunity occurred to broaden his horizons, he went to work in Paris for two years and developed a lifelong interest in European culture.
Back in this country he held a series of financial positions in the electrical and engineering industry, becoming group Finance Director of a small foundry and engineering group in 1974.
He subsequently became a senior consultant in Finance and Administration for PA International, and this included a three-year secondment to an investment company specialising in investment and finance in rescue or reconstruction situations.
Other assignments involved devising structures and procedures for improved financial control and administration.
He was pleased to put all this experience to good use when he joined the Diocese in 1982 as Secretary to the Board of Finance.
He felt that he managed to introduce a more business-like approach without diminishing the enthusiasm of volunteers.
His period in post also saw the implementation of new requirements for the management of registered charities, and significant changes in employment legislation.
He particularly enjoyed his contact with the parishes, and his involvement with the Glebe Committee.
He was an inventive problem solver, with a quick intellect and a whimsical sense of humour.
Terry was a member of General Synod between 1985 and 2000.
He retired in 1998, but continued in active service in the Diocese as a Reader in the Parish of Cumnor (having been admitted in 1997).
Terry and Alex were married in 1970 and began life together near Barnet, where their children, Carl and Bryony, were born.
The family were happy in their move to Oxfordshire, and the highlight of many years was their annual caravan holiday to France.
After retirement, Terry and Alex moved to South Dorset, where they very much enjoyed being near the Jurassic Coast, and being involved in the church and community at Upwey.
They welcomed the visits of friends and family, including their two granddaughters.
Terry is being buried in Upwey churchyard at 2pm on 27 October, and the family look forward to celebrating his life with all who can join them.