The Rev Edward Coombs, the vicar of St Paul’s Church in Banbury, has died at the age of 49.

Described as a gentle and committed vicar, a lover of the great outdoors, and father of two daughters and a son, Mr Coombs died on September 12 after a long battle with cancer. He had worked as a vicar in Banbury for nearly 15 years.

Edward Coombs was born on April 3, 1966, to parents Susan and Michael. His father Michael passed away several years ago.

An older brother, Richard, also works as a vicar.

Mr Coombs grew up in Buckingham and went to Stowe School as a boy, before leaving to study for a degree in geology at the University of Bristol.

On graduating at the age of 21, he spent a short time working as a surveyor before deciding he wanted to enter the Church and beginning ordination training at Durham University.

He worked as a curate in Edinburgh, and then in Dagenham before moving to Banbury in 2001, as vicar at St Paul’s Church. He stayed there until his death, living in Bretch Hill vicarage with his wife of 18 years, Annabelle.

The couple had three children together – two girls and a boy.

Mr Coombs’ parishioners described him as a very gentle, loving man who was committed to preaching about Jesus.

His last words were reported to be: “Jesus is everything”.

His main passions were walking, being outside and mountain trekking. Stemming from his studies in geology, he loved being outdoors and interacting with wildlife and tried to be out in the open as much as possible. He climbed many mountaings, most notably Cadair Idris in Snowdonia.

Mr Coombs died of lymphoma on September 12.

He is survived by his mother Susan, his wife Annabelle and his three children. A thanksgiving service will be held tomorrow at 2pm at St Paul’s.