TRIBUTES have been made to a man who exceeded his duties as a soldier, family man and vicar.

The Reverend Roderick Percy Pearson died on September 11, following a stroke at the age of 86.

Born in Darlington, he attended the town's grammar school, where he was head boy, sports captain and met his future wife, Joan Elliott, who was at the teacher training college next door.

In 1939, he joined the Light Infantry and was part of the Army's parachute testing team - surviving a trial jump when his parachute failed to open.

He served in North Africa, Italy, and Sicily, but it was his involvement in the Battle of Arnhem, Holland, that changed his life the most.

The young captain grew close to the ter Horst family, whose home was used as an aid post for Allied troops. The two families remained close and Mr and Mrs Pearson named the youngest of their three children, Katherine, after Kate ter Horst, who was known as the Angel of Arnhem.

"What he experienced there haunted him. He lost so many friends and said it was the brave ones that didn't come home," said Katherine.

"He had nightmares and was only able to return twice, but the friendship between the two families endures forever."

After being demobbed, Mr Pearson married Joan and the couple enjoyed 60 years together until her death last year.

They lived in Lazenby, near Redcar, east Cleveland, when he worked as a surveyor for ICI in Billingham, until their family had grown up. He then took up a calling to enter the church and studied for ordination in Lincoln.

He served his curacy in St Cuthbert's Parish, Darlington, before moving to St Michael's Church, Bishop Middleham, County Durham, on a Queen's Appointment.

He was an active member of the community for 12 years, including being a school governor and parish councillor.

One of his sons, Michael, said: "He was a remarkable man, a great leader and so compassionate in all his roles. He was an inspiration."

The couple retired to Sherburn House, in Durham, and he continued offering pastoral care to residents and assisting services at Durham Cathedral and in Shincliffe and Blackhall until his death.

His other son, Martin, said: "He based his life on two words, love and duty. He was brave, caring and felt very strongly about fulfilling his duties - for his country, family and then God.