The Revd Peter Skellern, who was ordained both as a deacon and priest at a special service in October last year, died on Friday aged 69.

In a statement, Peter’s family said: “Peter’s creativity in art, comedy and music stand as his legacy to love and laughter. The love he brought to us will continue to be shared with everyone through his music. We will miss him with all our hearts.”

Bishop Tim has paid tribute to Peter as a “truly remarkable and creative priest”.

Rector of Lanreath and Pelynt, and Priest in Charge of Lansallos, Lanteglos and Taland, Revd Marilyn Elliot, said: “It was a privilege to have known Peter. It was an honour to have walked part of his journey towards ordination alongside him, for the wonderful service we shared on that day. Also, to have shared a communion table for his first communion was so special.”

Peter had been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour while he was undergoing his ordination training, and as a result a special faculty for his ‘double’ ordination was granted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Reverend Justin Welby. Peter was also licensed as an Assistant Curate of Lanteglos-by-Fowey, Lansallos, Talland, Lanreath and Pelynt.

At the time of his ordination, Peter spoke of how he dealt with his diagnosis. He said: “For about a week I hung in this abyss and I just grabbed God. I was given a year to live and everything fell, apart from my belief in God. It was like that for about a week and then God closed the ground beneath me and I became resigned and happy and I have been like that ever since.”

His ordination took place at St Wyllows Church in Lanteglos-by-Fowey. The church was full with more than 120 of Peter’s friends and family including his wife, Diana, and fellow clergy.

Bishop Tim said: “It was a shock for me to hear of Peter’s death on Friday. Of course, I knew he was very seriously ill, but it still came as a shock.

“Peter had such strength in life and a strong Christian faith. He also had a twinkle in his eye, a question to ask or a slightly different view on life.

“Ordaining Peter last year was an extraordinary privilege.  The number of people who attended and the clear love felt by all for Peter was obvious. Also very clear was Peter’s faith.  Ordaining him was not about rewarding someone or, heaven forfend, patronising someone who was ill. Ordination was the right thing to do, it made sense of Peter’s long-term sense of calling and it felt entirely right and natural.

“My prayers are with Diana and the whole family as they come to terms with this sad news.

“We are fortunate to have the gift of Peter’s music to remember him and give thanks for him.

“I also will never forget the way Peter was able and wanted to spend time listening to other people ask questions and talk about God.

“Peter was a truly remarkable and creative priest whose faith was strong and whose life has made an impact for good on many, many people.”