For more than four decades, Simon Everard, who has died aged 79 after a short illness, served at his parish church in the heart of Broadland.

For nearly 42 years, he was a server and sacristan at St Edmund's Church, Acle, where he was also a former member of the parish council.

He was born at Ranworth, where his father, the Rev Teddy Everard, was vicar of St Helen's Church for 47 years. He was not able to follow his father's calling but became apprenticed as a platemaker to the then Norfolk News Company (later Eastern Counties Newspapers and now Archant) at Redwell Street, Norwich.

He retired after more than 40 years and was then able to devote even more time to community activities including supporting the local Scouts. He became a loyal member of the Archant Pensioners' Association and didn't miss a meeting or coffee morning until a month or two ago.

When he moved to Acle, having married Georgina, he became involved with the church. Over many years, he taught generations of children at Sunday School and actively supported his local community.

He enjoyed sport, especially tennis, and was a fervent supporter of Norwich City.

When he celebrated his 70th birthday, bellringers at Ranworth rang a quarter peal at St Helen's, where he began his ringing career in the 1940s.

His wife, Georgina, died about eight years ago. He leaves three children, Mark, Catharine and Chris, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

n Funeral details are to be announced.