A popular church minister and hospital chaplain who combined “enormous energy, commitment and good humour” in both work and family life has died.

Reverend Michael Whelton, of Epsom, joined the Methodist Church in 1990 after he retired as a lawyer and legal director for Mencap.

He was appointed hospital chaplain at Epsom and St Helier Trust in 1988, only relinquishing his post at the age of 85 late last year.

Former colleague and friend Rev Simon Huw Leigh said Rev Whelton was “one of the most charismatic and fun chaps I have ever met in my life”.

He said: “His real calling was working as a chaplain in Epsom General Hospital where he had a wonderful relationship with consultants, staff and patients – particularly in times of crisis.

“He was a man of immense depth and spirituality. He found he was able to talk to people on their level and empathise with their situation.

“He was also chaplain for the ambulance service and the local police and was always available for people – some would call him at 4am in the morning.”

Rev Whelton, who was also chaplain to the Metropolitan Police Division and to Queen Elizabeth’s Training College, was married to Monica and had four children, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

He was involved in many organisations including the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, West Hill School, the Queen Elizabeth Foundation at Leatherhead, the Epsom Hospital Medical Equipment Fund and The Samaritans.

Rev Whelton was also one of Oxford University’s more mature students, obtaining an honours degree in theology in 1998 at the age of 75.

Rev Leigh said: “He was a man of many talents. As a colleague he was superb and as a friend I’m really going to miss him.

“I know from what the family said he was one of life’s great jokers and that laughter in the family home was incessant.

“He touched so many people through the years.

“I suspect his funeral service at Epsom will be packed to the rafters.”

A celebration of Rev Whelton’s life will be held at Epsom Methodist Church at 2pm tomorrow (June 19).

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