Published on: 05/03/2026
We’re shining a spotlight on stories of faith in the Diocese, and today’s feature is taking a look at Shaun Clarkson, Deanery Synod Lay Chairman of the Snaith and Hatfield Deanery and Reader and Deanery Synod Rep at St John’s Goole.
A presentation was made last week for Shaun, who has received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease:
Shaun is very much a son of this area. Born and brought up in Goole, he left to study at Durham University before returning home to take up work in the IT department at Scunthorpe Steel Works. Following the company’s takeover and his subsequent redundancy, a new chapter of vocation and service began to emerge. With the encouragement of the Revd Canon Taylor at St John’s, Shaun trained as a Reader and was admitted to that ministry in 2000.
From that point on, Shaun has given himself generously to the life of the Church. For over 35 years he has served faithfully on the PCC, regularly leading worship and preaching, and offering a steady, thoughtful presence in parish life. Again, encouraged by Canon Gordon Taylor, Shaun trained to take funerals, and it soon became clear that this was a ministry to which he was particularly gifted. His compassion, sensitivity and ability to walk alongside those who were bereaved enabled him not only to support families pastorally, but also to help them celebrate the lives of their loved ones with dignity and care. Through building strong relationships with St John’s and local undertakers, this ministry grew to the point where Shaun was able to serve full-time as a funeral minister. He retired from this in 2024, having taken hundreds of funerals, with family members often requesting him again because of the care they received. Shaun continues to be an active member of St John’s, continuing to serve on PCC.
Beyond the parish, Shaun has given long and distinguished service to the wider Church. He was elected to Diocesan Synod in 2004 and has served as Deanery Lay Chair since 2011, offering wise counsel, calm leadership and a deep commitment to the health of the deanery. Between 2011 and 2014 he served on the Vacancy in See Committee, and he still recalls the moment the committee learned that +Pete would be the next Bishop of Sheffield. More recently, Shaun acted as one of +Pete’s representatives on the PCC at Swinefleet at a time when governance there was fragile, bringing stability, experience and pastoral sensitivity to a challenging situation.
Shaun’s contribution at parish, deanery and diocesan level has been marked by faithfulness, kindness, prayerfulness and an unwavering desire to serve others.
