It is with profound sadness that the Diocese announces the death of The Very Reverend Alan Geoffrey Woods TD. Alan passed away peacefully on 15th January 2026, surrounded by his beloved wife Barbara and their three daughters.

Alan devoted his life to faith, service, and community. Born on 18 July 1942, he began his professional life qualifying as a Chartered Accountant, and working for the Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Company until 1967. Feeling called to ministry, he trained at Sarum Theological College and was ordained deacon in 1970 and priest in 1971.

He was an incumbent and Rural Dean of Dorchester 1985-1990 and the Rural Dean of Calne 1990-1996.

From 1996 to 2003, he served as Chancellor of St Paul’s pro-cathedral, Valletta, and ministered faithfully to the Anglican communities of Malta and Gozo. In December 2003, he was installed as the 19th Dean of Gibraltar by Bishop Geoffrey. During his time in Gibraltar, he also served as Vicar General to the Bishop in Europe and, from 2005, as Archdeacon of Gibraltar. He was the last Dean to be simultaneously Dean and Archdeacon of Gibraltar.

As Dean of Gibraltar one of his highlights was undoubtably the celebration of the Diocese’s Silver Jubilee and the Centenary of the Deanery of Gibraltar at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity on Sunday 23 October 2005.

Alan’s years in Gibraltar were marked by vision and dedication. He was instrumental in the setting up of the successful Rock of Ages fundraising appeal, with the intention to replace the roof, maintain and renovate the exterior and interior of the building, build an enhanced entrance onto the Cathedral Square and improve access for churchgoers, visitors and tourists. Over £350,000 was raised by the time the campaign closed in 2011.

Alongside his ecclesiastical work, Alan served as a chaplain to the Territorial Army from 1980 to 1994. In recognition of his service, he was awarded the Territorial Decoration (TD) in 1993.

After retiring in 2008 to Dorchester, Alan remained deeply committed to ministry. He continued to serve as a locum priest in the Diocese in Europe and as Clergy Retirement Officer for Dorset in the Diocese of Salisbury. Ever supportive of colleagues and friends, he remained actively involved in diocesan life, most recently serving as best man to former Archdeacon David Sutch in 2022.

Alan will be remembered for his wisdom, compassion, and quiet strength of faith. He was a devoted husband, father, and friend whose life touched countless people across many countries and communities.

He leaves behind his wife Barbara, their three daughters, and a wide circle of family, friends, and clergy who mourn his loss and give thanks for his life.