Here is a selection of the tributes which the Diocese received following Bishop Kevin's death; in the on-line Book of Condolence nearly 500 tributes were entered.
I met Bishop Kevin Dunn about a year ago when I went to Newcastle in order to see the area as he invited our Society (MSP) to work in his diocese, specifically for the Filipino migrants. During my five-day stay at the Bishop's House, I was full of admiration for him. He was such a warm, likeable and prayerful bishop. We had lively conversation and discussions. During breakfast, he would always be the one to prepare the food for me,and when I left, he could have asked somebody to bring me to the airport but he did it himself.
My prayers for the good bishop.Fr Patrick Casino MSP
Manila, Philippines
Bishop Kevin was a good friend and ecumenical colleague, especially in the Ampleforth Covenant Group. I shall miss his wisdom warmth, generosity of spirit and humour. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
Martyn Jarrett, Bishop of Beverley
Leeds
One of my fondest memories of Bishop Kevin was at World Youth Day in Cologne, 2005, dancing and singing along to the 'banana song'. He joined us in Cologne as the new Bishop, but came home as one of us!
Wonderful bishop and a lovely man.Charlotte Jones
Hebburn
May I express the condolences of the Baptist Churches of the North of England. Bishop Kevin was a warm godly man whose winsome smile and deep insight endeared him to many. I was privileged to know him as an ecumenical colleague and greatly appreciated his fellowship and friendship.
John Claydon (Regional Minister - Northern Baptist Association)
We are greatly saddened to hear this news and pray that Bishop Kevin may rest in peace and rise in glory.
Philip Davies, Diocesan Secretary, on behalf of colleagues in Church House, Anglican Diocese of Newcastle
My lasting memory of Bishop Kevin is with the children of the ARCHED group of schools at Ushaw. He went out of his way to include all of them in the Mass, urging them to respond to his questions, chatting to them as they ate their picnic and played. He was their friend who had time for them.
May he enjoy everlasting peace.Sheila Doherty
Billingham
Bishop Kevin was a man in a hurry - yet he never seemed to be in a rush. What a huge amount he achieved in such a short time! I'll always remember how he smiled - he made you want to smile back and be a better person. I was told that he said, before he died, "It's all in God's plan, so let's go along with it." That was obviously the secret of his holiness. May he rest forever in God's love.
Sister Mary Francis
Sunderland
Rt.Rev.Dr.Bp.Kevin John Dunn's departure has very sadly impacted on our Indian community. His presence and support for the international community and especially for our Indian community were an amazing approach. The Bishop's sermon last June at St.Robert's church and his paternal-love he showed to Indian community will keep forever in our hearts.
Mr.Shinto James, Secretary of Newcastle Kerala Catholic Association
Newcastle
Bishop Kevin was a friend to all especially to us Africans in the North East. His simplicity and openess to people of all cultures fostered the spirit of multiculturalism through catholicism and good neighbourliness. We shall truly miss him but we know that the good work he started in our diocese will continue to spread. May his gentle soul rest in peace. Amen.
African Catholic Community of Hexham & Newcastle
Gateshead
Bishop Kevin’s support for lay ministry and deacon education will live on after him in the good works of our students. We are with you in spirit as you mourn the death of Bishop Kevin and celebrate his life.
With hope in the Risen Christ, the faculty and staff of the Loyola Institute for MinistryLoyola Institute for Ministry
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
On behalf of Sacred Heart Primary School we are all very sorry to hear of the passing of Bishop Kevin. We remember him when we came our school for the Confirmation of some of our pupils. He made us all feel very special. He and his family are in our prayers.
D Godfrey and Head Boy and Head Girl of Sacred Heart Primary School
Byermoor
Goodbye, Kevin, my friend. You did indeed "Let your life speak". Remembered with love,warmth and humour; I am holding you in my thoughts and prayers.
Nina Gwilliam ( Moderator North East Christian Churches, 2005-2007)
Tributes from Vatican | More tributes 1 | More tributes 2 | More tributes 3 | More tributes 4
Canon Cunningham, the Administrator for the Diocese says:
"I have been very moved by the tributes which have poured in to the on-line Book of Condolence for Bishop Kevin from all corners of the world and from people of all faiths, expressing all feelings of great sadness at the tragic and sudden loss of such a vibrant and active man. Many are from his former parishioners and friends in the Archdiocese of Birmingham, where the sense of shock, grief and loss is patently obvious.
"The common thread running throughout is that of Bishop Kevin’s warmth, humour, humility, spirituality and, of course, that wonderful smile; all qualities he displayed in the tragically short time he was our Bishop. From our first meeting I always thought of him as “the smiling Bishop” and it was a great privilege for me to work as his Vicar General. His enthusiasm for every aspect of Diocesan affairs was infectious. His death is an enormous loss to the Diocese and he will be very much missed by priests and people."