THE funeral of former police and industrial chaplain Reverend William Hopley took place at Worcester Cathedral on today.

Mr Hopley, known to many as Bill, was working at Worcester Hospital Contributors Association when diagnosed with cancer in 2007, having previously spent more than a decade as chaplain to West Midlands Police.

He was well known in Worcester from his time as industrial chaplain in the 1980s, when he became a familiar face at factories and offices across the city.

Born in Worcester in 1950, Mr Hopley spent his childhood in Hillery Road. He met his wife, Jane, at Joan John’s riding stables in Whittington, spending time together in and around the village, where they later returned to live.

Mr Hopley attended Nunnery Wood Primary and Worcester Royal Grammar Schools, studying theology at Kings College London and St Augustine’s in Canterbury. He was married at St Martin’s, in London Road, in December, 1972.After a period in Canterbury, following his ordination, Mr Hopley was appointed curate at St John’s, Kidderminster. In 1986 he moved with his family to Whittington, to serve as industrial chaplain, and voluntary chaplain to West Mercia police.

The family spent many happy years in Whittington, with both children, Kathryn and William, attending the village school.

In 1995, he became full time chaplain to West Midlands police, where he worked with police staff and officers from the Chief Constable to bobbies on the beat.

Friend Mark Powell said: “Bill faced his illness with realism and confidence in his faith, and despite painful and debilitating treatment, was delighted to be able to marry his daughter Kathryn to Mi-chael Hibbert at Whittington church in November, 2007.”

Mr Hopley was a keen sportsman, playing rugby in his youth, and often joining friends from West Mercia police for circuit training.

On Boxing Day last year, Mr Hopley went into Worcester-shire Royal Hospital, just days before his 35th wedding anniversary. He died recently, aged 58, in St Richard’s Hospice. Mr Hopley is survived by his wife, children, sister Adèle and father Les.

The funeral service was due to be led by Rev Canon Paul Brothwell, assisted by the Rt Rev David Walker, Bishop of Dudley and Canon Robert Jones, and the lesson was read by Sir Paul Scott-Lee, Chief Constable of West Midlands Police.