Tributes arrived in recent days for Reverend Peter Holmes of St Peters’ Church, who sadly died this weekend after being treated for novel coronavirus.

Peter was a stalwart of Kingston and well-liked by borough residents who knew him.

He was treated for symptoms of Covid-19 coronavirus at Kingston Hospital prior to passing away.

A number of prominent voices in the wider Kingston community paid tribute to Peter, with many taking to online platforms to express their feelings.

“Our dear friend, Revd Peter Holmes, founder of The Joel Community, will be truly missed.

“He devoted his life to God’s work and was a passionately committed voice for the most vulnerable in our community, particularly those experiencing homelessness,” said a spokesperson for Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness (KCAH).

As the Comet reported previously, Peter helped set up the Joel Community homeless shelter in St Peter’s Church in Norbiton.

“Peter was an influencer and a true champion of kindness and caring. We are so sad that he has gone, but we know that he is now in a wonderful place,” KCAH added.

His community work in particular was celebrated by those expressing their sadness on learning of his death.

“Peter Holmes gave to those who needed from him... his contribution to Kingston with his passing will be a great loss to all who knew him,” Kingston Race Equalities Council said.