John Paton, 87, passed away 17 March 2026. He was a retired minister and district superintendent, who led the British Iles North and British Isles South Districts.

John encountered Jesus as a teenager at Blantyre Baptist Church in Scotland, where his life was radically transformed by the grace of God. Responding to God’s call to ministry in 1960, he began pastoral studies at British Isles Nazarene College, now known as Nazarene Theological College.

Following graduation, John married his beloved wife Helen. Together they welcomed their son, James in 1965

John served faithfully in a number of pastoral assignments across the Church of the Nazarene, including Accrington, Dundee, Dunfermline, Lisburn, Bolton First, and Carrickfergus, where he became the founding pastor of a new church plant that continues to thrive today.

In 1987, John was elected superintendent of the British Isles North District, before later serving as superintendent of the British Isles South District from 1992-2002. Throughout his ministry, John was respected for his servant-hearted leadership, wisdom, encouragement, and unwavering commitment to the mission of the church.

Following the loss of his wife Helen, John later married Mair Rice, and together they continued serving faithfully in ministry. They assisted in the Carrickfergus Church of the Nazarene, Alliance Church in Calgary, Canada, and in churches and communities including Morley, Bala, Largs, Barry, and finally Penarth — always seeking to serve and bless others at every opportunity.

John was widely loved across the districts of the British Isles. He will be remembered for his warm laughter, his great sense of humour, his faithful preaching, and his example as a gracious servant leader.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Paton. He is survived by his second wife, Mair Paton; son, James Paton.

A video of his memorial service can be seen here.