Roderick Wells read theology at Durham, and, after further studies at Cuddesdon and Bangalore, in South India, was ordained deacon in 1965. When his incumbent, Oliver Fiennes, left to become Dean of Lincoln, Roderick continued as Priest-in-Charge until 1971, before following him to Lincoln diocese, and ministering there for the next 30 years. For seven years, Roderick guided the seaside benefice of Skegness through significant change with firmness and pastoral skill. In 1978, Bishop Simon Phipps appointed him to lead the West Grimsby Team Ministry, based at Little Coates, where he spent 11 years. He will long be remembered with affection and respect, especially in Lincoln diocese, to which he gave so much during three decades of pastoral ministry.