Remembering the Living Tradition

In Memory... Rev. Laurel Sheridan (1940-2008)

2008-06-02T07:20:00.001-07:00

It is with a sense of loss that the Ministry and Professional Leadership Staff Group inform you of the death of the Reverend Laurel S. Sheridan. She died on May 15, 2008following a hospitalization for numerous ailments. She was 67.

Reverend Sheridan was born in Boston, MA on July 9, 1940 to Solomon Siegan and Gertrude Stone Siegan. She attended Simmons College in Boston for a year before entering Children’s Hospital School of Nursing where she earned an R. N. in 1962. After graduation, Rev. Sheridan worked at Lying-In Hospital in Boston. When her children were young, Rev. Sheridan worked part-time as a nurse, teaching natural childbirth education. Upon her return to formal hospital work, she became disenchanted with what she perceived as a lack of focus on patient care in favor of a focus on technology. In 1978 she received a B.A. in Communications from Bridgewater State College and as her commitment to ministry developed, Rev. Sheridan entered Andover Newton Theological School, earning an M. Div. in 1982.

Rev. Sheridan was ordained by The First Parish Church of Duxbury, Massachusetts on September 19, 1982. She served The First Church in Barre, Vermont, The First Universalist Church in Bangor, Maine, and the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania before returning to Massachusetts to serve the All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church in Braintree for 10 years, from 1987 to 1997. Rev. Sheridan then served First Parish Universalist in Canton, Massachusetts and while there became seriously ill and physically disabled. In spite of these challenges, Rev. Sheridan continued to preach part-time while her health allowed.

Survivors include her husband, Terence Sheridan as well as her children, Holly Sakariason and partner Bethie Stoller, Julie Romero and husband Robert Romero, and Alison Sakariason. She also leaves five grandchildren: Samuel, Max, Rebecca, Myles, and Sarah.

A service to honor Rev. Sheridan’s life will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tucson, AZ on August 9, 2008. Rev. Diane Dowgiert will officiate. Donations in honor of Rev. Sheridan may be made to Star Island Annual Fund, 10 Vaughan Mall, Suite 8, Portsmouth, NH 03801.

Please send messages of condolence to Mr. Terence Sheridan at 6250 S. Commerce Ct. #1110, Tucson, AZ 85746 and Ms. Holly Sakariason, 322 E. 30th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364.

In Memory... Rev. Ric Masten

2008-05-27T08:37:00.000-07:00

It is with a sense of loss that the Ministry and Professional Leadership Staff Group inform you of the death of the Reverend Ric Masten. He died on May 9, 2008 at his mountain home near Carmel, California of prostrate cancer. He was 78.

Rev. Masten was a “troubadour minister” who performed his music and poetry before congregations throughout the United States over a career spanning five decades. He is the author of 23 books, a dozen song albums, and the popular hymn “Let It Be a Dance.”

Rev. Masten was born in Carmel on June 20, 1929. He graduated from Montezuma High School in Los Gatos, California in 1946, and attended several colleges, but never received a degree, due in part to undiagnosed dyslexia and a severe hearing impairment. He is perhaps the only fellowshipped Unitarian Universalist minister never to have graduated from seminary or college.

A promising artist, Rev. Masten studied briefly with Millard Sheets and Millford Zorn at Pomona College, and with famed cubist Fernand Léger at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris in 1949. He also wrote and produced musical comedies in Carmel, and became a contract writer for Warner Brothers, ultimately having seventy-eight of his songs recorded in the 1950s and early 1960s.

Rev. Masten began his ministry in 1968, offering guest services in California churches with the backing of Rev. Howard and Rosemary Matson, culminating in an impressive performance at the Unitarian Universalist Association’s General Assembly in Cleveland. The UUA then awarded Masten a Frank Billings Lectureship with the express aim of “taking the spirit of liberal religion to college campuses and churches around the country.” Many of his poems explored how race, religion, women’s liberation, alcohol abuse, aging, and other social issues impact the most intimate personal relationships.

Rev. Masten was ordained in 1972 at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Arlington, Virginia as part of an effort of the Ministerial Fellowship Committee to address the need for non-parish ministers engaged in social action. The first of these so-called Specialized Ministers was Howard Matson, who began working full-time with Caesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers in 1969. The category of Specialized Ministers was terminated in 1974, but Rev. Masten received his Final Fellowship in 1975.

Over the years, Rev. Masten, usually accompanied by his wife, Billie Barbara Masten, toured the country in their Toyota camper, “The Homesick Snail,” giving concerts and staying at the homes of the ministers and parishioners they befriended along the way. Rev. Masten thus earned the distinction of preaching in more Unitarian Universalist churches – over five hundred in 49 states – than any other minister in history.

Rev. Masten presented his poetry in a variety of other venues as well, including schools, prisons, and civic clubs. He had a regular call-in spot on a talk radio station in Denver in the 1980s and produced a weekly newspaper column, “Words and One-Liners” for the Monterey Herald in the 1990s. These columns became the inspiration for three illustrated volumes of poetry.

Rev. Masten was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1999 and chronicled his battle with the disease in a series of poems and blog entries, which expanded his ministry to a new community, cancer survivor groups. Rev. Masten published six books since his diagnosis, including Words and One-Liners: Take Three (Sun-Ink Presentations, 2008) and Going Out Dancing (Skinner House Books, 2008).

Masten’s other titles include Who’s Wavin’? A Thin Body of Work (1970); Sunflowers (1971); Speaking Poems (1977); Voice of the Hive (1978); His &
Hers: A Voyage Through the Middle Age Crazies, with Billie Barbara Masten (1978); Stark Naked (1980); Even As We Speak (1982); The Deserted Rooster (1982); They Are All Gone Now (1985); Notice Me! (1986); Looking for Georgia O’Keeffe (1987); Ric Masten Speaking (1990); I Know It Isn’t Funny But I Love to Make You Laugh (1996); Pacific Light: Images of the Monterey Peninsula, with Douglas Steakley (2000); and Parallel Journeys, with Dr. Larry Lachman (2003).

In addition to his own books, Rev. Masten is the subject of Troubadour and
Poet: The Magical Ministry of Ric Masten (Trafford Publishing, 2007), by Rev. Stephen Edington.

Largely ignored by literary critics throughout his career, Rev. Masten received numerous honors toward the end of his life. He was named Troubadour and People’s Poet of Carmel in 2003, Poet Laureate of Prostate Cancer by the National Prostate Cancer Coalition in 2005, Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by California State University, Monterey Bay in 2007, and Champion of the Arts – Luminary by the Arts Council of Monterey County in 2008. “All you have to do is catch a fatal disease and the awards just fall out of the trees like apples,” he joked.

Rev. Masten is survived by his wife of 56 years, Billie Barbara, their four children, Jerri Masten Hansen, Dr. April F. Masten, Ellen Masten, and Stuart Masten, and five grandchildren, nearly all of whom were with him at the end, singing. Other survivors include his brother Warren Masten, sister Olga Masten, half-brothers Don Hare and Lee Hare, and step-brother James Hare.

A memorial service will be held June 20, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at the Community Church of the Monterey Peninsula 4590 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA 93923.
Memorial donations in honor of Rev. Masten may be sent to the National Prostate Cancer Coalition, 1154 Fifteenth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005.

Please send messages of remembrance to Ms. Billie Barbara Masten, 37931 Palo Colorado Rd, Carmel, CA 93923-8115.

In Memory... Rev. Hvezdon "Don" Kafka

2008-05-27T08:35:00.000-07:00

It is with a sense of loss that the Ministry and Professional Leadership Staff Group inform you of the death of the Reverend Hvezdon “Don” Kafka. He died at his home in Marlborough, MA on March 16 at the age of 86.

Reverend Kafka was born in Czechoslovakia to Jan and Marie (Picat) Kafka. As a child, he attended Reverend Norbert Capek’s church in Prague where Reverend Capek celebrated the first flower communion, a ritual now practiced widely throughout our denomination. Reverend Kafka began his formal education at the University of Prague. When the Nazi occupation began, they placed him in forced labor in southern Germany. After his release, he received a scholarship to study in England at Oxford University. He continued his studies at Meadville Lombard Theological School and at Tufts University where he earned his master’s degree in religion.

Reverend Kafka was ordained on September 17, 1950 by the First Congregational Unitarian Church in Harvard, MA and served the congregation until 1954. He also served churches in Uxbridge, Mendon, and Pittsfield, MA, before moving to the First Parish Church, Unitarian Universalist, of Stow and Acton in 1970. He served there until his retirement in 1986 when the congregation named him Minister Emeritus.

Don, as he liked to be called, was a scholar and a gifted pastor whose extraordinary life experience helped him to assist others through difficult times. He was a very warm and personable individual, who made it easy for others to seek his assistance, and he was always ready to be of help. Balancing his busy life as a minister was his love of nature, music, and athletic activity. His family and his heritage were very important to him. He had a true sense of adventure, and in his retirement years he and his wife, Vera, were able to enjoy traveling together. Don was very active in the life of the community and in recent years Reverend Kafka had remained as active as his health allowed at the First Parish Church of Stow. Reverend Tom Rosiello, present minister of the Stow and Acton church, described him as a real inspiration, saying, “In spite of the many physical challenges Reverend Kafka faced over the last several years, he remained positive in spirit and strong in his faith and always offered words of support and encouragement to me for my ministry at the church. It was an honor for me to learn from him and get to know him. He will be missed at First Parish.”

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Vera (Martinacova) Kafka, and their sons: Jason and his wife, Barbara, and daughter, Emma, of Parkman, ME; and Thomas, and his sons, Orion and Alex of Enosburg, VT. Messages of remembrance may be sent to Ms. Vera Kafka, 400 Hemenway St. Apt 212, Marlborough, MA 01752-6772. Donations in memory of Reverend Kafka may be made to the First Parish of Stow and Acton. Contact the church at (978) 897-8149 for further information.

A service of celebration and remembrance will take place on Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Parish Church of Stow and Acton. The service will be conducted by Reverend Thomas Rosiello and will include special music by the church’s choir and guest musicians. A reception will follow the service.

In Memory... Rev. Thomas McMullen (1932-2008)

2008-05-27T08:34:00.000-07:00

It is with a sense of loss that the Ministry and Professional Leadership Staff Group inform you of the death of the Reverend Thomas D. McMullen. He died on February 26, 2008 at the Big Bend Hospice House in Tallahassee, Florida. He was 76.

Reverend McMullen was born in Bradenton, FL. He was a graduate of the Florida State University School of Music, where he studied music theory and composition with John Boda, Carlisle Floyd, and the renowned Hungarian composer and pianist Ernst von Dohnanyi. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1953-1957, first as an instructor of music theory at the U.S. Air Force School of Music, Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas, and later as conductor of the Strategic Air Command Chorus and musician in the Strategic Air Command Band, Offutt Air Force Base, Omaha, Nebraska. His professional life in the Bradenton/Sarasota area included work as band director, teacher of brass instruments, choral conductor, retail music store owner, and publisher of music and musicology manuscripts.

In midlife, he earned a Doctor of Ministry from Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago. During the 1970s and 1980s he served as minister of the Unitarian Church of Studio City, CA; North Shore Unitarian Church in Plandome, NY; and the First Unitarian Church of Orlando, FL. He was actively involved in the social and political issues of the day. Most recently he worked in the program planning and evaluation unit at the Florida Department of Elder Affairs in Tallahassee.

Family members include his wife, Barbara Stansell, with whom he shared a life rich in meaning; two sons, Tom McMullen (and partner Julia DeHoff) of Tallahassee and Nathan Blane McMullen (and wife Karen Brady McMullen) of Nantucket, MA; sister Jeanne McMullen Parrish and nephew Paul Parrish of Bradenton, FL; Helen McMullen Aderhold (and husband John Aderhold) and nephew Tom Aderhold of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren, Evan McMullen and Caitlin McMullen of Tallahassee, FL; and Brynny, loving dachshund.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Florida State University College of Music, Heather Cairns, Director of Development, Tallahassee, FL 32306 or the Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32308.

A memorial service was held on March 17, 2008 in the Jubilee Cottage at Goodwood Museum and Gardens in Tallahassee. Messages of remembrance may be sent to Barbara Stansell-McMullen, 1603 Seminole Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32301-5737.

In Memory... Rev. Roy Phillips (1941-2008)

2008-05-27T08:31:00.000-07:00

It is with a sense of loss that the Ministry and Professional Leadership Staff Group inform you of the death of the Reverend Roy D. Phillips. He died on April 24, 2008 of a heart attack, while visiting family in Morocco. He was 66.

Reverend Phillips was born on June 23, 1941 in Somerville, Massachusetts to Dennis S. and Emily A. Phillips. He studied chemical engineering at Northeastern University in Boston before transferring to Boston University where he earned a B.A. in Philosophy in 1963. In 1967 he earned a B.D. from Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago.

Reverend Phillips was ordained and installed in 1967 at what was then the Unitarian Universalist Church of Racine and Kenosha in Racine, Wisconsin (now Olympia Brown Unitarian Universalist Church) where he served until 1971. In May of 1971, he began his service to Unity Church-Unitarian in St. Paul, Minnesota concluding his ministry to that congregation 27 years later when they honored him as Minister Emeritus. He then served as interim minister in Cleveland, Ohio, and Pensacola and Valparaiso, Florida, before being called to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tucson, Arizona from which he retired in 2004.

In an article published in the St. Paul Dispatch in 1984, Reverend Phillips’ preaching was praised and characterized with these words, “His sermons are intricate weavings of the thoughts that have troubled his heart and mind during the week. He believes the things that bother him are bothersome to the people who come to hear him preach”. Reverend Phillips was the author of two books: Letting Go: Transforming Congregations for Ministry and Transforming Liberal Congregations for the New Millennium. He also served on the board of the Starr King School for the Ministry.

Reverend Phillips was a dynamic individual with great curiosity according to his partner, Patricia Harmon. He had recently renewed his interest in nature and liberal politics. He loved to travel and visited Egypt, China, Mexico, and Italy as well as Morocco where his young grandchildren delighted him.

Surviving Reverend Phillips is his loving partner of 14 years, Patricia Harmon, of Tucson, Arizona. He also leaves his children: Joe Phillips and wife, Leila Safi, of Rabat, Morocco, and their children, Kenza and Selma; Luke Phillips and wife, Aide Phillips, of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Lisa Phillips of Asheville, North Carolina; Nicolas Phillips of Queens, New York; Laura Sanborn and Blair Harmon both of Minneapolis, Minnesota. A sister, Diana Saunders, her husband, Terry, and their child, Meghan, of Charlottesville, Virginia, also survive.

Reverend Phillips’ life will be celebrated at two services. Unity Church-Unitarian will hold a service to honor their former minister on Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. in their sanctuary at 732 Holly Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104. On Friday, May 2 at 10:00 a.m., the Reverends Charles Gaines and Earl Holt will officiate at a service of remembrance at Sunstone Healing Center, 2545 N. Woodland Rd., Tucson, Arizona.

Donations in Reverend Phillips honor may be made to Sunstone Cancer Support Centers, 2545 N. Woodland Rd., Tucson, Arizona 85749 where he liked to volunteer, having been a four and a half year survivor of pancreatic cancer. Please send messages of remembrance to Ms. Patricia Harmon, 333 S Via de los Campos, Tucson, Arizona 85711-7447.

In Memory... Rev. Robert Botley (1923-2008)

2008-05-27T08:29:00.000-07:00

It is with a sense of loss that the Ministry and Professional Leadership Staff Group inform you of the death of the Reverend Robert D. Botley. He died peacefully and with dignity on March 28, 2008 at age 84 with his wife, Anna Mae Botley, at his side.

Reverend Botley was born on November 17, 1923, in Springfield, Ohio to Elizabeth and Robert D. Botley, Sr. After graduation from Shaker Heights High School in Cleveland, Ohio, he served in the Army Air Corps in World War II. He earned a BS from Ohio State University in 1947 and a BD from Yale Divinity School in 1950.

Reverend Botley was ordained into the United Church of Christ in 1951 and served Congregational Churches in Sedgwick CO, Pinedale, WY, and Rapid City, SD. In 1959, he attended Iliff Seminary in Denver, CO and the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA for post-graduate work in counseling. In 1961, he joined the Unitarian Universalist Association and was called to the San Mateo Unitarian Church in San Mateo, CA, where he served for nine years. While in San Mateo, Rev. Botley was active in the Civil Rights movement and marched with Martin Luther King, Jr. in Selma, AL. He also took a stand against the Vietnam War and offered counsel to many conscientious objectors. Additionally, Reverend Botley served for six years as president of the board of directors of Mental Health Recovery, Inc. in San Mateo.

After a long illness with cancer, Reverend Botley retired early from formal ministry. As his health improved, he started his own business, Specialized Yachting Services. In 1980, he and Anna Mae sold the business and “retired” to the country, Willow Creek. In his “retirement,” Bob started an accounting business in Willow Creek and became an active and dedicated member of the Humboldt Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Bayside. In 1999, the Botleys moved to McKinleyville. In the ensuing years, Reverend Botley devoted his energy and time to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, serving on many committees and on the Fellowship Board.

Reverend Botley loved the wilderness and in his younger years enjoyed mountain climbing and backpacking. As an amateur landscape photographer, he won awards for some of his work. He loved wildlife and was an avid bird-watcher. He became a sailor, built a boat and sailed the boat to Mexico and back. During his years as a sailor, Reverend Botley was part of the Farallon Island Patrol, transporting Point Reyes biologists and supplies to the Farallon Islands off the coast of San Francisco.

Reverend Botley is survived by his wife of 59 years, Anna Mae Botley. He also leaves two children, Steve Botley of Cave Junction, OR and Becky Blackshaw and her husband Tony Blackshaw of New Zealand; two grandchildren, Matthew and Kerry Blackshaw; his sister Suzanne Koch; and nieces Caroline Toops and Kathy Simmons. He is also survived by Anna Mae’s family, Ann Burkhart, Ella Faye Scott, Roy and Lee Burkhart, Eileen Burkhart, and nieces and nephews.

Reverend Botley’s love of life and people and his service to community is a legacy that will long be remembered and cherished. A celebration of his life will be held on May 31 at 2:00 p.m. at the Humboldt Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Bayside, CA.

Donations may be made in Reverend Botley’s name to either the Humboldt Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 24 Fellowship Way, Bayside CA 95524 or to Hospice of Humboldt, 2010 Myrtle Avenue, Eureka, CA 95501.

Please send messages of remembrance to Ms. Anna Mae Botley, 1815 Oak Place, McKinleyville, CA 95519-8200.

In Memory... Rev. Frank Robertson (1936-2008)

2008-03-11T14:19:00.000-07:00

It is with a sense of loss that the Ministry and Professional Leadership Staff Group inform you of the death of the Reverend Frank E. Robertson. He died February 6, 2008 at his home in Plymouth, MA at the age of 71.

Mr. Robertson was born on September 15, 1936 to John and Mildred Robertson in Greenfield, MA. He received a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Lowell in 1959 and a M. Div. from The Theological School of St. Lawrence University in 1962 where he was certified in Religious Education. At Colombia University he studied World Religions, specializing in East Indian studies. His interest in world religions persisted throughout Mr. Robertson’s life leading him to participate in the creation of a World Religions curriculum, published in 1987. In 1979 he studied and traveled in India. He participated in a study tour of Japan and in The International Association of Religious Freedom Congress in Tokyo in 1984.

After being ordained by the First Grace Universalist Church in Lowell, MA, Mr. Robertson served congregations in Barneveld and Shelter Rock, NY, and Paramus, NJ. He served as Minister of Religious Education in Washington, DC, Santa Barbara, CA, and Evanston, IL. In 1998, after serving in Evanston for 12 years, he was honored by the congregation as Minister Emeritus upon his retirement.

Mr. Robertson was a founding member of Interweave, an organization affiliated with the UUA to address the concerns of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender (GLBT) concerns. In doing so, he greatly helped other GLBT persons to claim their identity. Through their efforts, the General Assembly was lobbied to pass resolutions concerning GLBT rights and the UUA Office of Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender Concerns was established.

In 2006, Mr. Robertson was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity from Meadville Lombard Theological School. In bestowing this degree he was celebrated “as an outstanding Unitarian Universalist minister, as a faithful religious educator, as an exceptional leader in many and sundry public institutions, and finally as a courageous pioneer of human rights.” The Angus H. MacLean Award for excellence in religious education was bestowed on Mr. Robertson in 1998.

Mr. Robertson’s other contributions were many. From 1978 to 1980, Mr. Robertson was a member of the UUA Board of Trustees where he was both soft spoken and effective in lobbying for human rights causes. He also served on the board of the Liberal Religious Educators Association (LREDA). He founded and chaired the Unitarian Universalist Religious Education History Group and served on the boards of the St. Lawrence Foundation and the US Chapter of the International Association of Religious Freedom. He was an Elder of the Massachusetts Society of Mayflower Descendants.

He is survived by his partner of 36 years, Mr. Rick McDonald, of Plymouth, MA, his daughters, Lydia J. Robertson of Brooklyn, NY and Denene Ray and husband, Jeff, of Charlotte, NC. His son, Joel, died in 1993. He also leaves his grandchildren, Charlotte Juergens of Brooklyn, NY, and Emma, Jennifer, and Maddy Ray of Charlotte, NC.

His friend, the Reverend Abhi Janamanchi said of him that “Frank was a mentor, friend, cheer leader, and family member. We will miss his wonderful sense of humor, bad puns, deep dedication to our faith, and universal spirit that embraced all regardless of culture, race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation”.

A celebration of The Reverend Frank Robertson’s life will take place on April 19 at 2:00 p.m. at First Parish Church in Plymouth, MA. Memorial gifts may be made to the First Parish Church (memo Frank Robertson Memorial), 19 Town Square, Plymouth, MA 02360-3351 for the establishment of a Celebration Garden in Frank’s name.

In Memory... Rev. Carl Thitchener (1932-2008)

2008-03-04T15:28:00.000-08:00

It is with a sense of loss that the Ministry and Professional Leadership Staff Group inform you of the death of the Reverend Carl F. Thitchener. Mr. Thitchener died February 15, 2008 in the presence of loving family at the House of John Hospice in Clifton Springs, NY. He was 75.

Mr. Thitchener was born on March 31, 1932 in Rochester, NY to Charles P. and Dorothy M. Thitchener. He received a B.S. degree in Speech from Northwestern University in 1953. After a successful business career where he was a pioneer in the early microfilm information retrieval industry, he transitioned to ministry. He earned an M. Div. degree from Starr King School for the Ministry in 1980.

Ordination took place at the First Unitarian Church in Rochester, NY on May, 18, 1980, where Mr. Thitchener had been an active layperson for more than 20 years. His activities as layperson included teaching in the church school, chairing the annual fund drive, advising the youth group, and serving on the Board of Trustees. In 1981, he was called to serve the UU Church of Amherst in Williamsville, NY. He was joined there as co-minister, by his wife, the Reverend Maureen Thitchener, in 1991. Their ministry continued until 2003 when they were honored as Ministers Emeriti. Mr. Thitchener also served congregations in Fairfax, VA, Rochester, NY, and Waterloo County, Ontario, Canada. At the time of his death, Mr. Thitchener was co-minister with his wife of the UU Church of Canandaigua, NY.

Mr. Thitchener served the denomination in many roles. From 1993 to 2000 he served as Secretary to the Unitarian Universalist Association's Board of Trustees. He also served on the Boards of Trustees of the Buffalo Area Metropolitan Ministries and of the Starr King School for Ministry in Berkeley, CA. Additionally, he served on the Executive Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Minister's Association and as President of the St. Lawrence Foundation for Theological Education.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Maureen Quinlan Thitchener, their children Karyn Taylor and her husband Alan, Lynn Thitchener, Susan Levine and her husband Jeff, and Michael Carl Thitchener. He also leaves two granddaughters, Tegan Thitchener Kehoe and Kelley Levine.

A service to honor and celebrate Mr. Thitchener's life will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2:00 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church of Rochester, 220 Winton Road South, Rochester, NY.

Messages of remembrance may be sent to 3895 Green Rd, Bloomfield, NY 14469-9725. Donations in the Reverend Carl Thitchener's name may be sent to Compassionate Care, P.O. Box 123, Canandaigua, NY, 14424.

In Memory of... Rev. Peter Weller (1926-2008)

2008-01-25T17:06:00.000-08:00

It is with a sense of loss that the Ministry and Professional Leadership Staff Group inform you of the death of the Reverend Peter Weller.

He died on January 22, 2008 at his home in Fort Collins, Colorado. He was 81.The Rev. Peter Weller was born on February 10, 1926 in Holland, Michigan, the son of Peter Weller, Sr. and Gertrude Weller who had emigrated from the Netherlands. Mr. Weller received his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in 1948. After serving in both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army, he decided to become a Unitarian minister at the age of 26. Mr. Weller received his M. Div. from the Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkeley, CA in 1957.

Mr. Weller served Unitarian Universalist congregations in Laconia, New Hampshire; Seattle, Washington; Hanska, Minnesota; Muskegan, Michigan; and Pittsfield, Massachusetts. In Pittsfield, he ministered for 12 years and was honored with the status of Minister Emeritus. He then served as interim minister in Birmingham, Alabama and Bloomington, Indiana.

A longtime advocate of peace and justice, Mr. Weller was active in the civil rights movement and marched in Selma with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was also active with the anti-war movement during the Vietnam era and recently served on the board of the United Nations Association in Fort Collins, CO where he was a member of the Foothills Unitarian Church. Mr. Weller was also an active participant in the Unitarian Universalist Ministers' Association where he was respected as a "gentle, kind presence."

Mr. Weller married Carol Reed Weller in 1958. She preceded him in death in 1973.

He then married Jennie Parker Weller in 1977. Survivors include his wife, Jennie Parker Weller of Fort Collins; three daughters, Cathleen Hamilton (Oakland, NJ), Julia Smith (Fairbanks, Al), and Gretchen Weller (Fort Collins, CO); five stepchildren, Marian Ware (Amherst, MA), Carl Hildebrandt (Pittsburgh, PA), Janet Hildebrandt (Boulder, CO), Jay Hilt (Burbank, CA), Lisabeth Almgren (Tucson, AZ), seventeen grandchildren, and six great- grandchildren. He is also survived by his three brothers, John, Peter Anthony "Tony," and Hubert "Herb" Weller, all of Holland, Michigan.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at Foothills Unitarian Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Foothills Unitarian Church, 1815 Yorktown Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado 80526 or the Hospice of Larimer County in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 West Olive Street, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524.

Please send messages of remembrance to the family in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 West Olive Street, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524.

In Memory of... Rev. Gene Bridges (1929-2008)

2008-01-17T06:22:00.000-08:00

It is with a sense of loss that the Ministry and Professional Leadership Staff Group inform you of the death of the Reverend Gene Bridges. He died peacefully on January 3, 2008 at his home in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was 78.

Mr. Bridges was born on January 27, 1929 in Moville, Iowa. He graduated from Iowa State University in 1949 and received a Bachelor of Law (LLB) from Southern Methodist University in 1951. After practicing law in Dallas and Des Moines, Mr. Bridges entered Starr King School for the Ministry, graduating in 1959. He was ordained by the Unitarian Universalist Association of Tacoma, WA, on January 10, 1960 and served that congregation for 3 years. He then served the First Unitarian Church of Honolulu, HI from 1962 until 1970.

Mr. Bridges returned to the practice of law, creating The Divorce Clinic to provide low cost legal assistance to persons of limited income. He also owned and operated Bed & Breakfast Honolulu (Statewide), the largest Bed and Breakfast association in Hawaii. According to Rev. Mike Young, Mr. Bridges was a stalwart supporter of civil rights, racial justice, and peace. The Hawaii ACLU's first phone was on his desk and he had marched in Selma. He managed to influence and change a lot of lives during his career and will be deeply missed.

Surviving Mr. Bridges are his daughter, Beth Eileen Bridges and his sons, Adam Parker Bridges and Channing Meier Bridges and four grandchildren. His wife, Mary Lee Tsuffis, preceded him in death in September 2003.

A memorial service took place at the First Unitarian Church of Honolulu on Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society.

Please send messages of remembrance to his children at 3242 Kaohinani Drive, Honolulu, HI 96817-1020.

In Memory... Rev. Elium Gault (1922-2007)

2007-12-06T13:55:00.000-08:00

It is with a sense of loss that the Ministry and Professional Leadership Staff Group inform you of the death of the Reverend Elium E. Gault. He died peacefully on November 16, 2007 at his home in Hazlet, NJ. He was 85.

Mr. Gault was born on March 9, 1922 in Midland County, MI to John Merrit Gault and Katy Grace Small Gault. He was one of 12 children and was raised in Indiana where he graduated from high school in 1940. He married Donna Belle Heltzel on May 23, 1943.

He enrolled at Indiana Central College in Indianapolis but interrupted his studies to serve in the US Army from October 1942 to February 1946. He belonged to the 12th and 20th Armored Infantry Divisions, serving as Company Communications Chief in France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, and Austria. After his term in the Army, Mr. Gault returned to college, graduating in 1948. He then enrolled in United Theological Seminary (known then as Bonebrake Theological Seminary), graduating in 1951.

Mr. Gault was ordained in the Congregational Church in 1961. He served Congregational Churches in Plattsville and Springfield, OH and Chillicothe, IL before transferring to the American Unitarian Association in 1961. He served Unitarian Universalist congregations in Woodstock and Hartland Four Corners, VT and Manchester, NH. In 1988, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Manchester, NH honored Mr. Gault with Minister Emeritus status. He was an active member of the UU Church of Monmouth County in Lincroft, NJ at the time of his death.

Surviving Mr. Gault are his sons, James R. and wife Loma Gault of Hazlet, NJ and Bert Gault of Watertown, NY, his daughter, Patti Muset of Browns Mills, NJ, and his three grandchildren Keith Muset, Kevin Muset, and Kimberly Muset of Browns Mills, NJ. Mr. Gault also leaves two sisters, Nellie and husband Robert McGrew of Fulton, IN and Donna and husband Paul Reffett of LaGrange, IN as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Gault's wife, Donna Belle Heltzel, preceded him in death on July 7, 2001. Mr. Gault donated his body to the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Anatomical Association, New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Please send messages of remembrance to:

Mr. James Gault
1 Cypress Street
Hazlet, NJ 07730-4009

A memorial service will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Manchester at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 19.

In Memory... Rev. Dr. Patricia Bowen (1934-2007)

2007-09-24T05:42:00.000-07:00

It is with a sense of loss that that the Ministry and Professional Leadership Staff Group informs you of the death of the Reverend Dr. Patricia McClellan Bowen. She died Friday, September 14, 2007 after a brief illness at the age of 73.

Dr. Bowen was born April 14, 1934 in Texas. She received a B.S. from the University of Texas, an M.A. from the University of Chicago, and a D.Min. from Meadville Lombard School of Theology. She received Preliminary Fellowship in 1978 and Final Fellowship in 1981. She was ordained at the First Parish in Framingham, Massachusetts on June 25, 1978.

Dr. Bowen served congregations in Framingham, Sharon, and Sherborn, Massachusetts; South Bend, Indiana; West Paris, Maine; Portsmouth, New Hampshire; Oakton, Virginia; and Las Vegas, Nevada. From 1973 to 1975 she was Assistant to the Director of Education and Social Concerns at the Unitarian Universalist Association.

While on staff at the UUA Dr. Bowen created and developed REACH, the Religious Education Clearing House. Active within the denomination, she served on the UUA General Assembly Planning Committee and was on the CLF, Kairos, and Massachusetts Bay District Boards.

Surviving Dr. Bowen are her children Barbara Bowen of Newton, Massachusetts, and Jonathon Stehr of Spencer, Massachusetts. Messages of remembrance may be sent to:

Ms. Barbara Bowen
17 Mechanic Street
Newton, MA 02464

At her request no services were held.

In Memory... Rev. Martha Newman (1923-2007)

2007-09-24T05:38:00.000-07:00

It is with a sense of loss that that the Ministry and Professional Leadership Staff Group informs you of the death of the Reverend Martha Scott Newman. She died Tuesday, August 14, 2007 after a brief illness. She was 84 years of age.

Ms. Newman was born on May 16, 1923 in St. Louis, Missouri. She received a BS from Central Missouri State University, a MA from the University of Denver and an MDiv from Meadville Lombard Theological School. She was granted Preliminary Fellowship in 1982 and Final Fellowship in 1986. The Murray Society of Clinton, Iowa ordained her on December 3, 1984.

Ms. Newman served congregations in Alton, Illinois; Clinton, Iowa; Ellisville, Missouri; and Houlton, Maine. On May 19, 2003, the Unitarian Society of Houlton named her Minister Emerita.

She is survived by two children, Amy Rouse and her husband Gene of Skowhegan, and J Mark Newman and his wife Ann of Surprise, Arizona; two foster daughters, Kay Keaton and her husband Jerry of St. Charles, Missouri and Ruth Eltinge and her husband Ervin, of St. Louis, Missouri; a sister, Colleen Furgerson of Texas; 14 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

Messages of remembrance may be sent in to:

Ms. Amy Rouse
34 Turner Avenue
Skowhegan, ME 04976

A service was held on September 8, 2007 at the Unitarian Society of Houlton, Maine. The Reverend David Hutchinson officiated.

In Memory... Carolyn Buss Podulka (1933-2007)

2007-09-17T07:23:00.000-07:00

It is with a sense of loss that that the Ministry and Professional Leadership Staff Group informs you of the death of the Reverend Carolyn F. B. Podulka. Reverend Podulka died Friday, August 17, 2007 after suffering a stroke. She was 74 years of age.

Ms. Podulka was born May 27, 1933 in St. Louis, Missouri. She received a B.S. from the University of Lowell and a diploma from the Unitarian Universalist Association's Independent Study Program. In 1988 she received a Master of Divinity from the Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary. She was granted Preliminary Fellowship in 1980 and Final Fellowship on May 7, 1984. On March 1, 1981 the Unitarian Church of Evanston, Illinois ordained her.

Reverend Podulka served the Unitarian Church of Evanston, Illinois as a Minister of Religious Education from February 1, 1976 to February 1, 1985. She was a Pastoral Counselor at the Hospice of the Northshore in Wilmette, Illinois.

Her husband Gene Podulka and her children W. David Buss of Los Angeles, California; Dennis F. Buss of Lake Forest, Illinois; Timothy D. Buss of Bay City, Michigan; and Heidi Ann Buss of St. Paul, Minnesota; 15 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren survive Reverend Podulka. Messages of remembrance may be sent to:

Mr. Gene Podulka
1321 Sleepy Hollow Road
Glenview, IL 60025-3043

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 22, 2007 at the Northshore Unitarian Church, 2100 Half Day Road, Deerfield, Illinois. Family and friends will lead the service.

In Memory... Rev. Richard Kimball (1934-2007)

2007-07-09T14:38:00.000-07:00

It is with great sadness that Ministry and Professional Leadership informs you of the death of the Reverend Richard G. Kimball. He died Saturday, June 23, 2007 at the age of 72.

Reverend Kimball was born August 18, 1934. He received a Bachelor of Arts from Tufts University, a Master of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School and a Master of Education from Boston University.

Mr. Kimball was fellowshipped in May 1959, and ordained in June 1959 at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. He served congregations in Hingham, Westborough, Somerville, Billerica, Fitchburg, Woburn, Boston, West Roxbury and Essex, all in Massachusetts. He also served the Stockport Unitarian Church in Stockport, England from 1960 to 1961. He was named Minister Emeritus by Theodore Parker UU Church in West Roxbury in 1985 and by the First Universalist Church of Essex in 2004.

Active in both denominational and community affairs, he was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Concerns Committee, the Religious Arts Guild, the Interfaith Committee, the Visiting Nurses Association, the Aids Action Committee and many other social service organizations. A gifted teacher, he was an instructor of Psychology at Bunker Hill Community College, Mass. Bay Community College, Newbury College and the Berklee School of Music.

His wife, Deirdre Kimball, and son Jordan Kimball, who is currently living in Guinea, West Africa, working with Action Against Hunger, survive Richard.
Messages of remembrance may be sent to:|

Ms. Deirdre Kimball
29 St. John Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date and will be held at the Goddard Memorial Chapel at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts. Once the date has been established a notice will be sent.

In Memory... Rev. Margaret Odell (1912-2007)

2007-06-08T14:51:00.000-07:00

It is with a sense of loss that the Ministry and Professional Leadership Staff Group informs you of the death of the Reverend Margaret Odell. She died on May 28, 2007 following a stroke. She was 94 years of age.

Reverend Odell was born October 3, 1912 in Spokane, Washington. She received a BS from Syracuse University in 1932; a MRE from Boston University in 1934, and in 1983, Starr King School for the Ministry awarded her an honorary STD.

She entered Fellowship in April 1971 and was ordained June 5, 1971 by the Mt. Vernon Unitarian Church in Alexandria, Virginia. Reverend Odell served congregations as a religious educator in Wellesley Hills, and Worcester, Massachusetts; Philadelphia (Germantown), Pennsylvania; Princeton, New Jersey; Alexandria (Mount Vernon) and Reston, Virginia; and Columbia, Maryland. In addition, she was an educational consultant in the Ohio-Meadville District from 1968 to 1977. The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia, Maryland named her Emerita Minister in 1983.

A tireless advocate for religious education, she participated in the organizing meeting of the Liberal Education Directors Association (now the Liberal Religious Educators Association) and served as its president from 1953-1955. In 1974 she was awarded the Angus MacLean award for excellence in religious education in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field.

Reverend Odell leaves no survivors. The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia and a few long-time friends are her family. Messages of remembrance may be sent to:

The Rev. Paige Getty
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia
7246 Cradlerock Way
Columbia, MD 21045-5048

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 8, 2007, 1:30 p.m., at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia, 7246 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD 21045. The Reverend Paige Getty will officiate.

In Memory... Rev. Kenneth J. Smith (1917-2007)

2007-05-30T08:59:00.000-07:00

It is with a deep sense of loss that the Ministry & Professional Leadership Staff Group informs you that the Reverend Kenneth Jackson Smith died Wednesday, March 21, 2007 at his retirement home in Penney Farms, Florida. He had recently celebrated his 90th birthday.

Mr. Smith was born January 29, 1917 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He received an A.B. from Wittenberg College in 1939, a B.D. from Meadville Theological School in 1949 and was a Cruft Fellow at the London School of Economics in 1950. In addition, he did Post-graduate work at New York University from 1961-1962 and was part of the Federated Theological Faculty at the University of Chicago.

He received Fellowship in 1949 and was ordained April 1, 1951 by the First Universalist Church of Duluth, Minnesota. Smith served congregations in Duluth, Minnesota; Garden City, New York; and Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts.

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Martha's Vineyard named him Minister Emeritus in 1987 following his retirement. He served as interim minister in Corpus Christi, Texas from 1990-1991.

Smith was active in community and denominational affairs. His lifelong interest in promoting peace and equality led him to chair committees to further the efforts for racial equality in the 1960s while living in Philadelphia where he ministered to the Ethical Culture Society.

His niece, Susan DePass in California, survives him. In 1984 he married Ruth Luening who predeceased him. At his request there were no services.

In Memory... Rev. Dwight E. Smith (1930-2007)

2007-04-30T11:47:00.000-07:00

It is with a sense of loss that that the Ministry and Professional Leadership Staff Group informs you of the death of the Reverend Dwight E. Smith. He died Wednesday, April 18, 2007, the result of an aneurysm. His wife, the Reverend Carol Hilton was by his side.

Mr. Smith was born August 22 1930 in Falls City, Nebraska. He received Bachelor of Arts from Nebraska Wesleyan in 1952 and a Master of Divinity from Starr King School for the Ministry in 1984.

He was ordained in June 20, 1984 by the Unitarian Fellowship of Houston, Houston, Texas. Smith served congregations, in co-ministry with his wife, the Reverend Carol Hilton, in Hobart, Indiana; Cedar Falls, Iowa, Clinton, Iowa, and Vista, California. Following their retirement in 2003, the Palomar Unitarian Universalism Fellowship, Vista, California, named them Ministers Emeriti.

Surviving are his wife, Carol Hilton; and two children from a previous marriage Mark Smith of Lafayette, Louisiana, and Cara Ferguson of Houston, Texas. Also surviving are 4 grandchildren, Bailey Ferguson, Adam Smith, Emma Smith and Madeline Smith. Messages of remembrance may be sent to:

Reverend Carol Hilton
3091 Buena Hills Drive
Oceanside, CA 92056

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 20, 2007, 3:00 p.m. at the Palomar Unitarian Universalism Fellowship, 1600 Buena Vista Drive, Vista, CA 92081. The Reverend Beth Johnson will officiate.

In Memory... Rev. Ralph N. Helverson

2007-04-30T11:43:00.000-07:00

The Rev. Dr. Ralph Norman Helverson died April 25 at Carleton-Willard Village, Bedford, MA, at the age of ninety-five. He was minister emeritus of the First Parish in Cambridge, MA, which he served as minister from 1959 to 1977. He also served UU congregations in Ithaca, NY, and N. Palm Beach, FL, as well as being interim minister for San Diego, CA, W. Hartford, CT, Naples, FL, and Dedham, MA.

He was a graduate of Anderson College (B.A.), Garrett Theological Seminary (B.D.) and Cornell University (M.A.), and was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Meadville Lombard Theological School in 1969.

A distinguished preacher, thinker and writer, he was also a beloved pastor and colleague. He had served on several boards and committees of the UUA and related organizations, and was the author of several collections of prayers and meditations.

A memorial service celebrating Ralph's life and ministry will be held on Wednesday, May 9, at 1:30 p.m. at The First Parish of Cambridge (in Harvard Square). Letters of condolence may be sent to his wife of 67 years, Wynanda Helverson, 88 Falmouth Court, Bedford, MA 01730-2912. David Pohl is planning Ralph's service.

In Memory... Rev. William J. Robbins (1913-2007)

2007-04-25T08:16:00.000-07:00

It is with a sense of loss that that the Ministry and Professional Leadership Staff Group informs you of the death of the Reverend Dr. William Joseph Robbins. Dr. Robbins died Sunday, April 6, 2007 at the age of 93.

Dr. Robbins was born August 31, 1913 in Somerville, Massachusetts. He earned a bachelor's degree from Harvard College in 1935, a Bachelor of Divinity from Andover Newton Theological School in 1938. In 1947 he earned a doctorate from Brown University.

He was ordained in 1938 at the Grace Baptist Church in Somerville, Massachusetts, by the Boston East Baptist Association where he served as Associate Pastor until 1940.

On May 4, 1958, Dr. Robbins was received in Unitarian Universalist Fellowship after a year's licentiate. He served the First Universalist Church in Rockland, Maine from 1956 to 1961. In 1961 he was called to the First Universalist (Central Unitarian) Church in Yarmouth, Maine where he served for one year. In 1965 he returned to the Rockland congregation serving there until his retirement in 1978. On October 1, 1978 was named Minister Emeritus by the Rockland congregation.

Dr. Robbins was predeceased by his siblings and three wives; Nadine Ratcliffe Robbins in 1977, Gladys Blum Robbins in 1982, and Mabel Briggs Robbins in 1999.

He is survived by one stepson, H. Reed McKenney and his wife Deborah of Owls Head; one stepdaughter, Karen Ratcliffe of Bangor; seven grandchildren, Darlene McKenney of Owls Head, Amanda Toris and her husband Sean of Forked River, N.J., Rachel Coleman and her husband Mathew of Owls Head, Peter Burke of Bangor, Hannah Burke of Windham, Patrick Burke of Rockland, and Katie Burke Butler and her husband Charles of Appleton; one great-grandson, Eathen Butler; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, May 26, 2007, 1:00 p.m., at Glen Cove Cemetery on Warrenton Avenue in Glen Cove, Maine.

In Memory... Rev. James C. Norman (1937-2007)

2007-04-06T08:58:00.000-07:00

The Ministry and Professional Leadership Staff Group is sad to announce the passing of our colleague The Reverend James Clark Norman of a heart attack at age 69 at his home in Canterbury, NH on March 24th.

Rev. Norman was born December 25, 1937. Prior to his ordination to the Unitarian Universalist ministry he served in the U.S. Marine Corps and later with VISTA, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and The Federal Aviation Administration.

James Norman completed his B.A. at Pomona College in 1959, his M.A. from Pepperine University in 1978 and the M.Div from Starr King School for the Ministry in 1986.

The Reverend Norman received Preliminary Fellowship and was ordained in 1986 His ordination took place in the Valley UU Church of Chandler, AZ. James received Final Fellowship in February, 1990. He served as an extension minister with West Valley UU Church of Glendale, AZ from 1986 to 1989 and served Valley UU Church as both an extension and called minister. This was followed by work as a District Executive with the UUA in the New Hampshire/Vermont District. He later served South Church in Concord, NH.

A memorial service celebrating the life of James Norman will be held at South Church in Concord at a later date.

Survivors include his widow Sabena and his daughter Pilar. Notes of remembrance and sympathy may be sent to:

Mrs. Sabena Norman
41 Old Tilton Road
Canterbury, NH 03224-2223

In Memory... Rev. Frances West (1931-2007)

2007-03-22T10:28:00.000-07:00

Ministry and Professional Leadership announces with sadness the passing of The Reverend Frances E. West on Thursday, March 15 after several years of ill health and of immediate complications from pneumonia.

Frances West was born September 23, 1931. Her university work included a B.A. from Oglethorpe University in 1967, the M.Ed. from Georgia State University in 1974 and the M.Div. from Emory University in 1977. She later completed a Certificate for Chaplaincy Supervision at Emory in 1985.

Reverend West received Preliminary Fellowship in April, 1977 and was ordained in June of 1977 in the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta. Rev. West received Final Fellowship in May, 1981.

Frances was led to her call to ministry nearly three decades ago during her years of lay leadership at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation Atlanta and through the encouragement of Rev. Eugene Pickett. In the ensuing years she served congregations in North Carolina and north Georgia, and was named Minister Emeritus at the UU Congregation of Marietta, Georgia, upon her retirement in 1995.

Reverend West's ministry included serving as Chaplain in the Emory University Hospital, and congregations in Winder, GA, the UU Fellowship of Raleigh, NC; Gwinnet, Decatur, Atlanta and Marietta, GA.

Frances once shared the following regarding her leadership work in hospice development in the Southeast: "In 1975, when I was a member of the UU Congregation of Atlanta, a friend of mine,.and I became interested in an article about the first American hospice in New Haven, CT. It was a very different care for the dying. (We) had a friend who was dying of cancer, and we felt there was a better way for people to die. So we two people, church-based, started what was to become the first hospice in the state of Georgia, the second in the Southeast. Our first years we had a budget of eighty dollars, and we began training volunteers, even working with two patients, helping them stay home as they wanted. I lectured medical groups wherever I could find an interest. In 1976 I was asked to give a five minute talk at UU General Assembly in Ithaca, NY. After I spoke a woman from the White Plains came and talked with me. She returned to her church to work on changing the legal status of hospices in New York."

Frances is survived by her husband, Bill West, who can be reached at 1430 Westchester Ridge, Atlanta, GA 30329; her daughters Nina West, at 2116 Pine Forest Drive, Atlanta, GA 30345; Jean Alhadeff, 1915 Mt. Brian Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30329; and Aran West, 207 Brooklea Drive, Syracuse, New York, 13207; and her son Todd, of 626 North Wood Ave., Florence, AL 35630. Memorials to honor Rev. West may be sent to Hospice Atlanta or the UU Congregation of Marietta, GA (1240 Villa Rica Rd, Marietta, GA 30064).

A memorial service will be held May 19, 2007 at 3:00 P.M. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Marietta, Georgia. The service will be led by her son Todd West, current president of the UU Congregation of the Shoals in Florence, AL.

In Memory... Rev. A. John Skeirik (1918-2007)

2007-03-19T08:31:00.000-07:00

It is with a sense of loss that the Ministry and Professional Leadership Staff Group announces the passing of The Reverend A. John Skeirik at the age of 88 on Wednesday, March 7, 2007 in Brewster, MA. John was in complete kidney failure and passed quickly.

John Skeirik was born in Marquette, Nebraska on August 3, 1918. He was the son of a Methodist minister. He received his A.B. from Syracuse University in 1941 and the Master of Theological Studies from Boston University School of Theology in 1944. He also completed an M.Ed. degree from Bridgewater State College in Library Science in 1978.

The Reverend Skeirik received Preliminary Fellowship in the Unitarian Universalist ministry in 1961 and Final Fellowship on November 16, 1965. He had been ordained in Binghamton, NY in 1947 as a Methodist minister. John served pastorates in the Methodist faith in NY and Massachusetts from 1944 to 1962. At the time he became fellowshipped he was serving First Parish in Sherborn, Mass and later served the Reading, MA and Hollis, NY congregations. He retired from the ministry in 1983 after serving the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Middleboro, MA where he was named Minister Emeritus.

After retirement John and Betsey continued to live on Cape Cod. Following his retire-ment from ministry, he had a second career as a multi-media specialist and served as an assistant librarian in Massachusetts public schools from 1984 to 2004.

John had several talents: he was an exceptional amateur photographer, and he enjoyed carving wood objects with his wood-carving power tools. He and Betsey also enjoyed travel, including a number of trips to Europe. After he retired from his library position in the public school system, he donated time to the library of the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History

One of his colleagues writes, "John was an uncomplicated, transparently kind, and genuinely liberal minister, one without a mean bone in his body." From his brother Kal, "John's was a legacy of love, of caring, of healing, and of compassion that he left in the hearts and minds of the young and the old with whom he came in contact as he unselfishly served during his ministry and public service.

Rev. Skeirik is survived by his wife of 59 years, Betsey and a brother, Kaleel Skeirik of Richmond, VA and a sister, Jeanette Macht of Feasterville,
PA.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, March 24 at 11:00 A.M. at The Meeting House in Chatham, MA to be officiated by The Reverend Denis Meacham of First Parish Brewster where Rev. Skeirik was a member.

Messages of condolence may be sent to:

Mrs. Betsey Skeirik
Epoch of Brewster
873 Harwich Road
Brewster, MA 02631

In Memory... Rev. Alfred D. Judd (1925-2007)

2007-02-14T10:35:00.000-08:00

It is with a sense of loss that the Ministry and Professional Leadership Staff Group informs you of the death of the Reverend Alfred D. Judd who passed Tuesday, February 6, 2007, of a massive heart attack.

Alfred Judd was born in Greenfield, MA on March 10, 1925. He attended Bement School in Greenfield and Deerfield Academy in Deerfield, MA. Al spent three years in the U.S. Army in the European Theater during World War II. Subsequently he graduated from St. Lawrence University in 1949 and completed his B.D. there in 1951.

Alfred Judd became fellowshipped as a Unitarian minister in 1951 and as a Universalist minister in 1956. The Unitarian Society in Fall River, MA ordained him on April 6, 1952.

Mr. Judd began his ministry in Fall River, MA where he served for five years. During the course of his thirty-five years in active ministry, he served congregations in Clarklake and Horton, Michigan; Claremont, NH; East Greenwich, RI, and Lubbock, College Station and Houston, Texas. The Northwoods UU Church of Houston named Al Judd Minister Emeritus at his retirement in April, 1985. Al and Patricia Judd moved to Santa Fe, NM in 1987.

Alfred Judd is remembered as a man of moderation, good will, good cheer, and simple goodness. He loved steam trains and their lore and for many years worked as a volunteer on the Cumbres and Toltec Restoration Project in the Southwest. When time allowed he built model trains and was both an ingenious problem solver and a creative designer and builder.

He understood and loved children and they loved him because of his gentleness and sense of fun. In his later years, when he had given up more strenuous volunteering, one of Al's great pleasures was being a mentor at the Cesar Chavez Elementary School in Santa Fe.

Alfred Judd was a loving and devoted husband to his wife, Patricia, who survives him. He leaves three wonderful adult children: Karen, Rebecca and Taylor; four grandchildren: Judd, Hannah, Nathaniel and Matthias; and three great grandchildren. Also surviving are stepsons: David, Jeffrey and Gregory White and their families.

A Memorial Service officiated by The Reverend Stephen Furrer will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Santa Fe on Friday, March 2nd at
2 P.M. Memorial donations may be sent to the U.U. Congregation of Santa Fe, or to the Union of Concerned Scientists, 2 Brattle Square, Cambridge, MA 02238.

Messages of Condolence may be sent to:
Mrs. Patricia Judd
2948 Plaza Blanca
Santa Fe, NM 87507

In Memory... Rev. Marjorie Bowens-Wheatley (1949-2006)

2006-12-13T10:30:00.000-08:00

Marjorie Rebekah Bowens was born on August 6, 1949, the fourth of 10 children born to the former Bernice Loretta Wheatley and Daniel Lee Bowens. She spent most of her childhood in Philadelphia, the place of her birth; but was acculturated in the ways of the south and the Caribbean through the heritage of her parents.

She graduated from Dobbins Vocational-Technical School in 1967, having majored in Business Education. For the next few years, she worked as a legal and medical secretary. In 1969, she married Alfred Edmonds and from this union, Tonya was born. The couple divorced in 1973.

A bit of a late bloomer, Marjorie began her college career at Temple University at the age of 25, double majoring in Radio, Television & Film and Pan-African Studies. She continued graduate studies at the American University where she earned a Master of Arts degree in International Development and Visual Media.

Marjorie's career in public television began with a production internship with a weekly program, "Black Perspective on the News," and continued with a nightly news and issue analysis program, "Evening Exchange." In addition to being nominated for an Emmy Award for a program she produced with writer Maya Angelou, Marjorie received the World Hunger Media Award for her hour-long documentary, "After the Rains," which explored drought and environmental decay across the Sahara desert.

After seven years in the media, and after joining All Souls Church in Washington, D.C., Marjorie felt a calling to work full time in a way that expressed her religious values. She moved to Boston to work as Director of Public Affairs for the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee. A year later she accepted a position as program officer for the Veatch Program at what is now the Unitarian Universalist Society in Shelter Rock in Manhasset, Long Island. During her three-year tenure there, she was responsible for recommending approximately one million dollars per year to fund organizations working for progressive social change.

Her work at the Service Committee and at the Veatch Program, accompanied by independent study on the theology and ministry of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Howard Thurman, ultimately led Marjorie to understand her own calling to ministry. In the fall of 1991, she entered Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington DC and in 1994, she was awarded a Master of Divinity degree (cum laude), and was ordained in Washington, DC, in December 1994 at her home congregation, All Souls Church Unitarian.

Marjorie became Affiliate, then Associate, Minister at the Community Church of New York City in 1994 and also served as District Extension Minister for the Metro New York District and Field Consultant for the UUA Department of Faith in Action. These assignments continued until she accepted a position as Co-Interim Minister of the First Unitarian Universalist Church in Austin Texas in 1999, which she served along with her husband, the Reverend Clyde Grubbs.

In 2000, Marjorie Bowens-Wheatley joined the UUA staff as Adult Programs Director in the Religious Education department. In 2003, she accepted the call to the UU Church of Tampa, Florida, which she served through 2006. She had accepted a call to serve as Associate Minister of First Unitarian Church of San Diego, California, but withdrew because of illness.

Marjorie Bowens-Wheatley's imprint on Unitarian Universalism is significant and has helped shape contemporary Unitarian Universalist Association programs and practices in major ways. Please see the fuller and more detailed story of Marjorie's life and contributions on the forthcoming story to be posted on the UUA website.

Following a short struggle with gallbladder cancer, Marjorie died quietly at her sister's home in Vineland, NJ, on Dec. 10, 2006, with her daughter, husband and close friends by her side. She is survived by her daughter, Tonya/Talibah Edmonds; her husband, the Rev. Clyde Grubbs; her mother, Bernice; nine siblings, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and colleagues.

A service to celebrate the life and spirit of Marjorie will be held at The Community Church of New York in January. More information will be shared soon.

Messages of remembrance may be sent to:

The Reverend Clyde Grubbs
c/o Throop Memorial Church
300 Los Robles Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101-2821

Ms. Tonya "Talibah" Edmonds
c/o Sarah Lawrence College
1 Mead Way
Bronxville, New York 10708

In Memory... William Richard Jacobsen (1932-2006)

2006-12-08T14:03:00.000-08:00

William Richard Jacobsen died at home on November 2, 2006 at the age of 74. He was born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada to immigrants Jacob Jacobsen (Denmark) and Alfhild Larson Jacobsen (Norway) on January 28, 1932.

Bill took an early interest in the church and as a teenager began studying to become a Lutheran Minister in the Missouri Synod. He graduated from Concordia College in 1953 (BS). By then he had found the Unitarian tradition to be more in line with his evolving beliefs and attended Meadville/Lombard at the University of Chicago, 1959 (BD). He was ordained in 1959. He served as Unitarian Minister in Brooklyn, NY, Pittsburgh, PA, Canton, MA, and Bloomington, IL before moving to Palo Alto, CA, in 1974. He served the Palo Alto Unitarian Universalist Church for 16 years. After his retirement in 1990, he went on to serve as Executive Director of the Humanist Community in Palo Alto.

Bill had a keen sense of humor and a true joy for life. He had an ongoing enthusiasm for knowledge. He was an avid reader and enjoyed sharing his extensive knowledge of the many subjects he studied for his sermons over the years. He was a truly gifted speaker. An enthusiastic participant in life, Bill believed in social change as a way to benefit all of humanity. Bill loved nature and hiked all over the Bay Area. He was particularly fond of Mount Montara in Pacifica.

He is survived by his daughter, Juli Jacobsen (Joe Corollo) of San Lorenzo; his son, Eric Jacobsen of Pacifica; and former wife and dear friend, Dianne Jacobsen, of Palo Alto. He also has family in Canada.

A memorial service will be held at 7:30 pm, Sunday, November 19, 2006, at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 505 East Charleston Road, Palo Alto. There will be a reception at the church following the service. Contributions may be made in memory of William R. Jacobsen to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.

In Memory... Rev. Carl Larsen Esenwein (1934-2006)

2006-12-08T14:00:00.000-08:00

It’s with a sense of loss that we inform you that The Reverend Carl Larsen Esenwein died Nov. 4, 2006 at his home in Normal, after a long battle with cancer. A celebration of life service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Campus Religious Center, 210 W. Mulberry St., Normal, Illinois.

Mr. Esenwein is survived by his mother, Eleanor, of Bloomington IL; his wife, Willemina, Normal; and four children, Marc, Louisville, Colorado; Steve, Dacono, Colorado; Lori (Vaughn) Hoffman, Bloomington, IL; and Willem (Anna) Knibbe, Alameda, California. Also surviving are three grandchildren, Nick and Neil Hoffman and Elleke Knibbe.

Mr. Esenwein was born June 7, 1934, in Flagstaff, Arizona. In his youth he spent in the Southwest, he enjoyed the outdoors, horses, and magic. He graduated from the University of New Mexico with a degree in political science. He later decided to enter the Unitarian ministry and graduated from Meadville Lombard Theological Seminary in 1966 and was ordained in 1967. He served Unitarian congregations in Benton Harbor, Michigan and Norfolk, VA from 1966-1974; and served the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Bloomington, IL from 1974-1982. He then started his own company which he ran until 2001.

Known for his vocal opposition to the Vietnam War, Mr. Esenwein was instrumental in helping numerous conscientious objectors find sanctuary in Canada. He was also active in the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, and organizations for prison reform.

During his retirement, he worked tirelessly to restore his historic home to its original condition and rekindled his love of magic. He was known as "Mr. E," a magician whose sleight of hand and illusions delighted old and young. He loved classical music and had a special place in his heart for Beethoven's Ninth.

The words "thoughtful, loving, caring, compassionate, engaged, generous, handy, funny, responsible and kind" describe Carl Esenwein. His positive and optimistic attitude was an inspiration to those who knew him and all were impressed by the courage and dignity with which he faced the end of his life.

Memorials may be made to the New Covenant Community, 210 West Mulberry, Normal, IL 61761 or to the Community Cancer Center, 407 East Vernon Avenue, Normal, IL 61761.

Messages of remembrance may be sent to his wife at 301 West Virginia Avenue, Normal, Illinois, 61761.

In Memory... Rev. Clarke Dewey Wells (1930-2006)

2006-12-08T13:58:00.000-08:00

The Unitarian Universalist Association is sad to report the death of the Rev. Clarke Dewey Wells. Wells, 76, died at home on November 8, 2006.

Clarke Wells was a graduate of the University of Chicago and Meadville Lombard Theological School, and was ordained in 1956 and served actively in ministry over fifty years in Oklahoma City; Cincinnati, OH; Portland, OR and Newton, MA. As interim minister he served churches in Bloomington and Muncie IN, Houston, TX, Santa Barbara, Santa Paula and San Luis Obispo, CA; Youngstown, OH, Pittsburgh, PA, and Asheville, NC. He also served in Lakeland, FL where he was named Minister Emeritus. Author of four books of poetry and well-known essays, Dr. Wells' reputation as a dynamic preacher and an excellent teacher led to many requests for these services following his retirement in 1995.

Wells served on the Board of Trustees for Meadville Lombard and as adjunct faculty and chaplain. He was a Special Lecturer at Starr King School (Berkeley). In 1977 he was chosen to give the sermon at the Service of the Living Tradition at the General Assembly of the UUA. He also served as a member of the first UUA Commission on Appraisal, the Commission on the Free Church and the Commission on Common Worship. He served as Vice President of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association (following merger of Unitarians and Universalists in 1961).

Dr. Wells taught classes in poetry, creative writing and the works of William Shakespeare. An avid athlete, he played football in high school and undergraduate school; he was an enthusiastic snorkeler, handball, and tennis player.

During the Civil Rights years Clarke Wells was an activist; he was among ministers who went to Selma to march with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1965. Dr. Wells was with his colleague, James Reeb, and his wife, Marie, at a hospital in Birmingham, AL when Rev. Reeb (also a Unitarian minister) died after being attacked while participating in the struggle for Civil Rights.

Dr. Wells is survived by his sons, Jared St. John Wells of Tucson, AZ and Garde MacKenzie Wells of Eugene, OR as well as his wife and companion, Barbara Carlson of Bloomington, IN.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2006, 3 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, IN, the Rev. Barbara Carlson officiating.

In Memory... Rev. Brigitte Elisabeth Brunhart (1955-2006)

2006-12-08T13:55:00.000-08:00

We in the Ministry & Professional Leadership Group sadly announce the death of the Reverend Brigitte Elisabeth Brunhart. She died on September 28, 2006 at the age of 51.

Rev. Brunhart was born on November 11, 1955, in Bedburg, Germany. She received a Bachelor's Degree in English and German Literature from the University of Utah in 1979 and went on to earn a Masters of Divinity degree from the Starr King School for Ministry in 1989. In 1988 she married and she and her husband moved to Cleveland, Ohio. Rev. Brunhart entered Preliminary Fellowship on February 29, 1992 and was ordained in June of that year. She served as part-time parish and religious education minister from fall, 1991 through spring, 1994 at the Olmsted UU Fellowship in Olmsted, Ohio, and during the winter of 1993 she trained Para Ministers at the Westshore UU Church of Cleveland. In the summer of 1994 she introduced members of the First Unitarian Church of Cleveland to Sufism, and the aspects of Goddess worship. In February of 1995 Rev. Burnhart trained and supported Lay Ministers at First Church along with Senior Minister Reverend Bruce Marshall.

Brigitte worked mainly in community ministry, serving as a hospital and hospice chaplain. From 1991 to 1995 she was a volunteer chaplain at the Hospice for the Western Reserve. In the fall of 1993 she held a temporary position of On-Call Chaplain at the Metro Health Medical Center in Cleveland, and in 1995 Brigitte served as staff chaplain at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and also as an On-Call Chaplain at the St. Vincent Charity Hospital.

Her partner wrote this about Brigitte "Although she struggled all her adult life against debilitating illness, she pursued a career in ministry with great determination. Throughout her life, she had a powerful effect on others. She made many friends from around the world and, through her steadfastness and generosity, kept a close friendship until the end of her life."

She will be mourned by her husband John McBratney and her children Indra and Kumar Brunhart-McBratney.

Messages of Remembrance may be sent to:

John McBratney
11516 Parkway Road
Chardon, OH 44024

A memorial service will be held at the East Shore Unitarian Universalist Church, 10848 Chillicothe Road, Kirtland, Ohio, on Saturday, October 7, 2006, at 2:00 p.m. There will also be a second memorial at Saint Francis Chapel, John Carroll University, 20700 North Park Boulevard, University Heights, Ohio, on Sunday, October 8, 2006 at 2:00 pm.

In Memory... Rev. Walter Andrew Moulton 1936-2006)

2006-12-08T13:52:00.000-08:00

The Office of Ministry and Professional Leadership regrets to inform you that the Reverend Walter Andrew Moulton died on November 5, 2006 at his home in Kennebunk, Maine, at age 70 years. His loving wife Paula was at his side.

Rev. Moulton was born on March 19, 1936 in Kennebunk, Maine. He earned an AB in Government at Tufts University in 1958, and a MSEd.in Counselor Education from the University of Southern Maine in 1979. After marrying Paula Thayer in 1959, he served in the Navy, and then taught civics and history at Kennebunk High School for 22 years. Retiring from teaching, he attended Andover Newton Theological Seminary where he completed his M.Div in 1989 and was ordained at The First Parish Unitarian Univeralist Church in Kennebunk, Maine in March, 1987. From 1987-93 he served as Minister at the Spindletop Unitarian Church in Beaumont Texas. He then served the Unitarian Fellowship of Fredericton, New Brunswick and the First Church of Houlton, Maine as Interim Extension Minister for a year.

He was Interim Minister at the First Parish of Groton Mass. from 1994 to
1996 and served as Interim Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration in Philadelphia, PA. from 1996 to 1997. In 1997 he became Interim Minister at the East Shore Unitarian Universalist Church of Kirkland, Ohio, and in 1998 was called to All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church in Watertown, NY. He retired from the ministry in 2003, after which he and Paula returned home to Kennebunk.

Rev. Moulton focused on assisting congregations to develop their churches as communities in which those who dedicate their lives to nurturing others may come to be nurtured themselves. He was alert to both the needs and contributions of the frail and elderly. He was active in peace activities and a supporter of the National Organization for Women (NOW). In 1992 while Rev. Moulton was Minister at the Spindletop Unitarian Church in Beaumont, Texas, his congregation established their AIDS Care Team. Rev. Moulton was a board member for the Triangle AIDS network, the AIDS Consortium of Southeast Texas and the Triangle Interfaith Network.

Rev. Moulton read and wrote poetry for his own enjoyment, published several poems in the Coast Singer of the York County Coast Star in Kennebunk, and collected old-time gospel tapes. He was active in the outdoors, gardened and enjoyed visiting his grandchildren.

Walter Moulton is survived by his brothers and their wives, John and Fran Grace of Kennebunk and Jim and Louise Moulton of Wells; his wife Paula of Kennebunk; his daughter Valerie Berg and her husband Tom of Vienna, Virginia, and granddaughters Elizabeth Ann Berg, Kristina Marie Berg, and Teresa Lynn Berg; his daughter Barbara Moulton and her husband Jim Hannawalt of San Francisco, CA., and grandson Jesse Forrest Hannawalt and granddaughter Madelyn Grace Moulton; and many beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Rev. Moulton's memorial service was held November 11, 2006 in Kennebunk.

Messages of Remembrance may be sent to:

Paula Thayer-Moulton
3 Hidden Lane
Kennebunk ME 04043

About this Blog & FAQ

2006-12-08T13:37:00.000-08:00

This blog was created in December 2006 by Rev. Thom Belote, who holds the Publications / On-line Communications portfolio on the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association Executive Committee. Members of the Executive Committee and the Department of Ministry have wanted for there to be an on-line presence memorializing colleagues who served the UU ministry. This is an attempt to make that desire a reality.

How far back will this project go?
We are going to begin by posting notices from the UUA Department of Ministry & Professional Leadership about deceased colleagues from the Fall 2006. We might add notices from earlier as the project continues.

Can I help?
Yes, you can leave a comment about your memory of the colleague who passed away. You can also submit a picture, additional information, or a copy of the eulogy by emailing minister@smuuchurch.org. If you are interested in being a content or style contributor to this page, please also contact us.

I see a factual error or want to make a suggestion.
We apologize for the error. Please send us your corrections. This blog is managed by volunteers. We will make every attempt to correct the blog in a reasonable amount of time.

Thank You.