Author: Jaco ten Hove

Lorraine Colpitts

Lorraine Colpitts died on January 16, 2023 at the age of 99.  She is survived by by her sons and their spouses: Jon and Jeanne, David and Julie; her granddaughters and their spouses: Kate and Dustin, Megan and Luis; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, the Rev. Horace (Hank) Colpitts; and her sister, Nadine

Notes of condolence can be sent to Jon Colpitts, jon.colpitts@icloud.com. A more complete obituary will be forthcoming after biographical research has been completed.  

The Rev. Brian S. Kopke

The Rev. Brian S. Kopke died on December 31, 2022, at the age of 77.

Brian was born on March 6, 1945, in Newton, MA to Walter F. Kopke Jr. and Blanche K. Kopke. He attended Duxbury High School (MA), and graduated with his Bachelor of Arts in Geology from Colby College (ME) in 1964. While at Colby, he was president of the Inter-Faith Association. During his tenure, a coffee house was inaugurated. 

Following graduation, Brian felt called upon to make a decision that would have a bearing for the rest of his life. Back in childhood, he knew that the minister was a respected man with responsibility for the respect bestowed upon him. The cumulative experiences of life led him to believe that he could do the greater good by becoming a minister. With confidence in his sense of responsibility and sincerity, he entered Harvard Divinity School, earning his Bachelor of Sacred Theology in 1970.

Rev. Kopke was ordained on June 21, 1970, by the church he grew up in, the First Parish Church at Duxbury MA. He served the First Parish as a Religious Education Director for two years, contributing to the development of the Church School Curriculum. With new enthusiasm he helped revise programs for the upper grades, inspired the teachers to try out new methods, and conducted chapel services for the entire Church School every Sunday. He was very well received by the children and had a great rapport with the youth. 

In 1972, he accepted a call from the First Universalist Church of Southold NY where he would serve until 1977. From 1977 to 1984, Rev. Kopke served as settled minister for the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia PA. During his service of seven years, the deep financial deficits diminished, the sanctuary was restored, the Parish Room was refurbished, the roof replaced, and staff rebuilt. Pledges rose by nearly 60 percent, and membership increased by 10 percent. The building became a true community center with the great commitment of the laypeople. 

Subsequently, in 1985 Rev. Kopke was called to the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa ON. He served there until 2007, introducing the congregation to larger thinking that made headway in acceptance of the philosophy and design for growth. There was development in the church campus including U House, River Parkway Preschool, the congregation, and the meditation gardens as a center.

In addition to his parish ministry, Rev. Kopke was equally active in denominational affairs serving as a chair of the Joseph Priestley District Religious Education Committee; as a secretary of the ABSUURD UUMA cluster; and as a board member of the UU House Steering Committee. He was a member of the Canadian Unitarian Council and the UU Ministers of Canada. He served on the nominating committee of the Canadian Unitarian Council (1989–1991) and was a group facilitator and participant in the UUA Theological Education Plenary (1989). Furthermore, he provided his services as a UUMA Chapter leader (2004–2009), and as a member of the UUMA Convo Committee (2005).

In community, Brian advocated for a fair police complaint procedure and fair promotion and hiring practices in the Police Department. He served on the board of the Horizon House (MA). He was a passionate voice for social justice, a leader with great social sensitivity and the highest ethical convictions who believed human relations as sacred and holy.

In his leisure time, he enjoyed watercolor, drawing, sailing, racketball, jogging, woodworking, campaigning, hiking, gardening, movie making, and reading.

Brian is survived by his wife Margie Kopke; three children, Ben Kopke (Caddie), Sarah Kopke (Ben), and Sam Kopke; three brothers Cris Kopke (Jean), Kent Kopke (Colette), and Joel Kopke (Drew); one sister, Sara Harvey (John); two grandchildren Eleanor and Eamonn Kopke; and several nieces and nephews.

Two celebrations of life are being planned, one in the US and one in Canada (in the summer and fall respectively). UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to support rebuilding the First Universalist Church of Southold <http://firstuniversalistsouthold.org/connect-2/donate/>. Checks may be mailed to PO Box 221, Southold NY 11971, with “Restoration Fund” in the memo line.

Notes of condolence can be sent to Margie Kopke at m.saxon.kopke@gmail.com or written here: <https://www.remembering.ca/obituary/brian-kopke-1087232660/guestbook>.

Kristina Judith Barker

 Kristina (Kris) Judith Barker, 58, died May 14, 2022, in Chicago.  She was the wife of The Rev. Dr. Lee Barker.

Kris was born March 5, 1964, in Arcadia, California, the daughter of Judith and Peter Starman, and attended the University of California, Irvine, where she received a B.A. in Theatre Arts in 1986.  Professionally, Kris was a film and stage actor before going back to school to become a landscape architect.  She received her Masters in Landscape Architecture in 1996 from the College of Environmental Design at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.

She and Lee Barker were married in 1999 in Pasadena, CA, where he was senior minister at Neighborhood UU Church.  In 2003 he was named president of Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago, where he served until 2019 and is now president emeritus.

Upon moving to Chicago, Kris established her own landscape architecture firm. Specializing in residential design, her talents were sought after by clients throughout the midwest, even as she continued to take on projects in California.  Over the years, Kris received numerous design awards from the Illinois American Society of Landscape Architects.  

For many years, Kris was an active member and leader in the First Unitarian Church of Chicago.  She was a member of the Board of Trustees and chaired a ministerial search committee.  

She is survived by her husband; their daughter, Ava; her mother, Judith Edwards; her sister, Kimberly Starman; and brother-in-law John Diklich. A memorial service was held June 8, at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago.

Memorial donations may be made to Neighborhood UU Church, 301 Orange Grove Blvd. Pasadena CA 91103. UURMaPA will contribute to the Church.

The Rev. Glenda Ruth Gray

The Board of the UU Retired Ministers and Partners Association offers our condolences to the family and colleagues of the Rev. Glenda Ruth Gray, who died on December 27, 2022, at the age of 80 (1942-2022).

Glenda is survived by her nieces: Shaila Ordaz and Marcy Weinberg; nephews: David Ordaz, Robert Ordaz, Rafael Herazo and Carlos Herazo; as well as six great nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her beloved cat Chauncy.

A memorial service will be held in the spring of 2023.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Animal Humane Society of New Mexico, 615 Virginia St, SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108, or The First Unitarian Church of Albuquerque, 3701 Carlisle Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

Notes of condolence can be written here.

A more complete obituary will be forthcoming after biographical research has been completed. If any readers would wish to contribute information or reminiscences, we would welcome them. Please send them to UURMaPA’s clergy obituary editor, Jay Atkinson – jayatk40@gmail.com. 

The Rev. Dr. Richardson Reid

The Rev. Dr. Richardson “Dick” Reid died on December 20, 2022, at the age of 91 (1931-2022).

Richardson was born on June 25, 1931, in Fall River MA to Rev. William Richardson Reid and Ada Florance Baker. He was born and brought up a Unitarian. As expected of the son of a minister, Richardson was active in his church attending Sunday School, church services, and all church functions. He spent most of his boyhood accompanying his father on many of his pastoral duties.

In 1954, Richardson received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Colgate University (NY), following which he served on the faculty of the Bristol County Agricultural High School (MA) as an instructor in English (1956–1959). In 1959, he earned his Master of Education in History from Bridgewater State College (MA).

During the latter part of his college years, he realized that he had a deep interest in dealing with people and their relationships with life. He saw the true value of the ministry profession, this time quite apart from the feelings which stemmed from admiration of his father. He then decided to devote his life to the preservation and advancement of the denomination. With this call, he graduated with his Master of Divinity from Crane Theological School, Tufts University (1965). Later in 1967, he received his Doctorate of Divinity from St. Lawrence Theological School (NY).

Rev. Reid served his first ministry at Dighton Community Church (MA) (1955–1958). He brought previously alienated persons into active church relationships and associated very well with the senior members of the church. His tenure of three years was characterized by increased membership and firm confidence.

Subsequently, he was settled minister for First Parish Church in Taunton MA, for six years (1959–1965). He stabilized the church through participation and support for a church program including plans for a church school addition. His ministry also had a strong personal and pastoral component. Thereafter, Rev. Reid served in the parish at the First Parish in Malden, Universalist, (MA, 1965–1974) and then he was a part-time minister at the UU Meeting House of Provincetown MA (1976–1980).

In 1982, he returned to the First Parish Church in Taunton to serve in a temporary ministry for the next three years, moving the church to a relatively strong position, ready to move forward toward a permanent ministry. In 1987, honoring Rev. Reid’s devoted service to the church over the years, the First Parish in Taunton honored him as their minister emeritus.

In addition to his parish ministry, Richardson was active in the Malden Council of Churches, and other ministerial and civic organizations. He served as a Probation Officer for fifteen years in the Orleans District Court. Throughout his career, he was devoted to the support and care of the mentally ill, serving as President of the Massachusetts Association for Mental Health and on the National Board as Chairman of the Committee for the Prevention of Mental Illness, and on the State Department of Mental Committee for the de-institutionalization of the mentally ill.

In his leisure time, he enjoyed sailing and shell fishing and most recently his favorite pastime was walking his beloved dog, Missy.

Dick is survived by his wife, Nancy Thacher Reid; his four children: David (Carol), Matthew (Charissa), Katharine Peace, and Peter (Barbara); his eleven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sons: Steven and Mark, grandson Steven Jr, as well as his sister Betty Jane (Reid) Wheeler.

A celebration of life will be at a future date. You may register
<https://richardsonreidremembrance.yolasite.com/> to receive an email when the date is set for a celebration of life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to a charity of one’s own choosing. Notes of condolence can be written here:
<https://www.chapmanfuneral.com/obituaries/Richardson-Reid?obId=27061251#/obituaryInfo>

The Rev. Blaine Francis Hartford

The Rev. Blaine Francis Hartford died on December 16, 2022, at the age of 91 (1931-2022).

Blaine is survived by his wife, Marie Gorman; daughters, Sally Kirby, Jennifer Hendry, and Deborah Williamson; stepbrother C. Robert Hartford; as well as five grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; spouses: Lorraine Fagerholm, Sharon Hartford, and Clarinda Hartford; brother Joshua Hartford; stepbrother Stewart Hartford; and daughter Tamara McFall Eddy.

A memorial service is being planned for the spring of 2023.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to a charity of one’s own choosing. Notes of condolence can be written here. A more complete obituary will be forthcoming after biographical research has been completed.

The Rev. Richard D. Leonard

The Rev. Richard “Dick” D. Leonard, who died on November 25, 2022, at the age of 95.

Dick was born on September 24, 1927, in Detroit MI to Richard H. Leonard and Frances J. Leonard. Since early childhood, he had a love for classical music. He began his violin classes at the age of nine, attended the National Music Camp at Interlochen at 14, and was appointed as assistant concertmaster of the National High School Orchestra at 17.

In 1949, Dick received his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Yale University following which he graduated with his Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary, NY in 1952. After graduation, Dick carried out his ministry within the Congregational-Christian framework (1951–1959).

During these years, he found himself steering away from any creedal approach to religion. This made him explore Unitarianism. Soon he realized that he was more Unitarian in outlook than traditionally Christian. With this new direction, he aimed his ministry at teachers and church school families of the Community Church of New York UU and the wider fellowship in the Unitarian movement.

Rev. Leonard was called to serve the Community Church as a minister of religious education in 1959. His nine years of ministry at the Community Church marked the expansion of a church school and youth groups. He introduced new arts programs for Primaries and Juniors and added new curriculum materials. 

Furthermore, he was involved with the Social Action Committee and served as vice president of the Liberal Religious Education Directors’ Association. In 1965 he marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from Selma to Montgomery AL.

From 1969 to 1977, Rev. Leonard served as a part-time minister of the Flatbush Unitarian Church, in Brooklyn, NY. During those years he conducted services, delivered sermons, officiated weddings and funerals, and performed a large amount of pastoral counseling. Subsequently, in 1979, he was called to the Unitarian Church of All Souls in Manhattan, NY where he would serve until 1997. At All Souls, he chaired their Membership Committee, served as a fundraiser for their special music program, and taught church school. In 1997, he retired from his ministry, whereupon All Souls honored him as minister emeritus.

Rev. Leonard was an inspirational leader who won a place in the hearts of the church members and the community at large. He was Development Director for the Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School, at Walden School, and at the Horace Mann School and provided his services as treasurer of the Metro NY Stevens Scholarship Committee.

He also had several of his writing published including “Call to Selma,” “Ports of Call: Journeys in Ministry,” and “Wet Cement” (3 volumes), a collection of vignettes from his personal and professional life. In 2016 in his apartment near Lincoln Center, he founded “Project 142,” a unique concert series designed to support emerging musical talent of all sorts. Dick hosted 160 concerts during his leadership of Project 142, which continues today under the direction of a longtime associate.

Over his life, he learned to play ten musical instruments and was highly skilled in the violin and piano. In his spare time, Dick enjoyed travel and chess. He and his wife, Polly were avid world travelers and visited over 80 countries during their 46 years together.

Richard is survived by his daughters: Elizabeth Leonard, and Suzanne Sykora (Karl Walter Sykora); his step-son, Kenneth Mason (Mia Mason); step-daughter, Martha Mason (Bryce Sommerville); as well as grandchildren: Anthony Bellavia, Joseph Bellavia, Anna Mason Woodward, Lizzy Mason, Jennifer Thilo, Katherine Thilo, Pamela Thilo, and their partners, spouses, and children. He was predeceased by his wife Anna Mary “Polly” Leonard, and by his stepdaughter, Helen Louise Bigelow.

A commitment ceremony preceding cremation took place on Monday, November 28, 2022, at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn. The memorial service will take place at 11 am on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at the Unitarian Church of All Souls, 1157 Lexington Ave., New York, NY 10075.

In lieu of flowers, donations can go to the Unitarian Church of All Souls (address above).

Notes of condolence can be sent to Elizabeth Leonard, 3 Cedar Street, Waterville, ME 04901, and emails to edleonar@colby.edu.