Category: Obituary: L

The Rev. Edwin “Ed” Charles Lynn died on February 10, 2025, at the age of 89 (1935-2025).

Ed was born in Hartford CT, on November 12, 1935, to Charles K. Lynn and Edna C. Lynn. He spent most of his early years in Manchester CT, where he attended Manchester High School. An Eagle Scout, he excelled in athletics, earning a state record in the long jump and on the cross-country team, and participating in basketball.

Ed pursued a career in architecture, graduating as a valedictorian with a Bachelor of Architecture from the Syracuse University School of Architecture, NY in 1958. While at Syracuse, he was introduced to Unitarianism and became involved with the Syracuse May Memorial Unitarian Church. After attaining his architectural registration in Colorado, Ed and his wife settled in Denver, where he worked for an architectural firm.

In 1961, Ed transitioned from architecture to liberal education, joining the Great Book Foundation as Southwest Area Director and relocating to Dallas TX. Over time, he felt that liberal education provided the general knowledge necessary for developing a worldview, but ultimately, one’s conduct and judgment stemmed from the principles or convictions shaped by religion. He believed that primary development is religious in origin and felt a call to cultivate intellectually perceptive and spiritually sensitive individuals. 

The Unitarian church, through the precepts of democratic action, spiritual freedom, and individual thought, embodied the ideals that Ed most valued and offered a meaningful path for his contributions. As a UU minister, he sought to draw attention to the broad spectrum of the world and hoped that the members of the church would become stimulated by the varied concepts of philosophies and religion. In 1967, he graduated from Starr King School for the Ministry with his Master of Divinity.

The Rev. Lynn was ordained on December 10, 1967, by the First Unitarian Society of Milford NH, where he served his first ministry, 1967–1972. During his tenure, he became committed to creating an atmosphere of meditation and beauty as an integral dimension of religious experience. As a result, worship services began having greater meaning. Music became more varied and relevant, the service format became more direct and simpler, and congregational participation flourished. The Rev. Lynn brought creativity and vision to the pulpit and beyond. He conducted several experimental programs and provided leadership for better artistic standards for the Sunday services, helping the church become recognized as a major contributor to the intellectual and artistic life of the wider community. He also initiated small group activities, from a play reading group to a contemporary issues discussion group. Under his leadership, the church’s religious education program was revitalized with a more relevant curriculum and scheduling procedure, and the adult programs became diversified and active.

In 1972, the Rev. Lynn accepted a call from the Northshore UU Church in Danvers MA, where he would serve for 33 years until his retirement (1972–2005). Through Sunday services, sermons, traditions, rites of passage, community service, and a whole range of ministerial activities, he brought beauty and peace as well as awareness and challenges to the members. He helped create a community where each member shared their talents and interests for the spiritual enrichment of all. In 2005, in recognition of his decades of dedicated service, the Northshore UU Church honored him as their minister emeritus.

In addition to his parish ministries, Rev. Lynn held various leadership roles within the denomination. He completed two terms on the UUA Ministerial Fellowship Committee and was a co-coordinator for the Conference for Architects and Consultants at the UUA. He worked as a denominational counselor at Harvard Divinity School, 1986–1987, participated in the UUA Pamphlet Commission, and contributed cartoons to the UUA Ministers Association Newsletter. Furthermore, he served on the board of the UUA Religious Arts Guild and was President of the UU Ministers Association.

He brought a unique blend of ministry and architectural expertise to the denomination, serving as an architectural consultant to over 20 UU churches. He was recognized as an outstanding facilitator and helped congregations move from general program goals to specific architectural priorities. His interest in remodeling existing facilities and the cooperative building of new structures culminated in the Beacon Press book, Tired Dragons: Adapting Church Architecture To Changing  Needs.

Ed also served his local communities as president of the New Hampshire/Vermont Ministers Association and Board Chair of the District Church Programs Committee. He served on the board of the Isaac Munroe Foundation. In North Shore communities of Boston, he was active with the Danvers Clergy Association and the North Shore Hospice.

In his leisure time, he enjoyed drawing, playing tennis, listening to music, reading, and taking long walks. During retirement, Ed and his wife Marj spent a great deal of time traveling the world and at the beach, enjoying the coastal amenities of Ipswich and the North Shore of Massachusetts. All they needed to be content was the sea, cappuccino, and each other.

Ed is survived by his children Bruce (Lori) and Sharyl (Scott); and grandchildren Isley, Chase, Katrina, and Max. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Marjorie Lynn.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the Northshore UU Church, 323 Locust St, Danvers MA 01923. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marj Lynn Memorial Fund, with checks payable to NSUU (‘Marj Lynn Memorial Fund’ in Memo) c/o Northshore UU Church, 323 Locust Street, Danvers MA 01923. Notes of condolences may be written here.

The Rev. Robert J. Lewis died on September 6, 2023, at the age of 92 (1931-2023).

Robert was born on July 25, 1931, in Heltonville IN, to the Rev. Paul S. Lewis and Lillie Lewis. Raised in the household of a fundamentalist Hoosier minister, he attended DePauw University in Indiana, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree (1953). He then pursued a Master of Divinity at Drew University in New Jersey, graduating in 1956. Following graduation, Robert served as a Methodist clergy member from 1956–1958. However, he soon realized that the Methodist Church was not the best fit for the development, application, and expression of his theology. Consequently, he transitioned to a role as a junior executive at Indianapolis Goodwill Industries (1958–1959). 

During his college and seminary years, Robert was introduced to the Unitarian and Universalist theologies through books and encounters with Unitarian Churches. While living in Indianapolis, he began attending All Souls Church. This deepened his connection to Unitarian Universalism. It was there that he met Sylvia Kelsey while singing in the church choir. In 1959, he married Sylvia, and the couple moved to Hagerstown MD, where Robert ran the Goodwill Industries Office and served as a part-time minister of the Unitarian Fellowship of Hagerstown. Under his leadership, the fellowship grew, added new activities, and experienced renewed vitality. In 1960, Robert was welcomed into fellowship, paving the way for his ministry in the UU tradition.

In 1961, the Rev. Lewis accepted a call to become the first minister of the River Road UU Congregation, Bethesda MD. He served the congregation until 1968, with his inspiring leadership from the pulpit drawing people to church and fostering a growing community. During his tenure, the church building was built, the Religious Education program expanded, and active and effective leadership flourished within the congregation. Following his time at River Road, the Rev. Lewis served the UU Church of Silver Spring MD, from 1969–1973. His ministry there was marked by profound empathy and compassion, and his sermons moved many, leaving a lasting impact on the church community. 

The Rev. Lewis held leadership roles within the broader denomination, serving as Chairman of the Greater Washington Association of Unitarian Universalist Churches and the Joseph Priestley District Annual Meeting Planning Committee.

In community, Robert served on the board of the Citizens for Clean Air, Greater Washington Area, and the Community Psychiatric Clinic in Bethesda MD. He was an active member of the ACLU, Maryland Suburban Fair Housing, Planned Parenthood, and the Association for Humanistic Psychology.

While he was not ministering to a congregation, guest preaching, performing weddings or memorial services, Robert occupied himself in many and varied jobs: employment counselor, cab driver, marketing bricks, as a night watchman at Maryland Clay, selling fish at Eastern Market, and day laborer, helping build Eleanor Roosevelt High School (Greenbelt MD).

Robert is survived by his wife of 64 years Sylvia; his children Janet Lewis (Wayne) and Drew Lewis; grandchildren Kelsey Strouse (Andrew), Lily and Lanni Solochek; great granddaughter Samantha Joy Litwin; brother Wilford Lewis; and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

A memorial service was held on October 26, 2023, at the River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 6301 River Rd, Bethesda MD 20817.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s own choosing or the Greenbelt Community Foundation or Unitarian Universalist for Social Justice. Notes of condolences may be written here.

The Rev. Walter S. LeFlore died on August 12, 2024, at the age of 72 (1952-2024).

Walter is survived by his wife Yvette LeFlore; his two children Alison LeFlore and Eric LeFlore (Audrey); grandchildren Nicholas Inferrara, Joseph Inferrara, and Elias LeFlore; brother Ivens LeFlore; and his two sisters Loretta Wells and Pat Francois.

There will be two celebrations of life services for Walter. One will be held at 1 pm on August 24, 2024, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Roanoke, 2015 Grandin Rd SW, Roanoke VA 24015. Another will be held at 2 pm on September 14, 2024, at the First Parish Church of Stow, 353 Great Rd, Stow MA 01775.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Roanoke Reparations Group. Checks can be sent to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Roanoke, 2015 Grandin Rd SW, Roanoke, VA 24015. Please mention Reparations in the memo
line. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

Notes of condolences may be written here:
<https://www.lotzfuneralhomesalem.com/tributes/Walter-LeFlore#share-a-memory>.

A more complete obituary will be forthcoming after biographical research has been completed. It will be published in an upcoming issue of Elderberries and posted on the UURMaPA website.If any readers would wish to contribute information or reminiscences, we would welcome them. Please send them to UURMaPA’s clergy obituary editor, Rev. Jay Atkinson – jayatk40@gmail.com. 

The Rev. Robert T. Latham died on June 14, 2024, at the age of 92 (1931-2024).

Robert was born on December 10, 1931, in Wichita Falls TX to Floyd Charles Latham and Artie Thelma Latham. He grew up in the Southern Baptist tradition, began preaching at 13, led revival meetings during his mid-teens, and was ordained at 18. Robert received his Bachelor of Arts in Religion and History from Baylor University in Waco TX in 1954, a Master of Divinity from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1963, and a Master of Theology from Southeastern University in 1966. 

His seminary education exposed him to the concepts of mythology and historical and literary criticism, which led to a disaffection with Christianity. Furthermore, his experience as a chaplain during the Vietnam War revolutionized his views toward religion; his cultural perspectives were transformed. In the wake of these transformations, he discovered Unitarian Universalism. Further study of the history, orientation, and social posture of UUism led him to believe that ministry within this body would be a personally gratifying experience. He wanted to use his skills, expertise, and knowledge in ministry to benefit liberal religionists and entered the UU professional ministry in 1969.

Rev. Latham served as a settled minister at the UU Congregation of the Quad Cities, IA (1970–1973); All Peoples Church UU, TX (1973–1976); and the UU Church West, WI (1976–1979). He was a special minister at the UU Church of Las Cruces NM from 1980–1981 and an interim minister at large for the Pacific Northwest District, WA (1981–1985). Subsequently, he served as an interim minister at the Community UU Church, TX (1985–1986); and the First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco CA (1986–1987). In 1988, Rev. Latham accepted a call from the Jefferson Unitarian Church, CO where he would serve until his retirement in 1997. 

After his retirement, he served in interim ministries at the First Unitarian Church of Oakland CA (2000–2002); the UU Congregation of Princeton NJ (2002–2004); the UU Church of Tucson AZ (2004–2006); and the First Unitarian Church of Wilmington DE (2006–2007). From 2011 to 2013, he served the Pacific Central District as an Interim District Executive. In 2015, the Jefferson Unitarian Church, CO honored him as their minister emeritus.

Rev. Latham was a compelling spiritual and intellectual leader of imagination and commitment stimulating vibrant, dynamic congregational life. His creation of the Committee on Ministry (as opposed to the former Ministerial Relations Committee) and shared ministry were revolutionary in effect, bringing about greater congregational engagement and notable growth. His interim ministry helped congregations transform and grow in membership while regaining the congregation’s spirited attention through the worship experience and advanced workshops.

Rev. Latham made a significant contribution to the denomination serving as a consultant and trainer for the UUA Extension Department. He was co-designer and speaker for the Unitarian Universalist Sunday morning radio program, in Milwaukee WI (1976–1980). During the 1980s, he served the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada districts as UUA International Minister at Large. Furthermore, he chaired the Mountain Desert District committee to create a District Leadership School and designed its program and curriculum. He served as a speaker at the Jefferson Unitarian Church Community Events Forum.

Robert was head of MYTHing Link Consulting which provided a variety of services to liberal congregations and organizations. In the community, he provided his services as a facilitator of a special training program for administrators, social workers, therapists, etc. on Disability and Sexuality for the Texas Department of Human Services. He participated in state, county, and Denver CO area Youth and Violence Program and was a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, Davenport IA.

He also published several of his works including The Unitarian Universalist Extension Manual (1985), Moving On From Church Folly Lane (2006), A Tale of Boxes (2009), a chapter entitled “The Temptation to Rush the Search” in the book In The Interim (2013), and a brochure entitled “Lessons From Vietnam: Why Nothing Has Changed” (2011), and American Democracy: Suicide Or Revolution? (2020).

He enjoyed writing, travel, reading, hiking, biking, movies, art, music, sports, and poker in his leisure time.

Robert is survived by his spouse Cindy Latham; daughter Sherry Kay Latham; stepchildren Christy Le Lait and Harry C Green, IV; granddaughters Ture and Miranda Latham; step-grandson Samuel Pitts; as well as his great granddaughter Gemma Miller.

A celebration of Robert’s life was held on August 3, 2024, at Jefferson Unitarian Church, 14350 W 32nd Ave, Golden CO 80401.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jefferson Unitarian Church. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

Notes of condolences may be sent to cynthialatham@comcast.net.

Helen B. Lane, 88, beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and friend to all, passed away suddenly on April 20, 2023.

Helen was born on Feb. 13, 1935, to Virginia DeCamp Beattie and William Douglas Beattie in San Francisco CA. She attended Pomona College, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in biology in 1956. She received a master’s in public health from UC Berkeley in 1960. Helen worked at Scripps Clinic in La Jolla CA, and Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston MA. 

She was very active at First Parish UU in Needham MA, participating in group leadership and fundraising activities. Lately she had been active in Vesper services at the church.

Helen adored gatherings with her mother and sisters to spend time together, where they laughed, told stories, and enjoyed each other’s company. Helen was married to Harry Lee Munsinger (divorced), John Baker (widowed) and UU minister Rev. Edwin Lane (also widowed).

She was preceded in death by her son Dennis Munsinger and her sister Ciele Tewksbury. She is survived by her sisters Genia Simpson and Cynthia Astor, her sons Douglas and David Munsinger, her stepsons Michael and John Lane, seven grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held on June 10 at the First Parish in Needham. 

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.

SANGERVILLE, ME – Audrey Beth “Betty” Loadman, 90, passed away Sept. 22, 2022. Betty was born November 2, 1931. Her son Eric wrote, “She will be in my heart forever.”

Audrey was the second wife and widow of Rev. Jack C. Loadman.

Audrey was a nurse, trained at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, and worked as a nurse at different times.

She was a loved and respected member of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Sangerville.

Survivors include her son Eric and a stepson, the Rev. Kirk Loadman, a UURMAPA member who lives in Centennial CO.