Category: Obituary: W

The Rev. Ted Webb, parish minister, Universalist scholar, and lifelong activist for civil rights, economic justice, and abolition of nuclear weapons, died on October 6, 2014, aged 96.

Already in his younger years, Mr. Webb actively promoted and worked for peace, justice, and public education. During a student pastorate in the little town of Sherman Mills, he organized a committee to establish a community library and “worked tirelessly on this project” throughout the remainder of his brief time there, though the vision took another fifteen years to be realized. In the 1950s he and his wife Marguerite provided sanctuary in their home to demonstrators opposing United States nuclear arms in the cold war with the Soviet Union. He spoke out against the Korean War and later counseled young men on avoiding the draft during the Vietnam War. In 1965 he traveled to Selma, Alabama, for the interfaith peace and voting rights witness that followed the infamous “Bloody Sunday” massacre. With others he went back for a month that summer to sustain an ongoing UU presence in Selma, writing that he returned north from this experience a more “confirmed progressive and committed Democratic Socialist.” In later years, during his ministry in Sacramento, Mr. Webb hosted a peace fair that drew Democratic presidential candidate George McGovern, served as president and board member of the local chapter of United Nations Association, and in 1988 received a distinguished life achievement award from California State University, Sacramento. He was still protesting at age 85 when the U.S. invaded Iraq in 2003.

Theodore Albert Webb was born in Bangor, Maine, on 23 August 1918 to Harold and Annie Cushman Webb, but spent much of his teen years in Norway, Maine, where he contributed to family support by working in a shoe factory, rather quickly concluding that the industrial arts were not what he was cut out for. In the fall of 1938, at age twenty, he enrolled for concurrent college and ministerial studies in a program offered jointly by Bangor Theological Seminary and the University of Maine. While there he served successive student ministries in nearby towns: at the Union Congregational Church in Ellsworth Falls (1940-41), the Universalist Church of Old Town (1942-43), and the Washburn Memorial Church (Congregational, now UCC) in Sherman Mills (1943-44). Ted sang in the seminary chorus and discovered a soulmate in its pianist, Marguerite Elfreida [sic] Wilson, from nearby Calais, to whom he was married in 1943. He finished course work for his B.D. at Bangor in 1943, but the degree was contingent on completion of his baccalaureate studies. Mr. Webb moved to a pastorate at the First Universalist Church of Stafford, Conn (1944-47) and was ordained there on 22 January 1946. Meanwhile, with transfer of his undergraduate credits to the University of Connecticut, he earned a B.A. in history and government in 1948, at which time his B.D. was finally awarded.

The Rev. Mr. Webb continued in parish ministry at the First Universalist Church of Dexter (1947-51), the First Universalist (now UU) Church of Canton, New York (1951-56), and the Universalist Unitarian Church of Haverhill, Mass (1957-62). An eight-year stint as the first Executive Director of the Massachusetts Bay District of the UUA (1962-70) then intervened before he resumed parish ministry with a call to the UU Society of Sacramento, California, in 1971, where he remained until 1983 and was named Minister Emeritus in 1985. Beginning in 1984 Mr. Webb took up a series of interim ministries in Iowa City, Baltimore, Minneapolis (First Universalist), and Atlanta (Northwest) before his final retirement in 1990.

Ted Webb was committed to the wider UU movement and its public presence in a number of roles. He served many years on the UUA Program Committee and as President and Board Member of the Pacific Central District of the UUA. In conjunction with his ministry in Stafford, he founded and edited a short-lived journal, The Connecticut Universalist, an “official organ” for the Connecticut Universalist Convention. While serving the UU society in Sacramento, he spearheaded a program of lectures—The Forum—by local intellectuals, government officials, and religious leaders.

Ted Webb spent much of his free time researching the lives of the prominent and politically active (and mostly Universalist) Washburn family, especially Israel Washburn and his seven sons, who numbered among themselves, in the 19th century, two state governors, two U.S. senators, four congressmen, a Civil War general, an envoy to Paraguay, and an ambassador to France. He was invited to speak about this research at the UUA General Assembly in 1984 and published a preliminary sketch of it in Men of Mark: The Washburn Brothers of Maine (Boston: UU Historical Society, 1985). After retiring, the Rev. Mr. Webb collected this research more fully in two further books: Seven Sons: Millionaires and Vagabonds (Trafford Publishing, 1999) and Impassioned Brothers: Ministers Resident to France and Paraguay (University Press of America, 2002).

Ted was a world traveler, and shared this interest with his daughter, Christine. He was also an avid reader and a great communicator. He enjoyed conversing about politics and current events, and he hosted a series of such conversations in his living room. Because of the group’s growing size, it was moved to the UU Society of Sacramento, and much to his embarrassment was lovingly dubbed “Ted’s Web.”

Of her father, daughter Christine Webb-Curtis remembers: “He walked the talk. But he rarely expressed his own personal humanist convictions from the pulpit. He never wanted to impose himself on others in terms of their spiritual beliefs.

Marguerite, Ted’s wife of sixty-two years, died in 2005. Ted Webb is survived by daughters Bobbie Webb and Christine Webb-Curtis, sons Theodore Ford Webb and Noel Webb, grandchildren Rob Gilbert, Renee Cahill, Randy Gilbert, Seth Forester, Patrick Curtis, Sam Curtis, Justin Codinha, Tucker Ford Webb, Parker Ford Webb, Jessica Webb, and Alexandra Webb, six great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild, Penelope, born on Ted’s 96th birthday.

A memorial service was held 13 December 2014 by the UU Society of Sacramento. Memorial donations are encouraged to the Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento, 2425 Sierra Blvd, Sacramento, California 95825. Notes of condolence may be sent to: The Family of Ted Webb, 1137 Amberwood Road, Sacramento, Calif. 95864.

The Reverend Jim Wentz died in Freeport, Long Island, on August 5, 2014, aged 79.

Jim was a philosopher, thought-leader, and writer. His strong qualities of patience, kindness, and understanding were seen when teaching the basics of power tools, beginner’s chess, and life lessons such as, “Do the best you can.

James R. Wentz was born on August 17, 1934 to Orville and Louise Wentz. He earned a B.A. from Indiana Central University in 1961 and a B.D. from Meadville Lombard Theological School in 1966. Mr. Wentz was ordained to the ministry in 1966 by the All Souls Unitarian Church of Indianapolis, IN. He then served the Unitarian Universalist Society of Oneonta, NY (1966-1976), and the South Nassau Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Freeport, NY (1976-1980).

Jim earned a M.S. at the University of Bridgeport in 1981 and launched a specialized career in conducting weddings. He became popularly known as “Rev. I Do,” performing weddings for over three decades. The Reverend Mr. Wentz was active within the denomination and with the UUMA in many roles. Even after his retirement from parish ministry, he was an active member of the New York Metro District of the UUMA.

He is remembered as never being without a new joke at ministers’ gatherings.

Jim Wentz is survived by his daughter Lisa Medley, son Nicholas Went, and three grandchildren. A memorial service was held on November 1, 2014 at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock, Manhasset, NY 11030. Messages of condolence may be sent to Lisa Medley.

William “Billy” West, 89, of Atlanta, who died on December 20, 2011. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, the Rev. Frances McQuarie West. He is survived by his daughters, Jean Alhadeff of Atlanta, Nina West (Steve Addison) of Atlanta, and Aran West of Syracuse, New York; son, Todd West (Rebecca) of Florence, Alabama, and 6 grandchildren. Billy was born and raised in McCurtain, Oklahoma. He served in the U.S. Army Air Force 1943-1945, earned a BS degree from the University of Oklahoma and served in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Public Health Service. He earned his MA/Mycology from Vanderbilt University, and worked as Research Mycologist for CDC, U.S. Public Health Service, Atlanta until 1956. He was a microbiologist for CDC in Atlanta from 1961 to 1972, earning his PhD in Microbiology from the University of Oklahoma in 1962 retiring in 1972. He and his wife then attended Georgia State University earning masters degrees in Community Counseling. Bill and his family were long time members of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, March 31, 2012 at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta, 1911 Cliff Valley Way NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30329. Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the William Joseph West Endowment fund, c/o: Eastern Oklahoma State Foundation, 1301 W. Main, Wilburton, Oklahoma 74578 or to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta, 1911 Cliff Valley Way NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30329.

David W. Walker-Riggs, 80, husband of the Rev. Judith Walker-Riggs, died Aug. 2, 2011, after a gentle week in hospice in Las Cruces, NM. A graduate of the University of Vermont, he was a career diplomat in the Foreign Service. Having been a preacher’s kid, a diplomat and a minister’s spouse he found a role as the “loyal, ever-present right-hand man.” Thus there was no conflict or confusion about his and Judith’s roles. In retirement he enjoyed cooking and “life, love and laughter with Judith.” He described Las Cruces as the “Land of Enchantment.” The Walker-Riggs served congregations in Manhasset, NY; Cedar Rapids, IA; London, UK; Devon, PA; West Hartford, CT; Grand Rapids, MI; and El Paso, TX. Following retirement from the diplomatic service, David fulfilled his curiosity about other ways of life, working as a hardware store clerk, temporary worker for a law firm, and as a delivery driver for an international courier firm. He enjoyed being the other side of the desk for a change. He is survived by his wife and three children: Steven Riggs and James and Iain Urquhart.

Mary Weston-Jones, 70, wife of the Rev. Dick Weston-Jones, died peacefully at home December 11, 2010, after fighting breast cancer for 13 years. She was an elementary school counselor in Illinois and Florida, and a high school vocational counselor in California. In 1968 she was expelled from her Southern Baptist Church in Starkville, MS for asking the pastor if black people could be invited to worship with them. That led to her becoming UU four years later in State College, PA, where she married Dick. She showed tremendous courage during her illness, which never went into remission; she outlived all predictions. She arranged for infusion therapy at various hospitals as she and Dick traveled widely during the past 12 years. Her last trip was in October to the ocean. She drove the Virginia Beach boardwalk in her power wheelchair and savored her favorite food, deep-fried oysters. She is survived by her husband, Dick, by six children, two foster children and 21 grandchildren.

Evelyn Gerrish Weeks, 87, widow of Rev. Herbert Weeks, died in Lewiston, ME on February 9, 2009. She was a lifelong member of the First Universalist Church (Unitarian Universalist) of Auburn, ME. Evelyn held a master’s degree in education and taught business subjects for many years at the secondary and post-secondary levels. She retired in 1988. She was also involved in RE at each of her husband’s churches. She was an avid fan of the Red Sox and of competitive figure skating. Her other interests included genealogy, raising irises and knitting. As a minister’s wife, she became an accomplished interior painter as they moved from parsonage to parsonage. Her pies were much sought after at the Auburn church’s various fundraisers, and she volunteered many hours as that church’s office secretary and treasurer. She is survived by a son, Jonathan, and daughter, Arlyn.

The Rev. Wilfrid “Fred” Walter Ward, 74, died on his birthday, January 5, 2009, with his sons beside him. He earned a degree in Psychology at Cornell and an M.Div. a St. Lawrence University Theological School. He served churches in Lincoln, MA, Baltimore, MD and Princeton, NJ. He earned a PhD in NYU’s Family Life Education, Marriage, and Human Sexuality graduate program. He was Education Director of the Sexuality Education, Counseling and Health Program of the University Health Services at Princeton University. Fred was also an avid birder and knowledgeable ornithologist. When he was married to Betty Ward, the couple were pioneers in leading UU Couple Enrichment programs. He served the New Jersey Area Council of UU Societies as Minister of Counseling and Education and directed the UU Counseling and Education Service, until 1999 when he became ill from a stroke. A lifelong Universalist, Fred was a staunch supporter of Murray Grove Retreat and Conference Center in Lanoka Harbor, NJ. Fred is survived by his sons, Wilfrid, Jr. and David.

The Rev. Peter Weller, 81, died Jan. 22, 2008 in Fort Collins, CO. Peter received his BS in Electrical Engineering in 1948. After serving in both the U.S. Navy and Army, he decided to become a Unitarian minister. He served in Laconia, NH; Seattle, WA; Hanska, MN; Muskegan, MI; and Pittsfield, MA, where he was named minister emeritus. He served as interim in Birmingham, AL, and Bloomington, IN. Peter marched in Selma with Dr. King. He was active with the Vietnam anti-war movement and served on the board of the UN Association in Fort Collins, where he was a member of the Foothills Unitarian Church. Peter was also active in the UUMA and was a former UURMaPA Board Member. Peter married Carol Reed, who died in 1973. He married Jennie Parker in 1977. Survivors include his wife, Jennie; three daughters, Cathleen Hamilton of Oakland, NJ; Julia Smith of Fairbanks, AK; and Gretchen Weller of Fort Collins; five stepchildren, Marian Ware, Carl Hildebrandt, Janet Hildebrandt, Jay Hilt, and Lisabeth Almgren; 17 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

The Rev. Frances E. McQuarie West, 75, died March 15, 2007, of complications from pneumonia. Frances was led to her ministry through lay leadership at the UU Congregation Atlanta with the encouragement of Rev. Eugene Pickett. She served as Chaplain in the Emory University Hospital, and congregations in Winder, GA; Raleigh, NC; Gwinnet, Decatur, Atlanta and Marietta, GA; where she was named Emeritus in 1995. She was an advocate for hospice care. She was survived by her husband Bill West; their children Jean Alhadeff, Aran, Nina and Todd West. A memorial service was held May 19, 2007 at the UU Congregation of Marietta, GA, led by her son Todd West, president of the UU Congregation of the Shoals in Florence, AL.

The Rev. Dr. Clarke Dewey Wells, 76, died Nov. 8, 2006. He served churches in Oklahoma City; Cincinnati, OH; Portland, OR; and Newton, MA. As interim, he served 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, His reputation as a dynamic preacher and an excellent teacher led to many requests for these services following his retirement in 1995. He served on the Board of Trustees for Meadville Lombard and as adjunct faculty and chaplain. He was a special lecturer at Starr King. In 1977 gave the sermon at the Service of the Living Tradition at GA in Boston. He also served on the Commissions on Appraisal, the Free Church and Common Worship. He was Vice President of the UUMA (following merger in 1961). An avid athlete, he played football in high school and college; he was an enthusiastic snorkeler, handball, and tennis player. He marched with Dr. King in 1965, and was with his colleague, James Reeb, and his wife, Marie, at a hospital in Birmingham, AL, when Rev. Reeb died. Clarke 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.