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 “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.
The Rev. Dr. John W. Baros-Johnson died on November 10, 2022, at the age of 74.
John Wingood Johnson was born in Jasper AL on April 28, 1948. He grew up in and around Charlestown SC, until the age of 10, where his father was a printer. After his father died, John moved to Jasper AL and lived with his grandparents while his mother attended college to become a music director at the Methodist church and at Walker County High School. He did well in school, wrote poems, joined the library club, and acted in plays.
While working, a librarian said he sounded like a Unitarian. Thereafter, he took the Greyhound Bus to Birmingham for Sunday services. At least once, the door was locked because of a KKK bomb threat in the integration era. In 1972, he received his Bachelor of Arts in Religion Studies from the University of Alabama. During the Vietnam era, he served in the U.S. Navy for ten months, so when John attended Woodstock, he had a buzz haircut. At Woodstock, John talked people down from bad LSD trips.
After being taught by Murray Bookchin in New York City, he attended Drew Theological School in Madison NJ. He took courses in theology and philosophy and participated in student governance. After serving as youth adviser to the Liberal Religious Youth group at Morristown NJ Unitarian Fellowship, he married Irene Patricia Baros and moved to Syracuse NY. For the next ten years, he worked as Office Manager of the Syracuse Interreligious Council, as the intern minister/custodian of the local May Memorial Unitarian Society, as a psychiatric counselor, and as a computer consultant.
Throughout these years, he met frequently with area Unitarian ministers. In 1987, he went to Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago. He completed the requirements for a Master of Divinity degree in 1990 and earned his D.Min. in 1991. His dissertation is titled: “Faith’s Body: A Hermeneutic Examination of Recent UU Theology.” Later he wrote a “Philosophical Autobiography.” The poetic “Faith is a Thinking” was revised and became “Meditations II: Liturgical Elements for a Thoughtful Faith (1997).”
Rev. Dr. Baros-Johnson was ordained by the May Memorial Unitarian Society of Syracuse NY on September 16, 1990. As intern minister in Portland OR he traveled to Atlanta GA to deliver the eulogy for his brother Richard Stoneyton-Reed Johnson who died in a motorcycle accident. Richard was press adviser to Coretta Scott King and the eulogy was delivered at the Ebenezer Baptist Church.
From 1991 to 1992, he served as a part-time minister to the UU Fellowship of Fredericksburg VA, and the Jenkins UU Fellowship, VA. For the Fredericksburg congregation, he conducted Sunday worship services, organized adult education groups on UU History, initiated Long Range Planning Committee, and conducted the congregational goal-setting workshop. He led a workshop on “Raising UU Children” and supported and encouraged a new choir. At the Jenkins Fellowship, he worked to explore improvements in race relations.
Rev. Dr. Baros-Johnson was an interim minister for the UU Church of Augusta GA for two years (1992–1994). During his tenure, he worked to strengthen Adult Education programs on World Religion, Christian Scriptures, Ethics, and Comparative Religion. He produced the “Unitarian Universalist Radio Hour” for local broadcast, encouraged a Long Range Planning Committee, initiated the Children’s Choir, worked with the pledge campaign, performed at pledge campaign dinners, and supported LGBTQ+ organizations. He met with Baptist ministers, encouraging interracial discussions.
During interim ministry in Yakima WA (1996–1997), he reoriented the Worship committee to try out alternative services and encouraged innovation and experimentation in other church committees. He also revitalized adult education and youth programs. With his encouragement for the expansion of lay leadership and alternative styles of lay leadership, the church showed very healthy dynamics and a good balance of listening and doing.
In 1997, he accepted a call from the UU Church of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, where he would serve until 2006. His tenure included introducing the annual Thanksgiving meal, topical programs, and helping start the Afterchoir band, which plays at some church services and memorials.
Rev. Dr. Baros-Johnson encouraged the spiritual growth and sensitivity of each of the members of the congregation that he served. He strongly supported denominational activities both through personal participation and by encouraging church members to attend. He served on the Meadville Lombard Philosofest Committee (1990–1991) and was a member of the St. Lawrence District UUMA and the UU Ministers of Canada. John delivered the 2003 Confluence Lecture at the Canadian Unitarian Council’s Annual Meeting in Winnipeg Manitoba, titled “A Thoughtful Faith; Understanding UUism as a Faith Tradition.”
In community, John served as Chairman of the Parents’ Advisory Committee of Bright Horizons Learning, Center, Williamsburg VA (1991–1992); as an associate chaplain at the Eastern State Hospital, VA (1991); and as a board member and secretary of the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Society of Augusta GA (1993–1994). As a Fellow of the Medical College of Georgia, he was one of the authors of a medical ethics book. In Halifax, he was a member of the South End Clergy and gained respect as Coordinator of the Interfaith Council.
In his spare time, he enjoyed chess, Go, table tennis, pool, guitar, electric bass, drumming, and computers. He retired because of early onset dementia.
John is survived by his wife Irene and son Nicholas. A memorial service was held on Saturday, December 10, 2022, at the UU Church of Halifax NS, Canada.
Donations in John’s memory can be sent to the endowment fund of the UU Church of Halifax, 5500 Inglis Street, Halifax NS, Canada, B3H 1J8, or sent by e-transfer to treasurer@uuch.ca. Notes of condolence can be sent to Irene Baros-Johnson, 985-2313 Gottingen Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, B3K 3B8.
The Rev. Sue M. Turner died on October 31, 2022, at the age of 82.
Sue was born on May 18, 1940, in Jamestown, NY to Louis L. Turner and Ruby Turner. She was the second of three sisters. Her childhood experience included walking in the woods, planting trees with the Girls Scouts, and picking wild strawberries in the early morning with her mom. She attended the American Baptist church with her parents as a child and then a Methodist church as a teenager.
Sue received her Bachelor of Science in Home Economics in 1962 following which she taught Junior High School Home Economics until 1966. She then dedicated herself full-time as a homemaker and as a mother of her three daughters. During this time, she found the Jefferson Unitarian Church in Golden, CO, and involved herself in the religious education program, conducting children’s worship, leading singing, and social action. She also continued her graduate degree and earned her Master of Education from Antioch College, OH (1975). Following graduation, Sue worked as an instructor of political science at the Community College of Denver, CO.
Soon after, she began to search for religious value and spiritual strength. Her involvement in the life of the Jefferson Church allowed her to begin a formal process of recognizing her emerging theology. She developed a deep abiding interest and passion for the Unitarian movement, served a term as President, and was a member of their Ministerial Search Committee. She also got involved with the churches in the district and realized that serving Unitarian Universalism as a professional leader would be the best opportunity to live her life. With this call, she entered the Iliff School of Theology, CO, and earned her Master of Divinity in 1983.
Rev. Turner was ordained by her home congregation, the Jefferson Unitarian Church in CO, on December 4, 1983, where she served as minister-at-large from 1983 to 1987. Unique about her ministry at the Jefferson congregation was its project orientation. Rev. Turner associated herself with the Foundation for Urban and Neighborhood Development, a non-profit organization with a history of structural social change and the mitigation of social impacts in the western United States and Pacific Basin. Her ministry dealt with the creation of structural social change which enhanced personal power enabling people to discover their options and strengths through the active process of dealing with their vulnerability. In addition to the benefits of projects of this at-large ministry, Rev. Turner supported the church’s work by creating a network of people working together to support Unitarian and Universalist principles and purpose in the non-UU community.
Following Jefferson Unitarian Church, Rev. Turner served as a district executive for the Mountain Desert District, Boulder, CO (1987-1994), and a district consultant for the Ohio-Meadville District, Akron, OH (1994-1998). She was creative, collaborative, and a contributor to open and constructive communication developing healthy functioning Districts.
After eleven years in denominational district work, Rev. Turner served as an interim minister to the following congregations: Woodinville UU Church, WA (1998-1999); Saltwater UU Church, WA (1999-2000); the UU Church of the Lehigh Valley, PA (2000-2002); the UU Congregation at Willamette Falls, OR (2002-2003); and the UU Congregation of Rockville, MD (2003-2005). Her interim works were a complementarity of congregational goals and organizational structures. She brought into her ministry highly developed skills in organizational development. Subsequently, Rev. Turner provided her interim services to the First UU Church of Rochester, MN (2005-2006); the UU Church of Cheyenne, WY (2006-2007); and the UU Metro Atlanta North Congregation, Roswell, GA (2008-2009), before her retirement on August 1, 2009.
Rev. Turner’s ministry was aimed at raising the dignity of people in communities which were made vulnerable by societal change. Her holistic, inclusive approach to life was healing and energizing to all those who experienced her. She could identify the spiritual dimensions of the grittiest and most political dimensions of social service and social justice work.
She was deeply involved denominationally, participating at the Mountain Desert District (MDD) Leadership Weekend, and serving as Vice President of the district UUMA chapter. She supported the UU Women’s Federation and the UU Metro Denver Urban Coalition, as well as MDD efforts.
In her spare time, Sue loved tending the garden, spending time with her family and friends, and being involved in her community. She was a frequent visitor to the saltwater pool at the Great Sand Dunes. She was a gifted musician and a singer.
Sue is survived by her two daughters, Teresa Kent Zink (Michael) and Mary Kent (Quince Rickard); five grandchildren, Skyler Clark, Henry Zink, Lilly Clark, Anna Zink, and Turner Rickard; and her two sisters, Anne Huffman, and Sally Furman. She was preceded in death by her youngest daughter, Jane Kent Clark.
A celebration of life will be held on July 1, 2023, at the Jefferson Unitarian Church in Golden, CO. (Anyone interested in attending can contact Teresa Kent Zink at teresa.zink@gmail.com).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Southern Poverty Law Center, the World Wildlife Fund, or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Notes of condolence can be sent to Teresa Zink, 115 Biddle Rd., Paoli, PA 19301 or emailed to this address: teresa.zink@gmail.com.
The Rev. Kathryn “Kathie” Davis Thomas died on October 14, 2022, at the age of 78.
Kathie was born on January 3, 1944, in Wilmington DE to William (Bill) and Grace. She was the middle of three girls. The First Unitarian Church of Wilmington was the center of her family’s social life. Kathie grew up participating in the social action projects of the church, played her flute at services on Sundays, and attended Unitarian events at Rowe Camp, Star Island, and youth conferences. She often spoke at Youth Sundays.
Kathie was a passionate learner. She did well in school and was always given responsibilities, such as teaching classes for younger grades. In 1965, she graduated from Mount Holyoke College, MA with her Bachelor of Arts in Zoology following which she received her Master of Arts in Teaching (Biology,1966) from Johns Hopkins University, MD. After completing her master’s degree, she worked as a high school biology teacher for three years, as a parenting instructor for 15 years, and then as a classroom management instructor for four years.
In 1987, she decided to become Director of Religious Education at the First Unitarian Church of Wilmington. Kathie had done intense work at the church over the years and wanted to deepen her spiritual journey. The lifetime of support, loving guidance, and experiences in that church led her to the decision to become an ordained minister. Following this call, she earned her Master of Divinity from Lancaster Theological Seminary, PA in 1996.
She served the Wilmington church as a DRE for six years and then became their student minister, still holding the RE portfolio and adding preaching, counseling, and leadership of special projects. She was involved in policy discussions and other significant decisions in the life of the congregation.
Rev. Thomas was ordained on April 22, 1996, by the church in which she grew up, First Unitarian Society of Wilmington, DE. She served her first ordained ministry at the UU Fellowship of Harford County, Churchville MD (1996–1998). She worked to strengthen the Committee on Ministry and put clear policies in place. During her tenure, the church grew from 100 adult members and 70 children/youth to 167 adult members and 100 children/youth.
From 1998 to 1999, Rev. Thomas served the Cedar Lane UU Church, Bethesda MD as an interim associate minister. At Cedar Lane, she supervised and trained the pastoral associates, provided ministerial pastoral care, and instituted a covenanting process for the ministers, the Board, and the committees.
At the Main Line Unitarian Church, Devon PA (1999–2001), Rev. Thomas oversaw the Lifespan Religious Education program and worked to empower, train, and support the committees and teachers. Likewise, during her ministry at the First Unitarian Society of Plainfield NJ (2001–2003), she helped with the structural changes to the organization of committees and provided insights on needed changes. She shared her knowledge of managing conflict with the congregation and helped develop healthy responses to conflict and crises. She also contributed significantly to the Adult RE program, RE committee, music program, and other program areas for members of all ages. The congregation grew in all aspects of church life.
Rev. Thomas’ talent, creativity, energy, and compassion helped congregations during periods of major transition. She was exceptional in her conflict management skills and elevated the congregations to a level of harmony and growth. She provided good sermons; her worship services were thematically diverse with music integrated effectively, a good balance between ritual and intellect, and emphasized meditation. Her deep sense of religious connection inspired children, youth, and adults.
Rev. Thomas was active in the denomination serving on the board of Murray Grove Camp and Conference Center (NJ). She was Vice President of the UUMA-PK Minister’s Chapter (2000–2001).
In addition to her ministry and denominational work, she served the community as President of the Cherrington Civic Association, DE (1986–1990) and as a Program Chair of the Delaware Valley Religious Educators (1988–1994). She wrote and edited “A Prayer Book” a collection of prayers for children and was a contributor to REACH (Religious Education Clearing House).
In her leisure time, Kathie enjoyed music (playing flute, singing, and listening), nature and biology, walking, reading, swimming, beachcombing, sailing, sewing and needlework, travel, theatre, and movies. Her daughter Karin shared, “My mother was always surrounded by music and her love of telling children?s stories.”
Kathie is survived by her daughters, Dr. Karin E. Thomas, and Dr. Kristin “Kris” T. Nagy; husband, Daniel; granddaughter, Elise; sister, Margaret D. Porter and husband James Porter; niece, Susan Smith; and nephew Richard Strand, Jr.; grand-nieces; grand-nephews; and a grand-grand-nephew. She was preceded in death by her sister, Virginia Davis Strand.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at the First Unitarian Church of Wilmington, 730 Halstead Road, Wilmington DE 19803.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the First Unitarian Church of Wilmington with “In Memory of Rev. Kathryn D. Thomas” in the memo. Contributions will go to the children and youth religious education program at the church. Condolence cards may be sent to Schoenberg Memorial Chapel, 519 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington DE 19809.
The Rev. Dr. Bruce C. Clear died on October 9, 2022, at the age of 72.
Bruce was born on June 9, 1950, in Anderson IN, to Dr. Val B. Clear and Evelyn R. Clear. He was raised in a devoutly Christian family which regularly attended the Church of God (Anderson IN). As a youth, Bruce felt at home in the church and fully expected that the church would become a major part of his life. He was always interested in religion and missionaries. Over time, he grew apart intellectually and doctrinally from the church he was raised. When he went to college, he discovered a Unitarian Universalist church. This discovery made him feel that he could reclaim his childhood and youthful devotion feeling religiously and intellectually at home.
In 1972, Bruce graduated from Anderson College, IN with a double major in political science and history following which he received his Master of Arts in Political Science (1974) from Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. From 1974 to 1979, he worked for the Library of Congress in Washington, DC, doing research for the Congregational Research Service and then as a Public Information Specialist for the U.S Copyright Office.
After his work at the Library of Congress, Bruce developed a desire to work closely with people in a religious setting and decided to devote his life to liberal religion in the form of the Unitarian Universalist ministry. Following this call, he earned his Master of Arts in Religion from the University of Chicago in 1981 and a Doctor of Ministry from Meadville Lombard Theological School in 1983.
Rev. Dr. Clear was ordained jointly by the Michael Servetus Fellowship of Vancouver (now the UU Church of Vancouver) WA, and the Eastrose Fellowship of Portland OR on November 26, 1983. He served as an extension minister to his ordaining congregations from 1983 to 1986. (Neither had ever had a minister in their 30 year histories.)
Rev. Clear served three-quarter time in Vancouver and a quarter time at Eastrose. He knew both congregations well, was caring and understanding, and especially supportive of people in crisis. By the end of his three-year commitment, Vancouver nearly doubled in size, and Eastrose had a half-time minister. In 1986, Vancouver called him to a full-time ministry. Under his ministry, the congregation grew rapidly, eventually leading to a new church building.
In 1993, he accepted a call from All Souls Unitarian Church, Indianapolis IN, where he served until 2011. During his tenure, he helped with the Welcoming Congregation process and Green Sanctuary certification. He also strongly supported the music program.
Rev. Dr. Clear was a highly motivated minister who had a natural leadership ability that could be felt. He established a feeling of at-homeness among members and prospective members of the congregation. He could relate well to a diversity of people. His sermons challenged the members, individually and collectively, to reflect consciously on their lives.
Rev. Dr. Bruce’s denominational work included serving on the Executive Board of the UU Ministers Association (1991–1993). He taught at the Pacific Northwest District (PNWD) Leadership School, including two Advanced Schools (Worship and Congregation as Family Systems) and three years of Basic School. He was Good Offices Person for the PNWD UU Ministers Association and served as “minister to ministers” in difficult times. He was invited to preach at the 1991 PNWD Annual Meeting in Kelowna BC.
He wrote on issues such as censorship in schools, religion and state, Nicaragua, free speech, and reproductive rights. The UUA Department of Ministry published his essay on church conflict, “What I Have Learned about Churches and Ministers as Good Offices Person.”
In addition to his ministry and denominational services, Bruce was an outspoken community advocate for progressive and humanitarian causes. He served as a secretary of the Vancouver Association of Churches (1988–91) and as President of the Southwest Washington American Civil Liberties Union (1989–1991). In his leisure time, he enjoyed skiing, playing guitar, and learning about and listening to music. He also loved traveling and had a deep interest in other cultures.
Bruce is survived by his spouse Nancy Renner; brothers, Scott Clear and Todd Clear; son Cameron Clear; stepdaughter Carly Wise; and stepsons: Edward Kennedy, Gregory Kennedy, and Shane Kennedy. He was preceded in death by his stepdaughter Kelsey Kennedy.
A memorial service was held on October 15, 2022, at the Glacier Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1515 Trumble Creek Rd, Kalispell MT 59901. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Trinity Haven. Notes of condolences can be written to Cameron Clear: cameronclear@yahoo.com.
The Rev. Helen “Christine” Brownlie died on September 15, 2022, at the age of 75.
Chris was born on August 24, 1947, in Dearborn MI to Robert Lesman and Helen Chervinsky. She attended Lutheran, Presbyterian, and Methodist churches during childhood and early adolescence. Church had always been an important influence and source of solace in her life. Over time, Chris felt uncomfortable with many of the doctrines and creeds. Once she attended college, she discovered a Unitarian Church. This discovery was a wonderful relief for her as she found a place where she could feel both comfortable and challenged by the teachings, she encountered each week.
Chris received her Bachelor of Arts in 1970 from the New School for Social Research, NY. Thereafter, she worked full-time as a medical social worker and part-time as a Director of Religious Education (DRE) at the First Jefferson Church, Fort Worth TX (1984–1997). While a DRE, she led a process resulting in the adoption of a congregational policy for staff and volunteers who worked with youth. In 1997, she graduated from Brite Divinity School, TX with her Master of Divinity.
Rev. Brownlie was ordained on October 25, 1998, by the First Jefferson Church in Fort Worth. From 1998 to 1999, she served the UU Fellowship of Montgomery AL as an interim minister. The fellowship was in the early stages of the canvass and Rev. Brownlie took an active part in the planning process with the Finance Committee. She worked closely with the Ministerial Search Committee and prepared the fellowship to welcome a full-time minister. Furthermore, she encouraged children’s participation in worship services and was very effective in counseling those in distress, ill, and the aged.
In 1999, Rev. Brownlie accepted a call from the UU Congregation, Blacksburg VA where she served until 2011. She guided and supported the work of the board and committees and helped the congregation develop a sense of vision and purpose. The congregation showed great improvement under her leadership, particularly in the areas of welcoming, sense of community, and integrating new members. Under her leadership, the RE program grew tremendously; she was very dedicated to the children and presented meaningful adult RE offerings. In 2011, the congregation honored her as minister emerita.
Rev. Brownlie’s denominational work included serving as a chaplain for the Southwest District YRUU camp (1996). She facilitated numerous workshops for the Southwest District R.E conference and the RE development program at the district Summer Institute. Moreover, she was a member of the Southwest District RE Committee (1990–1995), UUMA, and LREDA.
Through her sermons, Rev. Brownlie encouraged, challenged, and guided both the congregation and individuals to be active seekers of truth, goodness, and understanding. She was a friend to the congregants, whatever their age and circumstance; she stood with them in times of grief, celebrated in times of joy; and provided a steady source of care and encouragement throughout. She knew the congregation well and addressed people with relevance to their lives, was very attentive to being available, and created a welcoming environment.
Additionally, Chris’ involvement in the community and her leadership in addressing social justice concerns were remarkable. She served on the advisory council of Planned Parenthood of Blue Ridge VA, sat on the board of Court Appointed Special Advocated (CASA), and was active with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She volunteered for Hospice West and delivered meals for Meals on Wheels, both in Tuscaloosa AL (1997–1998). In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, gardening, sewing, walking, music, and various crafts.
Her son Colin shared, “I remember in high school, when my mom was driving my friends and me somewhere, listening to the radio when a Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young song came on the radio. My mom and I sang along together, not caring that anyone else was listening to us.”
Her son Matthew noted, “Some parents make unconditional love look easy. My mom did. Her love for her two sons was as predictable and consistent as air or sky. What I really learned from my mom is that this steadfast, predictable, unconditional love is not to be reserved for your children, or your family, or friends, or immediate community. This kind of love becomes a practice, and this practice can and should be applied to everything. Whatever you encounter: you don’t have to like it, but you can try to love it.”
Her sister Diane shared, “Chris was the first of four daughters, and we would all agree that even as a young child she was serious, an avid reader, and purpose-driven; as her sisters, we didn’t understand that part until we were older. When she announced her decision to become a member of the clergy, this seemed a fit. Attending her ordination was a moment in time when she was truly joyous.”
Christine is survived by husband Russell Flack of Radford VA; sons Matthew Brownlie of Houston TX and Colin Brownlie of Hanoi, Vietnam; and sisters Diane Lesman of Rougemont NC, Claudia Boysen of Eden Prairie MN, and Vicki Estrem of Edina MN.
A memorial service was held on October 8, 2022, at the UU Congregation, Blacksburg VA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to a charity of one’s own choosing. Notes of condolences can be written to Russell Flack at 1307 Tyler Avenue, Radford VA 24141.
The Rev. David P. Keyes died on September 13, 2022, at the age of 77.
David was born on January 21, 1945, in Kansas City MO to G.J. Keyes and Carolyn Keyes Ellis. He spent his childhood years in Kansas City and Gallatin MO, mostly with his grandparents. His own Parish Minister, Dr. Jack Wilson (Baptist) was a strong role model for him. David led his high school church youth group but soon became alienated by small-mindedness and began wandering. He could no longer stand the Baptist literalism; in 1960,he joined All Souls Church in Kansas City. (Dr. Wilson later became an Episcopalian.) From the first Sunday at the Kansas City church, David felt that the Unitarians took him in and showed a larger world, one filled with tolerance, new ideas, and a love of knowledge, art, culture, and music. He felt a sense of gratitude and a sense of belonging.
Shortly after joining All Souls, he was off to the University of Missouri, graduating with his Bachelor of Science in Education (1966) and earning a Master of Arts in Journalism (1971). He worked for fifteen years as a teacher, journalist, editor, and public relations executive before following his call to ministry. In 1985, he received his Master of Divinity from Starr King School for the Ministry. In 1997, he earned his Doctorate in Ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary. His doctoral dissertation is titled: “Global Partnership: Mission and Identity for Congregations.”
Rev. Dr. Keyes was ordained on May 5, 1985, by All Souls in New York. He served his first settled ministry at the First Parish Church in Taunton MA (1986–1987). His ministry marked significant gains in membership, Sunday attendance, Church School enrollment, and pledge income. He organized a youth group and choir and initiated a long-range planning process.
From 1987 to 1988, Rev. Dr. Keyes was an interim minister at Boise UU Fellowship, ID. He developed a program that led to the construction of a new church building. Next, Rev. Dr. Keyes served his second settled ministry at the Skyline Community Church, Oakland CA (1990-1994). He helped rebuild the Religious Education program and provided leadership for several community programs, including tutoring and violence prevention. All his subsequent ministries were interim, while he maintained his home in San Francisco.
At the Congregational Community Church in Sunnyvale CA (1995–1997), Rev. Dr. Keyes helped the congregation to turn itself around and learn to trust. The pledging doubled in his first year and the congregation became a full-service church. The UU Fellowship of Santa Cruz County, CA (1997–1998) widely appreciated Rev. Dr. Keyes for his courage in naming conflictual congregational issues and creating the necessary congregational momentum and structures to address them.
Likewise, Rev. Dr. Keyes guided the UU Church Davis, CA (1998–2000) through the interim tasks. He was very diligent in pastoral care and reimagined church governance adopting a modified version of the John Carver Model. He provided valuable insight, advice, and necessary goading to All Souls Church Unitarian, Washington DC (2000–2001). He reorganized lay leadership that had drifted, worked with lay leaders to reshape church governance, and tackled an array of programs including a declining church school.
Subsequently, he served the First Unitarian Church of Rochester NY (2002–2003) and made significant progress in the exploration of new models of governance, initiation of a small group ministry program, and a major overhaul of the canvass.
From 2003 to 2004, Rev. Dr. Keyes served the Neighborhood UU Church of Pasadena CA and then the UU Congregation of Atlanta GA from 2005 to 2007. At the Atlanta congregation, he elevated the needs of Youth Religious Education (YRE), encouraged YRE to be more vocal about its needs, and advocated strongly for them during the search process for a new minister. He did it in a way that strengthened the connection between YRE and leadership. Thereafter, he provided his interim services to the following congregations: the First UU Congregation of Ann Arbor MI (2007–2008); the First UU Church of Houston TX (2008–2010); Eliot Unitarian Chapel, MO (2010–2012); the UU Church of Arlington VA (2012–2014) and Foothills Unitarian Church, Fort Collins CO (2014–2015). He retired in 2016.
Rev. Dr. Keyes’ mission in ministry was to strengthen congregations in times of transition. In every interim ministry position he held, he made notable progress in raising awareness of the importance of R.E., recruiting teachers from a wider cross-section of the congregation, and having children and youth be more visible in worship. He encouraged and empowered new lay leadership. In 1998 he earned the Accredited Interim Minister (AIM) designation. He was also a marvelous preacher and brought a depth of faith rooted in the history and traditions of the church.
Rev. Dr. Keyes served as an associate faculty of Starr King School for the Ministry (1991–2002). In 1993, he spent his sabbatical leave among Unitarians of Hungary and Transylvania lecturing on UU history and theology at the seminary in Kolozsvar, Transylvania. He was also active in international church relations, visiting congregations in Hungary, India, and the Philippines.
In addition, he was the Founding President of Project Harvest Hope, a UUA-affiliated foundation for economic justice and development (1995–2001) and was President of the UUMA Pacific Central District Chapter (1997–1998). He was a trainer of interim ministers of the UUA (1999–2003) and chaired the UUA Interim Ministry Steering Committee (2001–2002). In 1997, he delivered the Minns Lecture titled, “A Global Vision for Unitarian Universalism,” out of which came his book “Most Like an Arch: Building Global Church Partnerships.” In 2013, the UU Partner Church Council awarded Rev. Dr. Keyes the Louis C. Cornish Living the Mission Award for Outstanding Contribution to International Partnership.
In the community, David served as a Disaster Service Volunteer for the American Red Cross; a founder of the Oakland Coalition of Congregations Violence Prevention Project (1993). In his leisure time, he enjoyed baseball, opera, and hiking.
David is survived by his wife of 52 years, Judy Droz Keyes, their daughter Tracy Droz Tragos, son-in-law Christian Tragos, and grandchildren Charlotte and Sam Tragos; his daughter Tanya Mackenzie, son-in-law Ian Mackenzie, and grandchildren Ian and David Graham, and Leah Patrick; and his son Paul Keyes and daughter-in-law Christina Keyes.
A memorial service was held on Thursday, November 3, 2022, at Grace Cathedral, 1100 California St, San Francisco CA 94108. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to WRAAP, 2633 Lincoln Blvd., #338, Santa Monica CA 90405, or to a similar organization. Notes of condolences can be written HERE
The Rev. charles “charlie” g. kast died on July 18, 2022, at the age of 81.
charlie is survived by his sisters and his loving friends and colleagues.
A celebration of charlie’s life was held on Saturday, August 20, at 11:00 am at the Community Church of Chapel Hill, Unitarian Universalist, 106 Purefoy Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.
Memorial gifts may be made to the National LGBTQ Task Force, P.O. Box 96415, Washington, DC 20077-9763. Notes of condolences can be sent to the Community Church of Chapel Hill, Unitarian Universalist (address above).
TheRev. Jack Young died on August 17, 2022, at the age of 89 (1933-2022).
Jack is survived by his wife Diane Bates; his children: Sidney Young (Linda), Scott Young, and Anne-Bates-Young; stepchildren: Jennifer Bates, and Nicholas Bates (Diana); grandchildren: Andrew, Meghan (Paul Finizio), Bryan (Alicia), Nico, Isabella, and Olivera; as well as great grandchildren: Maia, Otto, Kaylee, and Madison. He was predeceased by his parents Irene Louise McGill and Frank M Young, and his sister Joanne Watkins.
A memorial service is being planned. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Association. Notes of condolence can be sent to Diane Bates, 7105 White Ridge Lane, Fairfax Station, VA 22039.
A more complete obituary will be forthcoming after biographical research has been completed.
