In Memoriam
This list commemorates clergy who have served within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada and is updated as we receive news.
2025
Rev. Harold Wayne Fevens
Wayne is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Deborah (Murphy); sons, Dustin Wayne, Matthew Shawn (Joanne), Jonathan Dale (Suzi), and Christopher James Archibald (Nasil); and cherished grandchildren, Archer, Max, Cole, and Noah.
Wayne is also survived by his brother, Dale (Stephanie) Fevens, sister, Nancy (Warren) Fitzgerald and brother-in-law, Robert Gates; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family including Debbie’s sisters and brother-in-law.
Wayne and Deborah were also parents to Joshua Andrew, who passed away at birth, a loss they carried with love and faith throughout their lives; and he was predeceased by his sister, Deanna Gates.
A devoted minister for 47 years, Wayne served at churches across Nova Scotia and Newfoundland before becoming Regional Minister for Southwest, NS. Post-retirement, he continued preaching with joy.
Wayne loved classic cars, sports, Star Wars, and playing guitar. His travels took him around the globe, but his heart was always with his family and faith.
Wayne’s favourite verse, Jeremiah 29:11, reflects his steadfast devotion: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
In accordance with Wayne’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 18, 2025 in the Avonport Baptist Church, Avonport, Kings Co., with a reception to follow. Rev. Dr. Harry Gardner and Rev. Dr. Steven Hopper officiating. For those unable to attend, a video webcast will be available on-line on Sunday, January 19. Donations in memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia, Avonport Baptist Church or the Canadian Baptist Ministries. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. To view the video webcast, for online condolences and inquiries please visit: www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.
2024
Rev. Kevin Mahoney
Pastor Kevin P. Mahoney went home to be with his Lord on December 21st, 2024 at the Moncton Hospital surrounded by his family.
Kevin is survived and sadly missed by his soulmate and wife, Nancy (Crozier) Mahoney, his children: Keri (Graham) Hicks, Christina Mahoney and Jaclyn (Cheikh) Samba; his grandchildren: Lexi, Abby, Zeyna and Sophie; his brothers: Dan (Myrtle), Darrell (Trevor), Kenneth and Mark (Kim); his sister, Karen (Brian) Mollins and several nieces, nephews and extended family.
Kevin was predeceased by his parents, Reginald & Dorothy Mahoney and his sister, Charlene Sonier.
Born in Campbellton and moved to Riverview, Kevin had several jobs. With a wife and three small children, he enrolled at Atlantic Baptist College to prepare for ministry. Kevin served in several Baptist Churches in New Brunswick and preached through his battle with Cancer until November at the Portage Vale Baptist Church. Kevin was known for his beautiful smile, sense of humor, incredible faith and love for his precious family and friends. He loved sitting at the fire pit, creating with wood, walking in the rain, trips to Fundy, but mostly for spending time with his family, especially at Christmas. He was a gifted, loving and caring Pastor. He laughed, cried, grieved and rejoiced with his church families. Kevin will be missed immensely and always in our Hearts.
The family would like to express a sincere thank you to the Staff at the Moncton Hospital ICU unit, Dr. Jamie Stewart, Dr. Bakinisi and the hundreds of people who prayed diligently for him and our family.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Salisbury Funeral Home, 506-372-4800, from where visitation will be held on Friday, December 27th from 10:00am until time of the Funeral Service beginning at 11:00am. The Interment will take place in the Portage Vale Cemetery at a later date.
– Safe in the Arms of Jesus –
Marilyn Joanne Smith
Marilyn Joanne Smith passed away peacefully at Abbie J. Lane Memorial in Halifax, Nova Scotia on December 5, 2024. Marilyn is survived by her brother Rick and her nephew and nieces Shane, Suzanne, Sara and their families. She is predeceased by her mother Evelyn and her father Murray.
Marilyn was born in Freeport, NS and grew up in Port La Tour. She attended high school in Barrington Passage and completed a B.Sc. in Home Economics Education at Mount St. Vincent University and an M.A. in Christian Ministry from Wheaton Graduate School.
Between 1972 and 1978 Marilyn taught school in several places including Lethbridge, AB and Chester and Dartmouth, NS. She also became a Minister of Christian Education at First Baptist Church in Dartmouth.
Marilyn led a life of service. Most notably, she worked in Kenya with the Canadian Baptist Overseas Mission Board for close to a decade. There she taught at the Girls’ Secondary School and Divinity School in Mitaboni and later the Multipurpose School in Machakos. Her role was to equip her students to teach each other.
In 1990 Marilyn returned to Canada where she worked for the United Baptist Woman’s Missionary Union of the Atlantic Provinces. And, in 1994 she joined the Canadian Baptist Ministries in Mississauga, ON as Executive Director of International Relief and Development and later Social Justice which required a considerable amount of international travel.
Before retiring in 2008, Marilyn moved back to Nova Scotia to be with her elderly mother. Returning to her home province also gave her the opportunity to do the lighthouse tours that she loved and to experience the sounds and sights of the ocean. In her later years Marilyn was welcomed into the Fellowship of the Anglican Communion and she became very involved in the Church of Saint Andrew in Cole Harbour.
Marilyn’s family would like to sincerely thank everyone who spent time with her in her final days. It is immensely appreciated.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sharing Way of Canadian Baptist Ministries or to the Anglican Church of St. Andrew in Cole Harbour.
A Celebration of Life will take place on March 1, 2025 at: Anglican Church of Saint Andrew
https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/coleharbour/obituaries/marilyn-joanne-smith/133432.html
Rev. Glenn Alfred Gray
Rev. Glenn Alfred Gray (74) was born in Windsor, Nova Scotia on June 10, 1950 to Thomas and Cora (Upshaw) Gray. He passed peacefully on Friday December 6, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Kathy (States) Gray.
He is also survived by his children, Glenn Jr (Natasha), Camille (Brian) Carter, Dallas (Kelly), and Jamall (Jennifer) as well as his 10 beloved grandchildren:
Braden & Rylan, Kya & Caris, Savannah, Teagan & Autumn, Michael, Justin & Nathan.
Glenn leaves behind his sisters, Florence Walker, Portia States, Marjorie Ackerson; brothers, Kenneth (Sharon), Clyde Sr. (Evelyn), Harley (Juanita), Martin (Linda), Leslie and Anthony (Jackie) as well as several in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
Aside from his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Thomas and Stewart; sisters, Joan States, Beulah States, and Karen.
Glenn graduated in 1970 with his carpentry Diploma from Hants Community Vocational, Windsor (NS), and his Journeyman papers in 1974 from George Brown College (ON). He answered the call into Christian Ministry in 1980, receiving his Bachelor of Theology Degree from Acadia Divinity College in 1983 and was ordained in September 1984 at Acaciaville United Baptist Church.
Glenn went on to serve many congregations: Acaciaville United Baptist Church, Digby (NS), Pennfield/Pocologan United Baptist Churches (NB), East Preston United Baptist Church (NS). He founded New Beginnings Ministries, Cherry Brook in 1998, from which he retired in 2012. He also provided leadership in a variety of roles such as past moderator of Halifax Regional United Baptist Association and RCMP Chaplain, Cole Harbour, etc.
Glenn had a great sense of humor and quick wit – he always had a comeback. His life was a demonstration of Jesus commandment: Love one another as I have loved you. He was an absolute diehard Toronto Maple Leaf’s Fan. His favorite saying: Never wanted to be a millionaire, just wanted to live like one-and that he did.
The Family wishes to thank the staff and physicians of Dartmouth General, Palliative Care, and all members of his medical care team. Donations can be made to New Beginnings Ministries or the Canadian Cancer Society.
A visitation will be hosted at Atlantic Funeral Home, 771 Main St., Dartmouth on December 15 from 6-9 pm. Home Going Service at New Beginnings Ministries, 26 Cherry Brook Rd. on December 16 at 1 pm with internment and repast to immediately follow at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made by visiting the Dartmouth chapel at www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com
https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/atlantic-dartmouth/obituaries/rev-glenn-alfred-gray/133554.html
REV. JOHN Edwin DUNNETT
1959-2024
Rev. John Dunnett passed away peacefully alongside his family in New Glasgow, NS on December 4th, 2024. In life, John liked many things, but the list of things he loved is as concise as it is passionate. John loved baseball, Strat-O-Matic, and the Montreal Expos and Canadiens. John loved people and had a special place in his heart for his family and friends. John loved his two kids and made sure that everyone he talked to knew how proud he was of the young man and woman they had become, and the “bonus kids” that they had chosen to share their lives with. Above all these things, John adored his wife. He set the standard of what to expect in a husband for Sarah, and what to strive for as a husband and father for Ben and made sure that not a day went by where Marilyn did not hear a “Have I told you lately, how much I love you” in his off pitch singing voice. He took the command to love your wife as Christ loved the church seriously, consistently putting his wife first just to see her smile.
But the thing that John loved the most in life was Jesus and wanted to make sure that all of his interactions with people, both in life and in death, pointed them towards Him. After telling God the one thing he wouldn’t become was a pastor, God made it clear that he was wrong and “ruggedly independent”. John went on to spend his life dedicated to service and pastoral ministry across Atlantic Canada. Shortly after his passing, messages began to flood in about a life well lived, with a common theme: When people thought of John, they thought of Jesus. “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:21
John joins his parents Edgar and Barbara (Hosford) Dunnett, and father-in-law Gerald Steeves in the presence of the Lord. He is loved and will be greatly missed by his wife, Marilyn (Steeves) and his two children, Benjamin (Savannah) and Sarah (Raphael). He is also survived by siblings, Sandra, Paul (Lisa) and David; his stepmother, Judy; his mother-in-law, Ruth (Reginald) Steeves; sisters-and-brothers-in-law, Tammy (Mark) MacDonald, Duane (Suzanne) Steeves and Vicki (Bradley) Buchanan; and several nieces and nephews.
“We do not mourn like those who have no hope, for we believe that Jesus has died and rose again.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
Visitation will take place in both New Glasgow, NS and Moncton, NB. The New Glasgow visitation will take place at P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home on Sunday, December 8 from 2-4 p.m. with the Moncton visitation following on December 12 from 7-9 p.m. at Hillside Church, in the care of Fergusons Funeral Home. The funeral will take place at Hillside Church on December 13 at 1 p.m.. Interment will take place in the Miramichi at a later date.
Donations may be made in memory of John to Hockey Ministries International.
https://pkmacdonald.ca/tribute/details/3945/Rev-John-Dunnett/obituary.html
REV. DR. HAROLD LOGAN MITTON
The Reverend Dr. Harold L. Mitton died peacefully on September 1, 2024, at home in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, at the age of 104 years. Son of Clifford and Eva Logan Mitton, he was born and grew up in Moncton, New Brunswick. After four years in business at Swift & Company following High School, he entered Acadia University and earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1944 and a Bachelor of Divinity in 1946. While at Acadia he was Editor of the Athenaeum, played Junior Rugby football, was Class Valedictorian and served as Field Secretary to President F. W. Patterson during summer recesses. In 1966, Acadia awarded him an Honorary Doctorate – at the time the youngest person ever to receive such honour.
Harold’s beloved wife and partner of 66 years, Marguerite, died in July 2010. He was predeceased by his older brother, Donald, in 2003. He is survived by his son Ronald (Susan) of Halifax, his daughter Ruth (Robert Clish) of Halifax, his grandchildren, Julia Mitton and John Mitton (Heather Moffatt), his great grandson, Benjamin John Mitton, three nephews and a niece residing in the U.S.
Following ordination in 1946, he served churches in Aylesford-Morristown, Windsor, N.S., Charlottetown, P.E.I., Fredericton, N.B., and Calgary, Alberta. In 1975, he was installed as Principal of Acadia Divinity College and Dean of Theology at Acadia University. Upon retirement in 1985, he was named Professor Emeritus and Director of Supervised Field Education, which position he held until 1991. Harold served as President of the Atlantic Baptist Convention, Vice-President of the Baptist Federation of Canada, on the Acadia University Board of Governors, and as a member of the University Senate.
Harold was a man of deep and abiding faith. His steady manner, depth of understanding, and pleasant mien revealed an inner strength, rooted in a faith that defined his life. Intellectually curious to the end, he spent countless hours reading, and was extremely well-read on a diverse range of subjects. He had a wonderful sense of humor and invariably included a witty story in his sermons and lectures. Well into retirement he enjoyed his routine of swimming and exercise at the Acadia Fitness Centre, attending lectures and sports events, and keeping in touch with his friends in Wolfville and beyond.
Together with Marguerite, he set an example when it came to giving to church and community with generous support to education, not-for-profit organizations, and charities, and was a lifelong supporter of Acadia University. He remained involved in the Wolfville Baptist Church, serving on committees, and participating quietly in pastoral work within the community. He will be remembered as a kind, considerate and compassionate man to all who knew him over a long life.
Harold was essentially a modest and private man yet had a full and distinguished life in church leadership and in the seminary. A compelling preacher, thoughtful teacher, able administrator, and devoted friend, Harold influenced many lives. He was an inspiration to, and enjoyed and cherished, his children, grandchildren, and great grandson, and they will miss his participation in their lives and his encouragement, guidance, and support.
To Denise Snyder and the staff at Wickwire Place, thank you for filling his final years with kindness and warmth. A special thank you to his friends Gale Colpitts, Penny Lakes, George Lohnes, Bill Storry, and others whose help and friendship he greatly appreciated.
A private cremation has taken place. The funeral service will be at Wolfville Baptist Church on Friday, September 20, 2024, at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Acadia Divinity College or to a charity of choice.
https://serenityfuneralhome.ca/tribute/details/9345/Harold-Mitton/obituary.html
Rev. John Eric Boyd
It is with great sadness that his family announces the sudden death of <strong>Rev. John Eric Boyd, age 74, at his home in Halifax, on Thursday, May 23rd, 2024.
Born in Windsor, Nova Scotia, John was the son of the late Eric and Margaret (Smith) Boyd. He was the eldest of eight children and graduated from Windsor Regional High School in 1968. He earned the degrees of Bachelor of Arts (1971) and Master of Divinity (1974) from Acadia University. As a student minister, he served pastorates in Advocate Harbour (summers 1969–71) and Kentville Baptist Church (1971–74). He was ordained as a Baptist minister in September 1974, and he served as minister of the Mahone Bay-Northwest-New Cornwall United Baptist Pastorate (1974–82), Senior Minister of First Baptist Church Amherst (1982–1988), and as Senior Minister of First Baptist Church Halifax for 27 years, retiring in April 2015.
John has twice served as president of the Canadian Association for Baptist Freedoms (CABF), formerly Atlantic Baptist Fellowship, and was serving on the CABF Executive as well as on the Credentials and Website Committees. He served as president of the Atlantic Ecumenical Council, chair of the Atlantic Seminar in Theological Education, and president of the Acadia Divinity College Alumni. Throughout his ministry, he had been active in denominational, ecumenical and interfaith groups, such as Baptist Associations, the Interfaith Council of Halifax, the Acadia University Board of Governors and Senate, the Trustees of Acadia Divinity College, the Atlantic Ecumenical Council, the Highland View Hospital Pastoral Care Department, the Board of the Children’s Aid Society of Halifax, and the Board of Directors of the Alliance of Baptists. He recently served on the Canadian Council of Churches as a writing team member for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
John is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 46 years Deborah (Cuthbertson); their children Anthony (Jiyoung), South Korea; Adam (Michelle), Wolfville; and Alaina (Amy), Kingston, ON; his step-mother Mattie, Bedford; his brothers Barry, Avonport and Jim, Belleville, ON; his sisters Anne (Ron) Huestis, Bedford; Carolyn (Bill) Armstrong, Avonport; and Florence (David) Bartol, Bayswater; brother-in-law Richard (Evelyn) Cuthbertson and sister-in-law Rev. Barbara (Rev. Brad) Putnam; as well as many nieces and nephews.
https://tjtracey.com/tribute/details/2924/Rev-John-Boyd/obituary.html
REV. JUNE LESLEY KEDDY
Rev. June L. Keddy (1947-2024) – It is with great sadness and gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the passing of Reverend June Lesley Keddy on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, in the Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville.
Born in Wolfville, June was one of seven children of the late Avon and Theda (Eye) Parker.
June married Gordon in 1966 and together they raised their three children with love. June took great pride in raising her family, who meant everything to her. Capturing memories of family and family times was very important. When her children were old enough, June returned to the workforce as a bank teller at the Bank of Nova Scotia. In 1995, she felt connected to a different calling and returned to school, Acadia Divinity College, to become a Minister. She served as Chaplain at Evergreen Home for Special Care. June was a member of the Awana Club, Baptist Women’s Auxiliary and the Willing Workers Club and had also been a member of the North Alton Baptist Church since 1959. She enjoyed reading, swimming, playing games, snowshoeing and some of her favorite places were the cottage and anywhere by the lake or seashore. She loved animals and had various pets over the years including horses, rabbits, dogs, and cats, with the most recent being Hudson. She also enjoyed feeding the birds that frequented the trees in the front yard. She found great joy, peace, and inspiration in reading scripture, and one of her favourites was Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Another guiding principle for her approach to life was “this too shall pass.”
She will be fondly remembered by her husband of 58 years, Gordon; daughter, Trina Keddy, Lower Wolfville; sons, Rodney, Halifax, Chris, Ottawa; honorary adopted daughter, Liz Fraser, Berwick; grandchildren, Dylan (Amber) Hesketh, Ryan Hesketh; great-grandchildren, Isabella, Maddison and Samantha; sisters, Barbara (Murray) Spicer, North Alton and Carole Bezanson, Blue Mountain; grand-dog Autumn; and extended family, many friends and colleagues.
She was preceded in death by her parents; infant brothers Thomas and Laurier; sister, Shirley Russell-Davidson; brother, Robert; nephew, Jeffrey Spicer; daughter-in-law, Heather Keddy; and brother-in-law, Lloyd Bezanson.
Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 in the White Family Funeral Home, where the funeral service, followed by a gathering, will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 22, 2024, Revered Doctor Judith Saunders and Reverend Virginia DeAdder officiating. For those unable to attend, a livestream will be available. Burial will take place in the Elm Grove Cemetery, Steam Mill.
Donations in memory may be made to charity of choice. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville.
REV. DONALD JOHN BURKE
Rev. Donald J. Burke – Donald John Burke, 92, of Pompano Beach, Florida, passed away on January 4, 2024. Born on July 28, 1931, in Boston, Massachusetts, Donald was the son of William (Bill) Burke and Wilma Wasson. At the age of twelve, Donald moved with his family to Chipman, New Brunswick, Canada.
Donald had a remarkable career that spanned various fields. After graduating from high school in Chipman, he attended Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, where he received the Ingram Oakes Entrance Scholarship. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree and an L.L.B. degree from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Donald practiced law for six years with a law firm in Regina, Saskatchewan.
During his time in Regina, Donald was an active member of the First Baptist Church. He served as a deacon and Chairman of Evangelism in the local association. In 1959, he made the decision to serve God full-time and was licensed by the First Baptist Church. He then attended the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary to prepare for a ministry in the gospel. While in seminary, Donald served as the pastor of the Indian-Kentuck Baptist Church in southern Indiana, where the small rural congregation grew by one-third under his leadership.
In 1962, Donald received his Bachelor of Divinity degree and became the pastor of a congregation in Edmonton, Alberta. The church experienced impressive growth, and by 1964, it was recognized in The Canadian Baptist for its significant increase in attendance and the number of young men entering the ministry. Donald continued his ministry in Toronto as the pastor of Blythwood Road Baptist Church.
Donald’s dedication to his faith led him to pursue further studies. In 1969, he was awarded a Merrill Fellowship at Harvard Divinity School, where he engaged in graduate study. He also completed an updating course at Southern Seminary and received a Master of Divinity degree. Throughout his career, Donald was in high demand as a speaker and worked well with both older and younger people. He served as the president of the Baptist Youth Fellowship of Western Canada and was involved in various dialogues between different denominations.
In 1970, Donald received a call to become the pastor of Highland Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky and upon acceptance he devoted his time and energy to bring the church alive. During his time at Highland he designed and replaced all the aging stained glass windows and also had a beautiful pipe organ installed. The baptistry was renovated and other building decor was revamped. Donald ministered in Highland for 11 years and in his later years, the ministry team at Highland Baptist Church show their appreciation of Donald’s ministry among them by honoring him with the title of Pastor Emeritus.
In addition to his pastoral work, Donald was actively involved in community service. He participated in a television program called “The Moral State of the News” and served on several boards, including the national Roman Catholic-Baptist dialogue and Greek Orthodox-Baptist dialogue. He was appointed as an observer on the National Council of Churches by the Southern Baptist Convention. Donald also led groups of Baptists on tours overseas and had a summer pastorate to a Japanese congregation on the Island of Maui.
Upon returning to Canada, Donald became a pastor at Greenwood Drive Baptist Church in Fredericton. Even after officially retiring from the church, he continued to serve as an interim minister in various locations, including Fredericton Junction, Tracy, Hanwell, Lewisville, Minto, Moncton, and First Baptist Calgary.
Donald’s dedication to his home church, Second Chipman United Baptist Church, was evident as he became the Interim Pastor in 1998. He had been actively involved in the church since his childhood.
Donald Burke leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and dedication. He will be remembered for his love of God, his contributions to the community, and his unwavering commitment to his calling. Donald’s memory will be cherished by his relatives in Chipman and surrounding areas, as well as by all those whose lives he touched throughout his remarkable life.
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/pompano-beach-fl/donald-burke-11616821
Previous Years
Archived clergy obituaries (listed by year)
- 2023 Clergy Obituaries
- 2022 Clergy Obituaries
- 2021 Clergy Obituaries
- 2020 Clergy Obituaries
- 2019 Clergy Obituaries
- 2018 Clergy Obituaries
- 2017 Clergy Obituaries
- 2016 Clergy Obituaries
- 2015 Clergy Obituaries
- 2014 Clergy Obituaries
- 2013 Clergy Obituaries
- 2012 Clergy Obituaries
- 2011 Clergy Obituaries
- 2010 Clergy Obituaries
- 2009 Clergy Obituaries
- 2008 Clergy Obituaries
- 2007 Clergy Obituaries
- 2006 Clergy Obituaries
- 2005 Clergy Obituaries
- 2004 Clergy Obituaries