In Memory of . . . Rosemarie Carnarius (1938-2015)
Posted By Administration, Wednesday, November 4, 2015
The Rev. Rosemarie Carnarius died on October 10, 2015 at the age of 76.
Rosemarie was born on November 27, 1938 to Karl Schnabel and Hilda Gertrud Barth, in Leipzig, Germany. She graduated with an Associate of Arts degree from Bucks County Community College in 1984; and with a Master of Divinity from Starr King School for the Ministry in 1991.
Rev. Carnarius was ordained by the Monterey Peninsula Unitarian Church of Carmel, CA in 1992. She embarked on a two month lecture series throughout Germany in September 1992, at the invitation of the German Unitarians, and she preached at over 40 locations. She went on to serve as the Interim Minister to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Cheyenne, WY from 1993 to 1994; Minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Las Cruces, NM from 1994 to 1996; and Minister in Association at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tucson, AZ from 1999 to 2002.
Rosemarie was born in Germany during a time of ruthless injustice and immeasurable tragedy. She was six years old when World War II ended, and fearing that she might be caught for political action against the communists, she escaped to West Germany at the age of seventeen. A deep thinker since childhood, Rosemarie's early life experiences helped shape her ministry and writing.
Rosemarie was strongly committed to human rights, self-determination and peace with justice. She was actively involved with Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East, and in the aftermath of September 11th, 2001, she started a dialogue group called Inside Out, focused especially on the tragic conditions in the Middle East. In addition, she held membership with various organizations: the Mountain Desert District Chapter of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association; International Association for Religious Freedom; Amnesty International; Bay Area Friends of Tibet; and The Northern Cheyenne Ministerial Association.
Rosemarie saw writing as her mission and purpose in life. Due to many complications from her hip surgery, Rosemarie's ministerial career was cut short. Housebound by the complications, Rosemarie authored over a dozen publications. She was moved by the events of September 11, 2001, and subsequently authored five nonfiction books "on the urgency for personal and societal transformation". Other published works included five volumes of poetry, two sermons, and Toward a Psychology of Wholeness - a Synthesis of the Knowledge of Modern Science and the Insights of the Mystics.
Rosemarie is remembered lovingly by her dear partner, Aston Bloom. Aston described Rosemarie as "thoughtful," "humble," and "one who was constantly thinking of others, even when she was dying." Aston recalled a moment two weeks before Rosemarie's death, during which Rosemarie noticed that Aston hadn't been eating well, and sat her down to prepare a week's worth of sample menus. Aston mused, "She never realized how special she was…I was her caregiver, and she was mine."
She is survived by her long-time partner, Aston Bloom; son, Michael (Karla); daughter, Patricia (Brad); grandchildren, Ian Christopher, Kristen, Nicole, Michael and Lesley; sister, Karin (Rolf); nephews, nieces, and other relatives in Germany; as well as dear friends in both the United States and abroad.
A memorial service is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. on November 21, 2015 at the UU Church of Tucson, 4831 E 22nd St, Tucson, AZ 85711.
In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Rosemarie's life and work can be made to ANERA - American Near East Refugee Aid, 1111 14th St. NW, #400, Washington, DC 22225.
Condolences may be sent to Ms. Aston Bloom, spiritrc@aol.com or 88 S. London Station Road, Tucson, AZ 85748.
In Memory of . . . Daniel J. Kane (1959-2015)
Posted By Administration, Monday, November 2, 2015
The Rev. Daniel Joseph Kane died at home in the arms of his husband on Tuesday, October 6, 2015, at the age of 55.
Daniel was born on December 24, 1959 to James Edward Kane and Nancy Rita Lake Kane. He received a Bachelor of Arts from George Washington University in 1981; a Juris Doctor from University of California, Hastings College of the Law in 1988; and a Master of Divinity from Starr King School for the Ministry in 2008.
Rev. Kane was ordained by the Arlington Street Church of Boston, MA on March 22, 2009. He was called to serve as the Interim Assistant to the Minister at Arlington Street Church from 2008 to 2009. He served as the consulting minister to the Unitarian Universalist Community of Lake County, of Kelseyville, CA, from 2011 to 2013; as Acting President of the Starr King Graduates Association from 2014 to 2015; and as a member of the Starr King Board of Trustees from 2014 to 2015.
Dan volunteered as a child and adult literacy tutor; a pro bono attorney for many organizations including the AIDS Legal Referral Panel; and a supply Protestant chaplain at Napa State Hospital, CA.
Prior to entering the ministry, Dan practiced as a litigation attorney in Oakland, CA and taught legal writing and research to law students. Dan and his husband, Darin, joined the Unitarian Church in Oakland in 1995, and Dan became involved with almost every aspect congregational life, including teaching religious education.
Dan gave up professional pursuits to take on his most important work as a stay-at-home dad—to which he was devoted and he considered the best work of his life. He managed the care of their infant boys and primary school-aged daughter with patience, undying love, and grace.
He loved to travel and together, he and Darin visited many parts of the world and more than half of the U.S. states. He particularly loved Pacific Islands and his family plans to scatter his ashes on one next year.
Reading (children's and adult literature), cooking and eating, and keeping a home and garden along side Darin were all passions of Dan's.
Of Dan, Darin writes: "Dan was a bright light in the lives of many. He touched countless people with his compassionate, generous and loving spirit. He will be mourned and missed by his entire family, his many friends and all the people he touched through his ministry and the way he lived his life."
Dan is survived by his husband of twenty-two years, Darin Mikail Jensen and their children Ella James Jensen-Kane, Jack Thomas Jensen-Kane, Maxwell Josiah Jensen-Kane. He is also survived by his sister, Teresa Kane Rennia (Jeff Rennia); father-in-law, Bryant Jensen (Joan Levy); sister-in-law, Andrea Truly Jensen; brother-in-law, Steven Jensen (Gabrielle Savage); and numerous nieces and nephews, and best friends Joan Haratani, Thomas Daniels, and Russ Morgan, as well as the family's Oakland Brown Dog, Fiona. He is predeceased by his parents, James Edward Kane and Nancy Rita Lake Kane, his mother-in-law, De Ane Cooper Jensen, and brothers-in-law Creyton Jensen and Todd Jensen.
A Celebration of Life will be held at First Unitarian Church of Oakland, CA, on November 14, 2015, at 5pm.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Our Family Coalition http://www.ourfamily.org/, an organization that seeks to create an inclusive and just world where all LGBTQ families with children have visibility and opportunities to thrive as valued participants in our schools, institutions, and communities.
Condolences may be sent to the family at 4712 Davenport Avenue, Oakland, CA 94619.
In Memory of . . . Maurice W. Cobb (1918-2015)
Posted By Administration, Friday, October 9, 2015
The Rev. Maurice W. Cobb died on September 10, 2015 at the age of 97.
Maurice was born to Richard Cobb and Lelia Lampson Cobb on March 4, 1918. He received a Bachelor of Sacred Theology from Crane Theological School in 1943; and a Master of Arts in philosophy from the University of North Carolina in 1953.
Rev. Cobb was ordained to the ministry in 1943 by All Souls Universalist Church in East Boston, MA. In 1944, he was called to serve the triangulated churches of Clinton, Red Hill, and Hopewell, NC, and he served the three until 1948. He ministered to Derby Line, VT from 1949 to 1953; Attica-Belleville, OH from 1953 to 1956; and Dolgeville and Salisbury Center, NY from 1956 to 1964. He spent the next twelve years serving as minister to the First Universalist Church in Brunswick, ME. He then served as minister-at-large to the First Unitarian Church of New Bedford, MA from 1976 to 1979, and assistant minister and religious education director to First Parish Unitarian in Billerica, MA from 1979 to 1983, at which point he retired from active ministry. He was named Minister Emeritus of the First Parish in Billerica in 1983. From 1998 to 2000, he ministered part time to the UU Church of Sanford, ME, and he was named Minister Emeritus of the church in 1999.
During Rev. Cobb's twelve year ministry in Brunswick, he shared his passion for social action with the congregation. He helped create relationships between the church and local community organizations, several of which he founded. Such organizations included, but were not limited to, a suicide prevention program, the Bath Brunswick Food Co-op, and an Amnesty International group. Upon moving to Massachusetts, he served as a member of the Children's Protective Services Board; North End Onboard; New Bedford Onboard; and the New Bedford Council on Addiction.
After his 1983 retirement, Maurice kept quite busy, discovering new interests and tending to old ones. He remained active in social justice organizations and served Amnesty International, Peace Action Maine, and AARP, among others. Maurice took a house design and construction course at the Shelter Institute and used his skills to build a house in West Newfield, ME. He loved his house, and enjoyed a thirty year retirement there. Vegetable gardening, traveling to visit family, letter writing, and the Red Sox, were some of his pleasures.
Maurice's dear friend, Martha Gottlieb, explains, "The essential spirit of this man, as I see it, is of tolerance and deep compassion. Christian, you might say, though his theology was nuanced."
Of Maurice's ministry, Martha wrote:
"During those years in Brunswick if one wanted access to help or services that were hard to come by, Maurice was considered to be the one with the cosmic connection. He worked with those who back then were not well served by the system. Up until the day of his death he was aware that they are still with us, and they were in his thoughts."
Maurice is survived by his loving and close friend of 40 years, Martha Gottlieb; brother, Lawrence Cobb; nieces, Llynda Bigalow and Susan Engle; nephew, Richard Cobb; nine great nieces and nephews; several great-great nephews; and a host of long-time friends.
A memorial service will be held on October 24, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. at the Sanford Unitarian Universalist Church, 5 Lebanon St., Sanford ME 04073.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the charity of your choosing.
Notes of condolences may be sent to Maurice's brother, Lawrence R.Cobb, 77 Cedar Ridge Dr., Shelburne, VT, 05482; Maurice's niece, Llynda C. Bigalow, 77 Cedar Ridge Dr., Shelburne, VT, 05482; and to Martha Gottlieb, 93 Head Tide Road, Whitefield, ME. 04353.
In Memory of . . . Terry M. Burke (1953-2015)
Posted By Administration, Thursday, September 17, 2015
The Rev. Terry Mark Burke died on August 15, 2015 at the age of 61.
Terry was born in Flint, Michigan to Jack and Virginia Burke, on November 12, 1953. He received a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard College in 1975 and a Master of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School in 1982.
Rev. Burke was ordained by the Universalist Church of New York, NY in 1982. He was hired to serve as Extension Minister to the First Church in Jamaica Plain, Unitarian Universalist, of Jamaica Plain, MA, in 1983. Two years later, in 1985, the congregation called him as their full-time, settled minister. He held that position until his retirement in 2014; marking 31 years of service to First Church.
Rev. Burke served on the Mass Bay District (MBD) Board from 1983 to 1985; The MBD Extension Committee from 1983 to 1986; and served as the President of the Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship from 1987 to 1989. He helped organize the AIDS service of Memory and Hope at the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) General Assembly in 1991; served on the Massachusetts Council of Churches Board from 1988 to 1990; as the UUA's official observer to National Council of Churches from 1990 to 1996; and as a Ferry Beach Minister in Residence in 1990. In his later years, Terry served as head of the Boston Ministers' Club Nominating Committee.
During his pastorate at First Church, Rev. Burke revitalized the congregation through the renovation of their building, the development of an RE program, and the planning and execution of a capital campaign for accessibility. He worked alongside his dear wife, Ellen McGuire, who was hired as the congregation's organist and music director in 1979, and continues to serve as such today. After retirement, Terry assisted clergy at Trinity Episcopal Church in Canton, MA.
Terry was involved in a variety of Jamaica Plain community activities including the Multicultural Arts Center; Concerned Clergy of the Corridor; Council of Churches; JP Workforce; various environmental organizations; Jobs for Justice; Interfaith Worker Justice; and the Samaritans, where he served as a phone volunteer.
Terry loved to travel. He visited El Salvador and Nicaragua in the 1980's; studied icons and the Orthodox Church in St. Petersburg, Istanbul, the Sinai and Venice; walked the Camino in 2012 with his daughter, Amelia; and visited Jerusalem twice to meet with religious leaders working for peace.
Terry's friend and former roommate, acclaimed writer and former correspondent Chris Hedges, delivered a eulogy at Terry's funeral. He spoke of Terry as a friend, father, and minister, and discussed the Burke's service to First Church. Chris wrote:
Terry and Ellen—she played the organ and handled the music—have given 31 years of their lives to this church. They have been here on Sundays. They have presided over weddings, baptisms, funerals, church suppers, retreats, Sunday school, Christmas pageants and the blessing of the animals, including the stuffed animals. They made this church a real church, where all—trans and straight, men and women, from those who were healthy to those struggling with HIV, from black to brown to Asian to white, from the disabled to the abled, from the young to the old, the well-off to the destitute, the sober and those trying to become sober—found respect, reassurance and community. The remarkable intertwining of the lives of Ellen and Terry to create a thing of beauty, a thing we cannot see or touch but can only feel and sense, is what ministry is about. If there is a more meaningful way to spend a life I do not know it."
Terry is survived by his wife, Ellen McGuire; brother, Tim (Cindy); three daughters, Willow (Laura Hughes), Amelia, and Lucyanna; and many close friends.
A memorial service was held on Wednesday, August 19th at First Church in Jamaica Plain, Unitarian Universalist, in Jamaica Plain, MA.
Donations in Terry's memory may be made to Samaritans (Samaritans) or to Jobs with Justice (Jobs With Justice).
Notes of condolences may be sent to Ellen McGuire, 16 Rosecliff St, Roslindale, MA 02131-3525.
In Memory of . . . John A. Crane (1922-2015)
Posted By Administration, Thursday, September 3, 2015
Rev. Dr. John Alexie "Lex" Crane died on August 7, 2015 at the age of 93.
Lex was born in Baltimore, MD on January 14, 1922 to John A. and Minnie E. Crane. He graduated from the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute in 1939, and served in the U.S. Army in the South Pacific and Europe from 1942 to 1945. He was severely wounded during the Battle of the Bulge. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1949 and a Master of Arts in Creative Writing in 1950 from Johns Hopkins University; a Master of Divinity from Starr King School for the Ministry in 1951; and a Master of Arts in Social Psychology from the University of California in 1971.
Rev. Crane was ordained by the First Unitarian Church in Vancouver, BC in 1952 and served thirty-six years in parish ministry. He served as called minister to the Unitarian Church of Vancouver from 1951 to 1955; the Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Park Forest, IL from 1955 to 1958; the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara, CA from 1958 to 1977; and the Jefferson Unitarian Church of Golden, CO from 1977 to 1981. He went on to serve as the Director of Ministerial Education for the Unitarian Universalist Association from 1981 to 1983. He was next called to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Yakima, WA and served there until his retirement in 1987, upon which he was voted Minister Emeritus. He spent the next fifteen years serving various interim ministries in Southern California. In 2002, he was voted Minister Emeritus to the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara.
Lex involved himself with many denominational organizations and activities. He served three terms on the Executive Board of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association (UUMA) - 1963 to 1965, 1973 to 1975 and 1991 to 1992. His passion for ministerial mentoring deepened throughout his time on the board. He served as UUMA Newsletter Editor from 1963 to 1965; member of the Board of Trustees for the Starr King School for the Ministry from 1968 to 1974; faculty of the NorthWest Unitarian Leadership School from 1984 to 1987; and staff of the Unitarian Universalist Leadership School from 1993 to 1995. In 2008, he was awarded the Unitarian Universalist Retired Ministers and Partners Association's Annual Creative Sage-ing Award.
Outside of the denomination, Lex was involved in numerous social service and progressive political and religious organizations. In the early 1960's, Lex's sermon exposing the activities of the John Birch Society in Santa Barbara was spread nationwide by the Associated Press and CBS-TV, contributing to the crippling of the Society across the country. For his role, Lex was awarded an honorary doctorate from Starr King.
Lex became a licensed California Marriage and Family Counselor in 1971. He authored several publications including the booklet "Developing an Extended Family Program" (1972); the books Keeping in Touch: Self, Sex and Society (1975); Love, Sex and the Human Condition: Getting a Life (2006); A New Perspective on the Philosophy of UU Religion (2008); To the Best of My Recollection…a memoir (2012) as well as numerous articles and scholarly papers.
Between interim ministries, Lex and his wife, Ginny, traveled throughout the world. They ventured to Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Most notable of those travels was a semester abroad with Santa Barbara City College to China in 1989. They were witness to the student protests at Tiananmen Square in Beijing.
Lex was a voracious reader and a talented writer. His children fondly remember his intelligence; his son, Jack, wrote: "He developed a love of study, stayed abreast of thinking in literature, the arts, liberal theology, philosophy, and social sciences. This passion coupled with his oratorical skills, made Lex unusually able to communicate the big ideas to folk who didn't have the leisure or luxury of regular study."
Lex is survived by his wife Virginia Lee Crane, his sons John Crane III (Jack), and Douglas L. Crane married to Lisa Babashoff, his step-daughter Claire Beery married to William Haigwood, his step-son Evan Blickenstaff, and his step-son Eric Blickenstaff married to Cynthia Kasabian. He is also survived by grandchildren Molly and Allie; Alex and Kirra; Willow, Mira and Zoë; John and Alex; and two great-grandchildren.
Lex was preceded in death by his son David L. Crane.
A memorial service will be held on November 22, at 3:00 PM, at the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara, 1535 Santa Barbara St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Contributions in Lex's memory may be made to Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara, 1535 Santa Barbara St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101.
Notes of condolences may be sent to Virginia (Ginny) Crane, 1038 B Calle Sastre, Santa Barbara, CA 93105.
In Memory of . . . Christine E. Hillman (1949-2015)
Posted By Administration, Tuesday, September 1, 2015
The Rev. Christine E. Hillman died on August 7, 2015 at the age of 65.
Christine was born on September 29, 1949 in Kokomo, IN, to Melba and Eugene Morr. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education from Indiana University in 1971; a Master of Arts in Religious Studies from the University of Detroit in 1989; and a Master of Divinity from Meadville Lombard Theological School in 2000.
Rev. Hillman was ordained by the Birmingham Unitarian Church of Bloomfield Hills, MI and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Olinda, Ontario, in June of 2001. Christine served as summer minister to the First Unitarian Church of Rochester, NY during the summer of 2000, and went on to serve a rich and meaningful pastorate as minister to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Olinda, Ontario, from 2001 until her death.
Prior to entering the ministry, Christine worked as a religious education professional. She served as Director of Religious Education (DRE) to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Farmington, MI from 1983 to 1986; and co-interim DRE to the Birmingham Unitarian Church of Bloomfield Hills, MI from 1986 to 1987. After graduating from the University of Detroit, she taught at the university for ten years as an adjunct professor of Religious Studies.
Rev. Hillman participated in many denominational activities. She led and co-led several Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Renaissance Modules, including History and Philosophy; served on the former Unitarian Universalist District of Michigan (UUDOM) Religious Education Committee; held membership with the Liberal Religious Educators Association (LREDA); served as co-leader of the UUA Long Range Planning Program; held membership with the Unitarian Universalist Ministers of Canada Chapter of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association; and participated in Train-the-Teacher for the women honoring adult religious education curriculum, Cakes for the Queen of Heaven. She served as chair of the Canadian Unitarian Council's Theological Education Funds Committee from approximately 2005 to 2010, and was honored to hold that position. From 2007 to 2010, Christine served as a board member of the Canadian Unitarian Council Board of Trustees; and she served on the Leamington District Memorial Hospital Pastoral Committee until her death.
Christine first heard about Unitarian Universalism from her college roommate, and attended a service five years later, with her husband, Arthur. Christine and Arthur were living in Kokomo, IN at the time and the closest Unitarian Universalist congregation was located fifty miles from their home. They decided to take matters into their own hands. In 1975, along with ten other people, Christine and Arthur helped to organize and establish the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Kokomo, IN.
Prior to entering the ministry, in the 1970's, Christine started a women's support group designed to enhance and increase the amount of information provided to women; promote examination of women's rights; and lead women toward feminist ideals. The group came to be known as Women in Religion. Throughout her life, Christine advocated for equal pay and opportunity for all, and stood as a strong proponent of social justice.
Christine is remembered lovingly by family, friends and colleagues. Arthur Hillman explains, "I think that the people who come to Christine's memorial service and listen to what is said about her will think that she was ten feet tall. In reality, she was much taller than that."
Christine is survived by her beloved husband, Arthur Hillman; loving daughters, Courtney (Derrick), Lee, and Blythe Wood; cherished granddaughters, Kaylee and Anaka Wood; dear sisters, Anne Morr and Susan Bienz; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2015 at 6:00 P.M. at Northwest Unitarian Universalist Church, 23925 Northwestern Hwy, Southfield, MI 48075. Another memorial service will be held on September 20, 2015, at 10:30 AM, at the UU Church of Olinda, 2953 Olinda Side Road, Ruthven, Ontario.
Memorials appreciated to the Unitarian Universalist Association Living Tradition Fund, PO Box 843154, Boston, MA 02284-3154 or to Christine's daughters, C/O Lynch & Sons Funeral Directors, 1368 N. Crooks Road, Clawson, MI 48017.
Notes of condolences may be sent to Arthur Hillman, 2847 Rossmoor Circle, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302.
In Memory of . . . Christina M. Neilson (1958-2015)
The Rev. Christina (Chris) M. Neilson died on July 9, 2015 at the age of 57.
Chris was born on April 8, 1958, in French Lake, MN, to Clifford and Beryl Walberg. Chris received a Bachelor of Arts from St. Cloud University in 1981; a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Samuel Merritt College of Nursing in 1988; and a Master of Divinity from Starr King School for the Ministry in 2001.
Rev. Neilson was ordained to the ministry in Berea, OH on October 20, 2002. She was subsequently called to serve as minister to the SouthWest Unitarian Universalist Church of North Royalton, OH. She served the church for ten years, and was instrumental in helping them purchase their first building in 2009. She went on to serve as Congregational Life Consultant to the Central East Region of the Unitarian Universalist Association, a position that she held from 2012 to 2015.
Rev. Neilson was committed to bettering the denomination and the world at large. She served as Chapter Leader of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association's Ohio-Meadville UUMA Chapter (OMDUUMA) from 2008 to 2012; and as Commissioned Lay Leader Committee Chair from 2008 to 2012. She was an advocate for both social justice and LGBT rights, and was heavily involved with both causes. Additionally, she was a strong believer in economic justice and worked to eradicate poverty and homelessness within Cleveland, OH.
Chris never forgot her working class values. Her first job was in the cafeteria at her grammar school in Annandale, MN. Prior to entering the ministry, Chris worked for ten years as a hematology and oncology bone marrow transplant nurse at Alta Bates Hospital in Berkeley, CA. She was a member of the Nurses Union, and worked to improve services and increase systemic support of patient care. She worked all her life, except for one year in Berkeley, CA, during which she prepared for her meeting with the Ministerial Fellowship Committee (MFC).
Chris enjoyed participating in theatre, and was active within Saint Cloud State University Theatre, Paul Bunyan Playhouse, and Theatre L'Homme Dieu where she did stage-managing, lights, and directing. Chris also enjoyed going to the theatre in both Cleveland and Rochester. She recently saw Pippen, and had tickets for a mid-April production of Kinky Boots.
Chris embraced adventure through sailing, flying a small plane, parachuting, snorkeling, and more recently, traveling to Hawaii. She said that going on a riverboat cruise in 2012, from Paris to the Normandy beaches, was the favorite of her travels. Chris loved cooking and entertaining. She completed a course at the culinary school at Lake Canandaigua, NY and was looking forward to taking more courses as well as traveling to Norway, Alaska, and returning to Hawaii.
Chris was devoted to her family and passionate about Unitarian Universalism. In her last reflection, recorded at 4 A.M. the day before she died, Chris said: "I feel really good about my life. I feel really good about my friends and family. I thank everyone for your help and I feel like I've had a long and successful life. My last job was working for the UUA, my hope for our future."
She is preceded in death by her mother, Beryl Walberg; and her infant daughter, Amanda. She is survived by her wife, Sharon Hoyenga; father, Clifford Walberg; brother, Mike Walberg; sister, Terri Walberg; niece, Samantha; nephews, Cory and Chad; and many friends and colleagues.
A memorial service was held at First Unitarian Church of Rochester on Sunday, July 26th. A second memorial service will be held at West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church, 20401 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River, Ohio 44116 on Sunday, August 23rd at 4:00 P.M. If you are unable to attend the memorial services, but would like to share a remembrance, please send a short memory of Chris to Sharon Hoyenga, hoyengasa@gmail.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wilmot Cancer Institute at Strong Memorial Hospital, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642.
Notes of condolences may be sent to Sharon Hoyenga, 64 Hidden Valley Road, Rochester, NY 14624.
In Memory of . . . Orloff W. Miller (1931-2015)
Posted By Administration, Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Rev. Orloff Wakefield Miller died on July 1st, 2015 at the age of 83.
Orloff was born on August 8, 1931 to Rev. Lawrence Miller and Alice Miller. He received a Bachelor of Arts from Mount Union College (now University of Mount Union) in 1953, and went on to receive a Master of Divinity from Boston University School of Theology in 1956.
Rev. Miller was ordained by the Methodist Church in 1954, and served as minister to the Federated Church of Francestown, NH (Congregational) from 1956 to 1959. In 1959, he left the Methodist denomination and began serving as Associate Director of the youth organization, Liberal Religious Youth (LRY). He held that position until 1961. He received Unitarian Universalist ministerial fellowship in 1961, and spent the next five years serving as the Director of the Office of College Centers of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), and Staff Advisor to Student Religious Liberals. He went on to serve as District Executive of the Mountain Desert District of the UUA from 1967 to 1970; minister to the All Souls Church Unitarian Universalist of Colorado Springs, CO from 1968 to 1972; and minister to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of San Luis Obispo, CA from 1973 to 1979. In 1984, he was called to respond to the national AIDS crisis. He served as minister and AIDS consultant to the UU AIDS Crisis Ministry in San Francisco, CA, a role he held for five years. Rev. Miller officially retired in 1991; however he served as European Unitarian Universalist (EUU) Minister-at-Large from 1993 to 2000. In 2000, he was accorded the title of Emeritus EUU Minister-at-Large.
A tireless advocate for civil rights, Rev. Miller was among the hundreds of religious leaders who traveled to Selma, AL, in March of 1965, in answer to an appeal from Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. The appeal was put forth after a group of African-Americans, advocating for their right to vote by marching from Selma to Montgomery, were attacked by a group of white state troopers. While in Selma, on March 9, 1965, Rev. Miller, Rev. James Reeb and Rev. Clark Olsen, were attacked and beaten by a group of white men as they left Walker's Cafe. Rev. Reeb died two days later. The attack gained nationwide attention, and served as one turning point in civil rights history. Several months later, in August of 1965, President Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act, banning racial discrimination within voting practices by federal, local and state governments.
Within an interview gathered as part of Eyes on the Prize: America's Civil Rights Years (1954-1965), Rev. Miller explained:
I've been asked many times what business white clergy had in Selma, Alabama. What right did we have telling folks how they should run their lives. We not only had a right, we had a responsibility to be there because some of our family, our black brothers and sisters were not being treated fairly and wherever people are not being given their fair shot at having a full and meaningful life we have a responsibility to do what we can to help change that. And if it means we have to argue with other brothers and sisters about that then we better get in there and argue about it. And help them to see that there is another way of living as one human family. Yes, I think white people had a responsibility, and white ministers especially had a responsibility to be in Selma, Alabama. [i]
In March of 2015, Rev. Miller returned to Selma to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery march. His son, Orloff Garrik Miller, recalls, "By then [his] sense of balance was a problem, and we rented a wheelchair for the conference. The day of the reenactment of the march, [he] got up and walked across that bridge."
Rev. Miller was active within the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association; the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee; and the UUA's (former) Full Recognition and Funding of Black Affairs Council.
Orloff studied within a doctorate program at the Institute for the Advanced Human Sexuality, in San Francisco, CA, in the early 1980's, working toward a degree in Human Sexuality. When the AIDS crisis hit the United States, he felt a responsibility to respond. He worked as a Field Secretary for the AIDS Interfaith Network, and ministered as a volunteer hospice coordinator, providing support to people with AIDS, and to their friends and families. His son, Orloff Garrik Miller, "believe[s] that this was the hardest work of Dad's career. Few he assisted survived more than a few months." He received the Pacific Central District's Unsung Hero Award in 1987 for his work during the epidemic.
Orloff Garrik Miller, son, has fond memories of a childhood spent with his father; together they camped, sailed, motorcycled, and traveled to regional retreats and encounter groups. In the early 1980's, Orloff and Orloff Garrik loaded a motorcycle with camping gear and rode from San Francisco to Oregon.
Orloff moved to Germany in 1989, and married his dear wife, Renate Bauer, the same year. Their son, Glenn Erasmus Bauer, was born a year later. Orloff spent the next twenty-six years enjoying his retirement, volunteering, traveling, and taking care of Glenn Erasmus.
Renate remembers the ease with which Orloff made friends, and connected with individuals. "He found a way to bond with practically everyone," she recalls, "He was dedicated to people, even at the end of his life. Even when he was not doing very well during the past two years, he made a point to call those who were worse off."
Orloff is survived by his wife, Renate Bauer; his sisters, Karen and Sandra; and his children, Orloff Garrik Miller, Tanya Crete, and Glenn Erasmus Bauer.
There will be two services for Orloff, one for the European family and friends in Ludwigshafen, and one for the American family and friends in Acron, OH. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 30th at 3 P.M., at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron, 3300 Morewood Road, Fairlawn, OH 44333. A memorial service will be held on August 30th at 2:00 P.M., at the Johannes-Ronge-Haus, Ludwigshafen, Worthstr. 6a, Germany.
[i]: Interview with Rev. Orloff Miller, conducted by Blackside, Inc. on November 30, 1985, for Eyes on the Prize: America's Civil Rights Years (1954-1965). Washington University Libraries, Film and Media Archive, Henry Hampton Collection.
In Memory of . . . Glyn J. Pruce (1928-2015)
Rev. Glyn Pruce died on June 1, 2015 at the age of 86.
Glyn was born on December 25, 1928, in London, England, to John and Ethel Pruce. He received a Bachelor of Arts from the London Polytechnic Institute in 1954; a Diploma in Ministry from Manchester College (of Oxford, England) in 1958; a Bachelor of Sacred Theology (S.T.B.) from Boston University in 1965; and a Master of Arts in Theology from Boston University in 1970.
Rev. Pruce was ordained by the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches in London, England in 1958, and received Unitarian Universalist ministerial fellowship in 1973. He served as interim minister to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta, GA from 1974 to 1975; minister to the Lakeshore Unitarian Church of Pointe Claire, Quebec from 1975 to 1978; minister to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Buffalo, NY from 1978 to 1983; minister to The Great Meeting (Unitarian) of Leicester, UK from 1983 to 1987; minister to the Old Meetinghouse (Unitarian), Bessells Green of Kent, UK and the Maidstone Unitarian Church of Kent, UK from 1987 to 1992; and minister to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tarpon Springs, FL from 1992 to 1997.
Rev. Pruce was quite active within the denomination throughout his thirty-nine years of ministry. He served various committees and organizations throughout his time in the United Kingdom, including the Unitarian Ministers Association and theUnitarian Commission on Society and the Family. In the United States, he served as secretary of the St. Lawrence District Chapter of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association from 1975 to 1980; and moderator of the Arlington Street Unitarian Universalist Church from 1969 to 1970.
Prior to entering the ministry, Glyn served as a British Merchant Marine. He enlisted in 1945, and his ship was headed toward the Pacific Theatre battles at the time the Japanese surrendered. He spent the next three years traveling with the Marines throughout China and India, and the impact of seeing human suffering in those countries led him to the ministry.
Glyn taught sociology at Northeastern University, in Boston, MA, and took part in a doctoral program in the Sociology of Education at Boston University. He worked on the Boston's Redevelopment Authority, and was an avid reader and World War II history buff. He loved classical music, traveling and spending time with his granddaughter, whom he affectionately called "Mistress Eden Willow." Glyn's, son, Timothy, recalls that Eden was his "pride and joy, and the love of his life."
Glyn is survived by his son, Timothy Pruce (Lorna Pruce); granddaughter, Eden Pruce; companion, Constance Traycheff, and her family; stepchildren, Susan, Robert, Michael and their families; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held on June 27th, 2015 in Palm Harbor, FL 34683.
Notes of condolences may be sent to Timothy Pruce and Family, 157-10 Riverside Drive West, Apt. 14Q, New York, NY 10032, and to Constance Traycheff, 2664 Pine Ridge Way South, Apt. D1, Palm Harbor, FL 34684.
In Memory of . . . Janet B. Johnson (1942-2015)
Posted By Administration, Thursday, May 7, 2015
The Rev. Janet Boykin Johnson died on March 25, 2015 at the age of 72.
Janet was born on June 4, 1942 to Thelma and Hubert Dallas. She graduated from Hunter College, in 1966, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and from the University of Chicago with a Master of Social Work in 1972. She went on to attend Starr King School for the Ministry, and graduated with a Master of Divinity in 2002.
Rev. Johnson was ordained to the ministry in 2002 by the First Unitarian Society of Chicago, IL. Subsequently, she served as a chaplain to cancer patients at a hospital in Richmond, CA. She left the hospital in 2004 and started a private spiritual direction practice. From 2004 to 2007 she worked in the practice and as a part time minister to the Mt. Diablo Church of Walnut Creek, CA. She was called to serve as consulting minister to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Cortland, NY, in 2008, and served at Cortland until her retirement in 2013.
Prior to serving the ministry, Janet worked as a social worker within the Chicago Public School System for 18 years. During that time, Janet was also an active member of the First Unitarian Society of Chicago, and caretaker to two grandsons, whom she adopted, Jason Johnson and (the late) Justin Johnson.
Janet was very involved in community affairs, and ministered to the public long before receiving fellowship. While living in Chicago, she was on the Board of Directors of the River Oaks Towne Houses Cooperative and was a member of Amnesty International. Also during this time, from 1975 to 1992, she served as host and program coordinator of the international nonprofit, Experiment in International Living. Her duties included hosting exchange students from Germany, Japan, Mexico, and Brazil. After moving to California, Janet sat on several pastoral care hospital boards, and co-managed a clothing store operated by the Chaplaincy for the Homeless.
Janet enjoyed camping, knitting, crocheting, reading poetry, and listening to music
Janet is survived by her two daughters, Kimari Johnson and Kairis (Boykin) Bonella; her grandsons, Jason Johnson, Joseph Clayton, Jr., Johann Curry, Nieko Bonella, Angelo Bonella and Anton Klinnert; a son-in-law, Valentin Klinnert; step-children, Michele Freeny and Teren Johnson; first cousin, Thelma Williams and many distant cousins.
A memorial service was held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2015 at the First Unitarian Church of Ithaca, 306 N. Aurora St., Ithaca, NY 14850. There will be another memorial service at a later date for family and friends outside of the Ithaca area.
For more information about where to send cards, flowers, and/or donations, please e-mail johnsonklinnert@yahoo.com.
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