Father Fenton's Farewell
The Venerable Douglas Fenton's last day as Executive Archdeacon of the Diocese of New Westminster and Archdeacon of Vancouver was January 4, 2023, serving 10 years and 4 days in the position. He retired on his birthday. During the morning of the final day, Synod staff had their first team meeting of 2023. There were two other January birthday’s celebrated at the meeting, the Reverends Alecia Greenfield and Jessica Schaap, however they deferred to Fr. Fenton for the cake cutting and distribution component of the meeting. There were two memorable events at the meeting: the presentation by Bishop John Stephens of Douglas’s new clergy license in retirement, “Permission to Officiate” and the presentation of the new license to his successor the Venerable Philippa Pride confirming her appointment as Executive Archdeacon of the Diocese of New Westminster and Archdeacon of Vancouver.
About an hour later the staff gathered again, this time for lunch, a chance to say goodbye to Fr. Fenton and present him with a gift. Fr. Fenton chose Japanese food, and all staff members present that day had ordered their dishes in advance. The Synod staff custom is for each member of staff to say a few words about their departing colleague. But before that, there was a gift presentation. Bishop John had arranged on behalf of the staff for a handmade custom crafted vest to be created by Erica Lucille ‘Rikki’ Kooy, ODNW - LEX’LEX TCETS’ NUW enx’, Spirit Elk Woman. Rikki is an Elder and designer from the Secwepemc and St’atl’imc Nations, and a third-generation residential school survivor. She is also a member of the ministry teams at Christ Church Cathedral and St. Hildegard’s Sanctuary located at St. Faith’s, Vancouver. The blue vest is adorned on the right shoulder with a three feathers applique, they represent three words Rikki considers to be central to the reconciliation journey: Love. Purpose. Reconcile, and on the lower left a spirit animal (a frog) applique. In Rikki Kooy's tradition the frog is the animal that bridges two worlds.
On Saturday, January 7, the Synod gathering spaces were turned into a banquet facility with tastefully designed table settings adorning the 11 round tables and the two head tables. Thanks to Bishop John as M.C; building administrator, Regan Gorman; serving team leader and co-designer, Jane Dittrich, ODNW; Sharing Abundance caterer and co-designer Bette Geddes, ODNW and their teams, the event was a huge success. More than 90 friends and family gathered to share a three-course meal and one dozen speeches (not too much "roasting") from Douglas's closest friends and colleagues.
Douglas was delighted to welcome members of his family to the dinner to join him at the head tables: sister, Cheryl Lynn Bruneau; nephew, Tyler Potter and his wife, Heather; niece, Alexis Hamilton and her fiancé, Mahir Aman and of course, his husband, Keith Landherr. Keith had prepared a surprise for Douglas – a pre-recorded Zoom address from the eldest member of the Fenton family, Robert who offered warm memories of his younger cousin and a blessing that was an acknowledgement of the Fenton family’s Métis heritage. During the five-minute video, ‘Bobby’ Fenton regularly referred to Fr. Fenton as ‘Doug’ not a diminutive that those of who know him well hear very often. This theme was repeated during the duet presentation by niece, Alexis and nephew, Tyler who affirmed that the guest of honour is only known to them as ‘Uncle Doug’.
Bishop Stephens did a great job moving the programme along which included the testimonials from friends (and the three family members). When the last of the speakers left the lectern it was time for the presentation of the gift. Everyone who was invited to the dinner was given an opportunity to contribute to the gift, an original Cedar hat, crafted on the Sunshine Coast by First Nations artist, Shy Watters. The colours surrounding the brim affirm Fr. Fenton’s Métis heritage and on the front of the hat is a red turtle, his spirit animal. The dinner closed with Bishop John asking Douglas and Keith to stand in front of the lectern facing the guests while he led all who had gathered in prayers of blessing for the couple as they enter into this new phase of life and ministry.
Fr. Fenton will continue to serve the diocese using his experience to assist the diocesan coordinator for refugee resettlement, Dr. Shakuntala Soden.
IMAGES
- Fr. Fenton models the vest Photo Randy Murray
- A close up of the frog applique Photo Randy Murray
- The table design, a collaboration between Jane Dittrich and Bette Geddes Photo Jane Dittrich
- Douglas Fenton's special guests - HIS FAMILY! Heather Potter (niece in law); Tyler Potter (nephew); Alexis Hamilton (niece); Cheryl Lynn Bruneau (sister); Mahir Aman (Alexis's fiance)
- Bette Geddes, ODNW and Deacon, the Reverend Lizz Lindsay have things underway. Here we see them "building" the salad course. Photo Jane Dittrich
- Alexis and Tyler with Bishop Michael Ingham (who appointed Douglas Executive Archdeacon in 2012) and Douglas's husband, Keith Landherr.
- The Venerable Ronald Harrison. Douglas's predecessor, the former Executive Archdeacon of the diocese. Archdeacon Harrison retired from the role, December 31, 2012.
- In the centre we see Fr. Fenton's successor, the Venerable Philippa Pride and on her left (our right), the Reverend Marnie Peterson, Rector of St. Anne, Steveston, Member of the Council of General Synod and former program staffer at the diocese. On the left is Mark McIntyre, Marnie's spouse
- Bishop John with Randy and Rose Murray, Thomas Roach, ODNW and the Reverend Stephen Rowe who gave the penultimate address during the programme
- The first guest via a recorded Zoom transmission was Douglas's eldest cousin (and Fenton family elder) Robert Fenton.
- The first of ten speakers, the Very Reverend Peter Elliott was tasked with the topic: "Douglas's Early Days in the Diocese". It was hilarious, even those of us who'd heard some of the anecdotes before laughed until we hurt.
- The final speaker before the presentation of the gift was the Venerable Stephanie Shepard who rushed to the dinner from officiating at a funeral in West Vancouver and made it in plenty of time to enjoy her meal and speak.
- A huge ovation for the volunteer servers and the staff of Sharing Abundance Catering.
- The Cedar hat custom, handcrafted with his spirit animal, a turtle adorning it.
- Fr. Fenton, we will miss you