Padre A. Marshall Laverty, University Chaplain from 1947 to 1983, died on Sunday, February 20.
Affectionately known to generations of Âé¶¹¹Ù꿉۪s students, staff and faculty as “the Padreâ€� – a nickname he acquired during the Second World War while serving as chaplain in the Canadian army – Rev. Dr. Laverty was considered a campus institution. His appointment as Âé¶¹¹Ù꿉۪s Chaplain in 1947 was the first of its kind to a Canadian university.
An ordained minister of the United Church of Canada, Padre Laverty performed countless baptisms, marriage ceremonies and funeral services for Âé¶¹¹Ù꿉۪s people during his tenure and after retirement. At a time when Âé¶¹¹Ù꿉۪s was a much smaller place, he personally connected with a large proportion of the community, assisting with queries and requests for help, and welcoming many into the home he shared with his wife, Frances, near campus.
There will be a memorial service in celebration of his life at Chalmers United Church, 212 Barrie St., Kingston, on Saturday, April 30 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, donations to at Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø's would be appreciated by the family.
Please see the Spring 2011 issue of the Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø's Alumni Review for an obituary.