It wasn’t long after I became the Ninth Bishop of Kootenay that I had a conversation with Archbishop David who said to me, “You know John, if you die within 5 years of retirement everyone will remember you, but after that no one will!” My predecessor was not wrong about many things, but he was certainly mistaken in that particular remark! When the news of Archbishop David’s death in August was conveyed to the diocese and beyond, there was an outpouring of sadness at his passing and also gratitude for his ministry in Kootenay and across the Canadian Church.
Archbishop Crawley will be remembered for many things. He was a gifted preacher and teacher, a pastor who cared deeply for the Church, a strong administrator, a visionary, and a wonderful raconteur. He valued the history of the Church and particularly the people whom he knew personally who had given great leadership over the years. In his retirement he generously gave of his time and knowledge to create a 20 minute YouTube video about the history and architecture of St. Michael’s Cathedral in Kelowna. It is well worth watching and it captures something of Archbishop David’s love of and knowledge of the Cathedral and its history. https://youtu.be/lCtuYtTUCjo?si=e9xaVBJ6Yc6qpbLq
I was the grateful recipient of some of the Archbishop’s lasting legacy in the Diocese. Along with the Venerable Dirk Pidcock and the Venerable Chris Ross, he pioneered the development of the Locally Trained Priest and Deacon Programs as well as the evolution of the Licensed Lay Ministry Program. Recognizing both the needs of many of our smaller congregations and those with latent vocations that did not have the opportunity to attend seminary, he undertook the identification, training and support of people who would serve their local congregations. Many of those ministries continue today.
Archbishop Crawley’s reputation was known across the country and that was an important part of his ability to recruit clergy to serve our Diocese. As Archbishop he took a strong role in the leadership of the Province and responded to several significant challenges. He served on the IRS (Indian Residential School Settlement) team and was part of the negotiations with the federal government. He was a strong advocate and support for Bishop Jim Cruikshank as the Diocese of Cariboo was brought to a close and The Parishes of the Central Interior (Now the Territory of the People) was created. When the need arose, Archbishop David served the Anglican Church of Canada as the acting Primate.
Archbishop Crawley could be an intimidating figure. His presence and voice would often fill a room. He could also speak his mind and I know of several occasions when he took it upon himself to give me unsolicited advice on some aspect of episcopal ministry. I learned to welcome his comments, because I knew that they arose from a deep care for the ministry of bishops and from his love for the people they were elected to serve.
There is so much more to say, but the limitations of print mean this must come to a close. In so doing, I want to acknowledge Joan Bubbs, Hope, Sarah and Rachel. Their grief is deeply personal, and we offer our gratitude to them for the many sacrifices they have made so that David could serve us all through his ministry. For the life, witness and ministry of Archbishop David Crawley, thanks be to God. May he now rest in the peace and love of Christ.
