Memories of a good friend
We were greatly saddened to hear of the death of Rev Robert Kerr, at the age of 70, who served this congregation as Community Minister from 1980 – 1983 (and as student minister before that from 1978 – 1979). Robert and his wife Anne were great friends to the congregation, with many close friendships continuing long after they emigrated to Canada including Donald Clark and Doreen Henderson who visited them there. And of course, George & Liz Grubb.
Robert and Anne were married in 1975 and moved into East Craigs in the summer of 1980 to take up the newly created post of Community Minister. He had a good and fun-filled working relationship with Rev George Grubb and was heavily involved in the Young People’s group. The highlight of that involvement was a wild minibus trip to Mull where the group conducted a service in the local church, tamed the local minister’s garden and burned an unwanted organ.
He was also the first chaplain to the newly formed Boys’ Brigade Company at Craigsbank in 1980.
Robert moved with his young family from Edinburgh to Vancouver and then on to become the ordained minister of the church of St Columba in Parksville, a city on Vancouver Island, in 1989. He retired in April 2016.
Robert and Anne last visited Craigsbank in May 2019 when they joined us for tea after the service and also went for a meal with the ‘not so young’ people’s group. You can just about make him out in this photograph, with the red jumper.
He is survived by his wife, Anne, and their two sons James and Philip.
The following appears on the website of the Knox Presbyterian Church:
The Reverend Robert Kerr died on August 3rd.
Robert served the congregation and community at St. Columba Presbyterian Church, Parksville from 1989 to 2016. He was known to many through his service in Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly work. His wisdom and humour will be greatly missed. As a man of deep faith, we have comfort knowing he is in God’s eternal keeping and presence. A memorial service will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Campbell River on August 31st at 11am.
Please pray for comfort for Anne, and their children James and Philip.
We hope to relay this memorial service onto the big screen at East Craigs at 7pm on the same date. Further details to be announced at Sunday services beforehand and on our website. Should you wish to follow this from the comfort of your own home, you can get a link by emailing tpchurch@telus.net with the subject “Funeral Zoom”