Padre A. Marshall Laverty, University Chaplain from 1947 to 1983, died on Sunday, February 20.
Affectionately known to generations of Queen’s students, staff and faculty as “the Padre” – 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 Queen’s 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 Queen’s people during his tenure and after retirement. At a time when Queen’s 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 The Padre and Mrs. Frances Laverty Bursary at Queen's would be appreciated by the family.
Please see the Spring 2011 issue of the Queen's Alumni Review for an obituary.
