Posts to the tribute of Rev. Dr. & Bishop (Retired) William David Huras

Barbara Bucholtz donated to ST PETER'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH KITCHENER
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Zion Lutheran Church pledged to donate to ST PETERS EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH KITCHENER
Tuesday, April 4, 2023
The Heitman/Austin Family donated to ST PETERS EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH KITCHENER
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
Louise Stroh pledged to donate to ST PETERS EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH KITCHENER
Friday, March 10, 2023
Marjorie and Marlin Wentzell pledged to donate to ST PETERS EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH KITCHENER
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
Bonnie Sanche donated to ST PETERS EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH KITCHENER
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Our sincere condolences to all the family. Love from Reg & Bonnie
Susan Dietrich donated to ST PETERS EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH KITCHENER
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Patricia Giannelia posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
My deepest condolences to the Huras Family. Bishop Huras ordained me oh so many years ago, and I still cherish our conversations and his wise guidance. He had the gift to see where the world was going and where the church needed to go next, as well as the courage to do what he could to move us forward. Championing women in ministry was one of those. I am also so very thankful that I was able to partake in today's most fitting service via the livestream. Blessings to all who were involved. Patricia Giannelia, Pastor (retired), Kelowna, BC
Andrea Posted Mar 8, 2023 at 2:17 PM
Thank you so much, and for sharing all:)
Ralph and Heidi Sparkes pledged to donate to ST PETERS EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH KITCHENER
Monday, March 6, 2023
Ron and Grace Rockel pledged to donate to ST PETERS EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH KITCHENER
Monday, March 6, 2023
Tim and Pat Leyes pledged to donate to CANADIAN LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF
Monday, March 6, 2023
Karolyn Heubner pledged to donate to ST PETERS EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH KITCHENER
Monday, March 6, 2023
Christa and Gerhard Fischer pledged to donate to ST PETERS EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH KITCHENER
Monday, March 6, 2023
Audrey (Strassburger) Arnold pledged to donate to ST PETERS EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH KITCHENER
Sunday, March 5, 2023
Robin and Arlene Hatt pledged to donate to ST PETERS EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH KITCHENER
Sunday, March 5, 2023
On behalf of Kelterborn Family pledged to donate to ST PETERS EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH KITCHENER
Sunday, March 5, 2023
Daniel Maoz posted a symbolic gesture
Saturday, March 4, 2023
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It was my honour to meet Bishop Huras at an event in RIM Park a few years ago. Faculty from Martin Luther University College (formerly Waterloo Lutheran Seminary) presented a ten week series on the historical and theological legacy of founder Martin Luther. As Jewish Scholar in Residence and Professor of Hebrew Scriptures, I offered to address the anti-Judaism of Luther and subsequent antisemitism that the Lutheran tradition perpetuated, culminating in the Holocaust and Hitler's honouring of Martin Luther by striking Luher's image on the first coin minted by the Third Reich. During the question period at the end of my presentation, Dr. Oz Cole-Arnal, distinguished Professor Emeritus at Martin Luther University College, stood and introduced Bishop Huras to me and the audience, with a biographical summary of Bishop Huras' commitment to acknowledge Luther's part in the historical horrors that followed as part of Luther's unwelcome yet undeniable legacy, similar in content to the last paragraph that Dr. Cole-Arnal has written above in his tribute to Bishop Huras. I asked Bishop Huras to please stand so that we could recognize and thank him publicly, after which he humbly credited others who helped him take the ethical stand he did against such a strong current of past Lutheran history. It was truly a humbling moment for me to meet such a courageous pillar of moral conscience. While his light shone brightly here in this life, I am confident that there is no comparison to be made with the brilliance that his light shines in the hereafter. May his memory be for a blessing. Sincerely, Daniel Maoz
Andrea Posted Mar 8, 2023 at 2:19 PM
Beautiful! Thank you so much:)
Rev. Ron Leonard posted a condolence
Saturday, March 4, 2023
Heart-felt condolences to Barbara and entire family. I have appreciated those annual Christmas card family portraits. It was an honour to have served on Eastern Synod Council and as Secretary of Synod under the leadership of Bishop Bill, and enjoyed those social gatherings at his and Barbara’s home and with the K-W clergy bridge club and more. Till we meet again, Ron Leonard
Andrea Posted Mar 4, 2023 at 8:55 PM
Thank-you so much, Pastor, and for sharing your memories.
Joachim and Sandra Barkley-Probst posted a condolence
Friday, March 3, 2023
Speaking of the communion of saints Frederick Buechner once wrote: “How they do live on, those giants of our childhood, and how well they manage to take even death in their stride because although death can put an end to them right enough, it can never put an end to our relationship with them.” (from: The Sacred Journey. ) I am only one of Rev. Bill’s extensive church family members — a “child” in ministry the night he laid his hands on my head at my ordination in 1983 — and over the years he shared the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit in his own inimitable way with me and the people I served. I will never forget the times his encouragement helped me grow as a pastor when I most needed it. Sandra and I have many fond memories when he and Barb and Cagney stayed at our home in Morrisburg. May God bless you Barb and your entire family as you celebrate his life and times and comfort you in the days ahead. Peace be with you. Jo and Sandra
Andrea Posted Mar 4, 2023 at 8:57 PM
Beautiful, and so sweet to hear mention of our beloved dog "Cagney'. Thank-you so much.
Rev Marc Lapointe posted a condolence
Friday, March 3, 2023
It is with deep personal sadness along with the great joy of resurrection which I recall this wonderful man. He ordained me to the ministry or Word and Sacrament at the beginning of the new millennium at All Saints Lutheran Church, Ottawa in the year 2000 of our Lord Jesus Chirst. I was later priveledge to have him attend worship and social events while I served Christ Lutheran Church in Maynooth (2002-2007), when Bill and Barbara would spend their summers at the cottage. I have many found memories of him and he will be greatly missed. Rev Marc and Mrs Mary Lapointe. St Andrew's Lutheran Church, Kamloops, BC, a member church of the Canadian Association of Lutheran Congregations.
Andrea Posted Mar 4, 2023 at 8:59 PM
So great to hear of your fond memories - thank you so much for sharing.
George Kittler posted a condolence
Thursday, March 2, 2023
What more is thee to say about a man that incorp0rated the best in humanity . My wife ,Ann ,and I met Bill on Palm Sunday 1967at Advent Lutheran Church. The procession to the altar of the sunday school kids waving palms was active with lots of laughter, tickling each other with palms and giggling. Next day we got a phone call from Bill welcoming us to Advent and promising the at next Sunday would be a bit more orderly if we cared to come again and meanwhile he offered to visit us if it fitted our schedule We had just arrived from the US ad were looking for a church. Needless to say our search was over.Our admiration of bill as a man and as a pastor grew over the years and continued even after he became a Bishop except Advent was replaced by the Golf restaurant in Waterloo. Once , after studying the annual report my wife and I noticed that Bill had made 379 pastoral calls during the year. When questioned about it Bill replied , interacting with my parishioners is not a duty but a pleasure. Why did people seek Bill out and wanted to be his friend. He had a very pleasant personality, was very intelligent and had a breadth of knowledge He was always willing to address any question religious or more mundane, Some others would say " why are you asking ? " We also admired his drive to expand his knowledge as shown by his habit of reading at least one a serious book every year. So , while we are sad to lose you for a while , we take solace in the comments of one of your parishioners when her husband Stuart died.. I have not lost Stuart, he has just gone ahead of me and and i will see him again soon Ann and George Kittler
Andrea Posted Mar 4, 2023 at 9:05 PM
So great hearing of Palm Sunday at Advent! Those were such beautiful years - I remember so much fun with you both there...Thank-you so much for sharing, Mr. & Mrs. Kittler (as I have always called you:)xo
Jim Hunt posted a condolence
Thursday, March 2, 2023
It is difficult to say goodbye to a friend who I have known since grade 10 at KCI. Our friendship continued into retirement, at which time we golfed together and enjoyed playing cards with 2 other KCI friends, Carl and Doug. Bill will be missed not only professionally, but as a good friend. My thoughts and prayers are with Barb and the family. Jim Hunt
Andrea Posted Mar 4, 2023 at 9:07 PM
Wow! Since grade 10 - that is a long time. You must have so many memories. Thanks for sharing.
Willi and Helen Bauer pledged to donate to ST PETERS EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH KITCHENER
Thursday, March 2, 2023
Susan and Philip, Aaron and Laura Shantz donated to ST PETERS EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH KITCHENER
Thursday, March 2, 2023
Marion & Alan Burtenshaw donated to ST PETERS EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH KITCHENER
Thursday, March 2, 2023
Oscar Cole-Arnal posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
To All those who loved Bill & still Do:I offer memories across the Celestial Jordan: Well, Bill, what I have to add are a handful of personal stories, none of which were mentoined in this absolutely thorough and wholly accurate portrayal of one who lived a full life. Of course, most of these sharings are personal, but they all underscore both your dignity in the office you held as well as your kindness as bishop. ON TO THE PERSONAL: Although we were born less than a decade apart, Bill will always be my bishop. Until Parkinson & COVID--19 limited my publc appearances I would see you monthly at the RETIRED get-togethers at St. Luke's where we often discussed movies we had seen. 1). "The Life of Brian" where you snuck in & out, hoping that no one would see you. After I got done laughing at that one, I told you that if I had seen you there I might have turned into an imp & announced publicly that my bishop was here & would you like to meet him to discuss the movie. 2) The Mel Gibson movie "The Passion of the Christ" I got in free becuse our local radio station funded my entry along with the local rabbi if we agreed to do a radio interview thereafter. Well, he was quite disappointed that the rabbi and I were virtually soulmates in our opinion. I told him that if he wanted disagreement from us he would have to pick a topic such as where we had different views on the HISTORICAL JESUS. 3) But it was the movie "REDS" w. Warren Beatty & Diane Keaton where we continued to dsagree--he felt that Beatty died totally disillusioned w. his previous COMMJNISM, where I suggested that he had rejected Stalin's & Zinoviev's brand only. 1. my constant "feistiness" vs existing authority, especially in our own clashes on the synodical examiing committee.. A member of Bob Binhammer's congregation (I believe his name was Jack Davies) was part of your intimate friendship & tended to really give ordination candidates a hard time. Fred Ludolph handled him well, but I was really upset with his "abuse" of power vis-a-vis two women candidates.. The first Cheryl Ashick involved your soothing efforts by saying how unfair it was that women candidates must be virtually perfect, to which I made the following remark. "Don't worry in a short period of time you can be as mediocre as the rest of us. But I really lost it when he became verbally abusive of Sister Magaret Kreller. As soon as we were alone as a committee I jumped all over Jack. 2. My constant direct action efforts prompted a public question from Bill--had I ever beeen arrested? I told him only twice, once in Pittsburgh & once in Ottswa for a bunch of us trying to shut down the Apartheid South African embassy. When he found out i had not been behind bars for even one over night, his response was that this really duidn't count as a real arrest. My response: "Maybe I should go back & try again." Your quick response: "No! No! That's OK!" 3. Payback times (two): When Bonnie & I were dating and I was declaring myself officially as a Candian citizen, we felt that her appearing at such public event might be a bit too soon.So we decided to have a private quiet dinner at a restaurant in downtown Kitchener. Well, in pranced Bill Huras, Bob Binhammer & a WLU coach. So much for privacy. The second example was at my retirement dinner (arranged by Karen & Peter Kuhnert) where all & sundry poked fun. Well, it came time for Bill Huras & he hit the nail on the head by these words, "I never had the opportunity to sit under Dr. Arnal where he lectured me" (LONG PREGNANT PAUSE)..."in the classroom." Well that brought down the house, & I laughed heartily as well. FINALLY the VITALLY IMPORTANT LEGACY that made him stand out like no other: Bill experienced great shame over our Lutheran legacy of Anti-Judaism starting with Luther himself & continuing unabated, especially during the NAZI holocaust where, wih very few exceptions our German official LUTHERAN bodies where either loudly complicit or cowardly silent. So he arranged with local rabbi David Levy, who was earning an MA from WLU & WLS in hoocaust studies, to attend our Eastern Synod Convention where he (our Bishop) would publicly acknowledge our Lutheran complicity in the murder of 6 mllion Jews.and ask forgivness publicly for our shameful silence and overt actions during the Nazi epoch & for decades thereafter. A SIN UNACKNOWLEDGED remains to fester and destroy. Rabbi David was then given the microphone whreby he thanked Bill for his words & indicated that in his lifetime he had never experienced such courage and dignity via this public action. In fact, Bill's iniitiative set in motion significant progess at our seminary and synod that dare not be forgotten. Bill that courage, handled with dignity in publc makes you my bishop like no other. THANK YOU, with my DEEPEST AFFECTION & respect, YOUR "pain in the butt" servant, Oz .
Andrea Posted Mar 4, 2023 at 9:20 PM
So kind of you to share - thank you so much!
Pastor James and Wilma Bindernagel pledged to donate to ST PETERS EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH KITCHENER
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
Carl Dahmer pledged to donate to MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ONTARIO
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
James Weber pledged to donate to ST PETERS EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH KITCHENER
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
Murray & Merle Haase donated to ST PETERS EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH KITCHENER
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
Edna Buehlow posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
I first met Pastor Bill when he came to Pembroke to do his internship under the direction of Pastor John Zimmerman. Pembroke was my home church & everyone there loved him. RIP Pastor Bill. Sorry to hear of his passing Barbara & family. You have so many wonderful memories to cherish . Sending Hugs to all ! Edna Buehlow (Lange)
Andrea Posted Mar 4, 2023 at 9:21 PM
Yes, all loved Dad, thank-you.
Sue and Don Wieck posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
If I may, I'd like to relate a story: Many years ago, I was at a Synodical committee retreat weekend with Bill. On the first evening, we were asked to introduce ourselves to everyone by means of an adjective that began with the first letter of our name, followed by our name. Bill identified himself as "big Bill". As our pastor at Advent, prior to becoming Bishop Huras, Bill definitely portrayed a "big Bill" - a powerful, dynamic speaker who delivered a message from the pulpit each and every Sunday that was passionate and compelling in its simplicity, and he did it all with a humbleness that depicted the person he was. My husband and I remember Bill for his insights, his sagacity and his perspicuity. To Barbara, and to David, Matthew and Andrea, and to all of Bill's extended family, we send our most heartfelt sympathy. Sue and Don Wieck, British Columbia
Andrea Posted Mar 4, 2023 at 11:03 PM
Thank-you so very much! I love your choice of words - (I'll have to look them up) Dad was a walking dictionary:)
Lisa Taylor posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
To Andrea, Matt and David. Your dad was very special, and always friendly. I remember him questioning us Andrea in his deep voice- when asking us where we were going, or what we ladies were up to on our way out the door. haha Good memories that started many years ago. My condolences to you all. Lisa Taylor XXOO
Andrea Posted Mar 4, 2023 at 9:21 PM
Awww, yes I remember this so well too, Lisa xo
Janet Bennewies posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Sending my very deepest condolences to Barbara, Andrea and the rest of the family. Bishop Bill was truly a wonderful man and I only have good memories of some of the great conversations over lunches at St. Peters. He always kept me alert when he was preaching and the messages seemed to stick! Truly there is another Angel in heaven.
Andrea Posted Mar 4, 2023 at 9:22 PM
Beautiful:) Thanks so much, Janet.
Deborah Kuehnbaum posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
I remember Bill’s wicked sense of humour. He kept us in stitches at the Papineau pea soup parties, first at the Eydt’s and then at my parents’. I always enjoyed our brief visits at the WLU Founders Lunches, and the Bishops’ Company dinners.
Andrea Posted Mar 4, 2023 at 9:24 PM
So good to hear - yes he was such a funny guy:)
Carl Piellusch posted a condolence
Monday, February 27, 2023
After retirement, Doug Rodenburg, Jim Hunt and I played solo with Bill on a regular basis for many years. I cherish the memories. Carl Piellusch.
Andrea Posted Mar 4, 2023 at 9:25 PM
Dad had so much fun playing solo with you all:)
Bishop Michael Pryse uploaded photo(s)
Monday, February 27, 2023
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Bishop Susan Johnson and I will dearly miss Bishop Huras. We often referenced him as being our "church dad!" We invite prayers for his beloved family and all who will mourn his passing most deeply. May he rest in peace and rise in glory!
Andrea Posted Mar 4, 2023 at 9:26 PM
Thank-you
Carl Piellusch posted a condolence
Monday, February 27, 2023
Bill was a good friend to me for over seventy-five years. We had good times together in our early twenties. I remember them well. Carl Piellusch
Kimberley Shearer donated to ST PETERS EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH KITCHENER
Monday, February 27, 2023
The family of Rev. Dr. & Bishop (Retired) William David Huras uploaded a photo
Sunday, February 26, 2023
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