Obituary of Rev. Paul David Kett

A livestream and recording of the service will be made available by clicking here

Passed away peacefully, at St. Mary’s Hospital, Kitchener on Sunday, October 8, 2023 at the age of 78 years.

Survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Kathleen, his sons Matthew and James (Rheanne) as well as his grandchildren Margot and Rowan.

Predeceased by his father Mel, mother Beatrice, and sisters Marilyn and Lenore.

Paul was born January 27, 1945 in Dunnville, Ontario, the youngest of three siblings with a large extended family. His father died when Paul was 19 years old and studying sciences at McMaster University. Immediately following his graduation he embarked on a teaching career of 15 years, first at Stayner Collegiate and then at Streetsville Secondary School. Paul met Kathleen while singing in the choir at St. Peter’s Erindale, marrying after a short courtship. Feeling the call to ministry, Paul went on to study at Wycliffe College at the University of Toronto. He was ordained a priest in 1981 while serving as a curate at St. Clements in the Diocese of Toronto, shortly after the birth of his first son, Matthew. During his time in ordained ministry he served as assistant Chaplain at Renison College at the University of Waterloo, welcoming his second son, James and moving to become priest-in-charge at a multi-point parish in Creemore and later at St Paul’s Uxbridge, serving as Regional Dean of both locations. After retirement and a move back to the Waterloo Region, he continued in ministry as an Honourary Assistant at St. John the Evangelist, until his death.

Paul was a talented musician, singing in choirs, playing piano and organ throughout his life. He was a voracious reader, a lifelong learner and teacher, and loved a good debate. Travel was a significant part of Paul’s life, visiting places around the world with Kathleen and establishing lasting connections to the people and places they encountered. He was involved in Freemasonry and countless other community and service-based organizations - later in his life, co-facilitating Dragon Talks, an international support group for people with auto-immune diseases. Above all else, he cherished time with his family. One of his proudest roles was that of “Papa,” imparting his joy for life and inherent silliness to his granddaughters. 

He will be deeply missed by his wife, children, granddaughters, and all of his family and friends.

Special thanks to all the staff at 3 West, St. Mary’s General Hospital for their extraordinary care.

Visitation will be held at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, 23 Water St N, Kitchener on Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 9:30 am – 10:45 am. A memorial service to celebrate Paul’s life and love of music will follow at 11:00 am.  A reception will be held in the church hall immediately following the service. A livestream and recording of the service will be available on Paul’s tribute page at www.erbgood.com

Condolences for the family and donations to the Primates World Relief and Development Fund or to St. John the Evangelist Outreach may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street S. Waterloo at www.erbgood.com