FENNELL, Austin

FENNELL, Austin
Following a brief illness, the Rev. Dr. Austin Fennell died on December 15, 2022, at the age of 89 years. Austin was born in Hafford, Saskatchewan, to Sadie (Boyd) and Rev. Harold Fennell. Austin attended the University of Saskatchewan and St. Andrew’s College. He married Jean (Ford) in 1956. Austin was ordained by The United Church of Canada in 1957, and earned a PhD from the University of Glasgow. He served in active ministry for 41 years. He made significant contributions to church and community leadership within the United Church, St. Andrew’s College, University of Lethbridge Chaplaincy Committee, the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs, and the Lethbridge Symphony Association. In 2018, he received an honorary Doctor of Divinity from his alma mater, St. Andrew’s College.
Always ready for a laugh, a good story, or reflection on a theological or social problem, Austin will be remembered for his deep care for others, his intellect, his powerful preaching, his lifelong love of learning, his commitment to a better society, and his abiding faith in Jesus Christ, in whose company he now rejoices.
Remembering him with love and gratitude are his wife Jean, daughter Moira (Doug), sons Ian (Melanie), Andrew (Kerri), and Rob (Sally), sister Kay, brother Brian, 14 grandchildren, 1 great-granddaughter, many cousins, nieces, and nephews, and friends.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Mission and Service Fund of The United Church of Canada. A funeral service will take place in January (date TBA). A longer obituary and space for messages may be found on the website of the Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels. “Well done, good and faithful servant.”