His early childhood memories of the hardships facing the First Nations communities and immigrants in North Dakota during the Depression, alongside the loss of both parents by age 8, set the stage for his life’s work as a priest, mentor, and executive in the Church of England.

During the next five years a pioneering spirit also reflected in his father’s life, who had become Archdeacon at the age of 34 in Williston, North Dakota, was given ample scope through abilities in adapting to constraints, and successfully managing the demands of complex geographical and social environments.

Having managed the parish with a team of curates for eight years through an impressive ministry, including extensive pastoral outreach and care and exceptional administrative skill, at the age of 43 he was, to popular acclaim, made Archdeacon of Northampton.

Although his primary responsibility lay with the parishes of the archdeaconry, his tenure was characterized by special concern for the needs of marginalized individuals and communities, leading to the realization of practical initiatives.

Thus, in the 1970s he was involved with West Indian community interests, building bridges between Anglicans and Lutherans, supporting equity of access for the hearing impaired, and raising awareness of the strategies and implications of cult recruitment campaigns, amongst others.