Gwyneth Proctor Griffith

I met Gwyn first when I was dragged by a friend to a singing event in Toronto; it was worth the drive from Hamilton. She opened for me a new expression of what it could it mean to minister through the Church. Experiencing her laughter and candid nature truly was transformative. Then I went to the CCS which she had so lovingly guided. For all that she has been, may her name be for a Blessing for eternity.

I feel blessed to have had Gwyn as a friend and colleague. Working with Gywn at CCS was a real honour. She was full of life, spirit, ideas, and commitment to CCS and the United Church. And she partied like she worked! We spent many hours driving to folks concerts, hanging out in her backyard, visiting and celebrating. Rest in peace Gwyn. Nan you brought much joy into Gwyn's life and I celebrate that. I'm very sorry for your loss. May your memories and knowing how many lives she touched, offer solace.

It is hard to believe that this great woman has died. As a graduate of CCS there were times that she both inspired me and times that I would hope I would not be challenged by her. A remarkable woman. To her loved partner my sincere condolences. May the many memories you hold surround you with the love Gwyn readily shared. May it be. Blessings. June.

Dear Nan, My sincerest condolences on the passing of Gwyn. May her sould rest in peace. I have missed hearing from Gwyn and this news came as a real surprise. Helene Moussa

Dear Nan, I am so sorry for your loss of such a beloved partner. Gwyn was such a joy, a hopeful striver, and a hard worker for feminist ideals and practical solutions to the patriarchal order. As principal at CCS, she convinced me that doubts and concerns about the church were worth exploring through the CCS program. She was right. My education years were filled with delight and discovery. Later, on the Education for Church Leadership task group, Gwyn kept us on track with many consultations and then presentations at two General Councils. Gwyn was a good listener, an enthusiastic collaborator, and a strong believer in the value of progressive adult education principles. She believed that power is to be shared and that diversity brings new insights and bolsters creativity. She was a woman of courage, competence and joy whose smile and laugh will be lasting memories for me. Go well Nan, Barbara

I give thanks for Gwyn and her energy for life. We worked together on the UCC ctee relating to theological education. Always lots to discuss about how preparation for ordained and diaconal ministry should be carried out - the CCS way or the other schools' way. And then there were hours spent on funding theol education - a never ending challenge. But we continued to labour for the best. Gwyneth was always generous in her commitments. We were blessed. Thanks be to God.

Nan, I am so sorry for your loss. I love the picture, it bridges the gap since I saw her last. She looks so fully alive and in love. I met her first in the sixties, when I was a volunteer for Shelley in the North Toronto Youth Project 65 years ago when she was working for the YWCA in North Toronto. She hired me for the first social worker there. I was always grateful for her vision, her respect and belief in people and her Kindness. Later she offered me an opportunity to do some teaching at the Center for Christian Education. What A wonderful nourished she was of community. I remember with great joy The Christmas song fests offered each year to friends. Hugh and I loved joining in the fun . Thank you for your gifts of Shared life and care to each other. I am grateful to Geegee for hearing of her death and the honouring .

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

The Stephen Lewis Foundation

Women's Group at Eglinton United Church was where I first got to know Gwynn. She was such a strong, inclusive, caring person who loved to sing! Love to Nan.

Sending you hugs and condolences from Suzanne (Suzie) and the rest Marguerite Hunt's family. I will always remember Gwyn as a strong woman. I enjoyed our talks over the years at church.

If it weren’t for Gwyn I would have left CCS in my first week or two. Things weren’t going well for me in Core so she took me out to lunch and straightened me out. We became friends and I stayed. I am forever grateful. Blessings to all who are feeling this loss.

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Alzheimer Society of Ontario

We were privileged to have Gwyn as our principal during our years at the Centre for Christian Studies. We will always remember her boundless energy, her care for the students and staff and her love of music. So grateful for the chance to get to know her and learn from her. David Kai and Marly Bown

We are so very sorry to hear of Gwyn's passing. Our most sincere condolences to you Nan and all of the folks who love you and Gwyn. I knew Gwyn as a young girl through The Canadian Girls in Training, The United Church activities and the YWCA. Gwyn was a trusted and loyal friend to me through these growing up years and I deeply respected and looked up to her. Through example, she taught me that I could be whomever I chose to be. Although into adult life, we lost rack of each for a number of years but I will always be grateful for Gwyn in my life. She left a warm and caring imprint on my life and who could ask for more than that. When Carol and I married in 2012, Gwyn shared the honor with us of offering the blessing at our wedding table. "Look to this day, for it is life, the very life of life" Love and sweet dreams Gwyn

Nancy, I am so sorry to read of Gwyn's passing. I was one of the psw's that came to your home to help take care of Gwyn. We always had a blast, with whatever we got up to. It was a privilege to get to know her and you, I will never take that forgranted. Sending lots of love your way.

Oh what a glorious soul! Gwyn had the brightest eyes and kindest heart. A genuinely good human. She loved and was loved. A great legacy. My sincere condolences to Nancy and all who knew and loved Gwyn.

Nan, I had the privilege of knowing Gwyn before she was at CCS, but while she was working with the YWCA in Toronto and a member of Eglington UC. Later she interviewed me for her thesis work. But mostly as principal of CCS. In every occasion she showed respect for me and all of the people she met and collaborated with. She had an excellent scholarly approach to her work, but never showed any arrogance towards others. She made the world a better place and diaconal ministry in the UCC better as a result of her leadership. May you feel the love of g-d in every hug, tear and story of Gwyn, who was a great woman.

Gwen was a powerhouse of energy, conviction, and leadership. I was honoured and grateful to have worked with her with the Centre for Christian Studies and the Education for Church Leadership task group. The mark she made on the church will not be forgotten.

I first me Gwyn in the early 80s. She was a wise, insightful and lively person who taught me so much about ways of learning and being as a diaconal minister. There are so many of us in the diaconal community who are richer because of her contributions to education and justice, community and church.

Ah, Gwyn....she was a fountain of both wisdom and fun. It flowed and bubbled out of her. So glad to have known her. All my best wishes to Nan and all the family.

Gloria and I were saddened by the news of Gwyn's passing, but know that she was loved so dearly by you Nan and in the good care of so many around her. Your deep partnership is a rich legacy. I cherish the many memories of time spent with Gwyn since 1969 and with you both the last three decades. Her radiant smile and commitment to others in community still resonate. Take care as you lay her to rest. Carolyn and Gloria

Sending condolances to you during this most difficult time. It was my pleasure getting to know you both and hearing your stories about your experiences in life. Gwyn and her electric smile and personality will be missed.

I had the pleasure and privilege of getting to know Gwyn, albeit in her later years. Her intellect, warmth and great sense of humour were a joy to me. Nancy, I am so sorry for your loss. Your love for each other was evident and I hope you can take comfort in the fact that you cared for Gwyn so well.

I met Gwyn the day I went to CCS for my interview to be admitted to the school in 1988. She met me at the front door and seeing how nervous I was she spent the next 10 minutes talking to me. Her friendliness and genuine caring made me feel far stronger than I thought I was. In my years at CCS she was a great inspiration to me and I valued her friendship. My first charge was Wilfrid-Pefferlaw-Udora. The afternoon of my first service there she knocked on the manse door to tell me that she knew that I would succeed. Then she told me that she had lived across the street when her dad was minister at the same charge years ago. It meant the world to me and I never forgot her for it. God bless and keep her in the peace and rest she so deserves.

I am saddened to hear of Gwyn’s death. She was such a great mentor to me as the Presbytery rep when I was the chair of a search committee. My condolences to you.

I'm absolutely heartbroken to learn of Gwyn's passing and of your loss Nancy. One of my most cherished memories is of a slightly less than mobile Gwyn sitting inside the entrance of Machu Picchu and quietly declaring "I made it! I'm okay just being here." From what little I know, she was equally inspirational to all who knew her, and she was so fortunate to have had you in her life.

I am new to St. Peter's and recognized Gwyn in the picture by her broad smile and sparkling eyes. She seemed to be such a cheerful soul when I saw her at church. May her warm memories comfort those close to her.

I had the great privilege of working with and becoming a friend of Gwyn's in the late 1980s/early 1990s in Toronto. Gwyn's energy and enthusiasm for leadership development was unparalleled. She leveraged her skills and intellect into education and training events that left no one unchanged. She loved her work at CCS and approached it with passion and deep commitment. I valued her support as a friend and admired her ministry of leadership and was deeply affected by her clear values of justice and equity. She has earned a good rest. May her memory be for a blessing.

Oh Gwen may u rest in peace. You my friend were my special client and friend. Always ALWAYS looked forward to our visits. Your humor and positive attitude i have missed. Nan know that my thoughts are with you today. The love and care the 2 of you had were very special ❤️ I have missed seeing both of you but I know Gwen was where she needed to be and that you needed to look after yourself. She will never be forgotten because you can't forget a lady like Gwen. You both are very special to so many 💖

Nan, Gwen was a special person, you could tell by how much you loved and cared for each other. I am sorry she is gone, but know that she had all her ducks in a row.

Nancy you have our heart felt condolences. You two had a special relationship that was inspiring & seldom seen. It was a gift to have know her. May she RIP