Tribute to Archdeacon Gregor McCamley
It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of Archdeacon Gregor McCamley in the early hours of Easter Tuesday 7 April.
Gregor was always helpful, always caring, always wise and was blessed with a wonderful sense of humour. He used this gift skilfully, often lightening the mood at just the right moment.
Gregor was ordained deacon in Down Cathedral in 1965 and priested in 1966. He completed two curacies in Down and Dromore, serving in Holywood Parish from 1965-68 and Bangor Parish from 1968-72.
He didn’t move too far for his first incumbency in the Parish of Carnalea, staying for eight years before becoming rector of Knock Parish in 1980.
In 1990 Gregor was appointed as a canon of Down Cathedral and in 1995 Bishop Gordon McMullan invited him to become Archdeacon of Down, a role he held until his retirement in 2007.
I probably got to know Gregor best during his years of retirement. He cared deeply for the health and wellbeing of local parishes, and it was his great joy in retirement to support them practically in all sorts of ways including helping to run a parents and toddlers group. Gregor wanted local churches to thrive, to reach beyond their walls, to pass on the faith to the next generation and to faithfully and vibrantly worship the God he loved.
Gregor’s faith in Christ was real and his love for people was genuine and practical.
A devoted dad to Andrew and to Colin, a devoted grandfather and a loving husband to Rosemary, Gregor’s death leaves a family bereft of a very special family man and the church bereft of a wise pastor and friend.
Gregor, however, would want us to know and believe that for all who die believing and trusting in Jesus “the best is yet to be”. Gregor, this we believe and this we will continue to proclaim!
I extend my love, sympathy and prayers to all who knew and loved Gregor and especially his wife Rosemary, sons Andrew and Colin, daughter-in-law Emma, and his grandchildren Charlie, Jack, Conor and Evie.
+David
The funeral service will take place in Down Cathedral on Friday 10 April at 1.00pm. Interment afterwards in the adjoining graveyard.