The Rev. Paul Owen Brisbane, who served parishes in six states during 60 years as a priest, died December 8 at 87. A memorial service is scheduled for May 25 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Coldwater, Michigan, where he was ordained to the diaconate.
Brisbane was a native of Kalamazoo, Michigan. He returned to his longtime hometown of Coldwater in his later years to be closer to family. He was a graduate of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo and Church Divinity School of the Pacific. He was ordained deacon in 1962 and priest in 1963.
He served churches in Colorado, Kansas, Michigan, New York, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. While serving in Meeker, Colorado, he oversaw a project to stabilize the foundation of St. James’ Church, restore the building to a level position, and straighten its 38-foot bell tower. The project cost $250,000. He retired from active ministry in October 2001, but he regularly provided supply ministry in Michigan.
Fr. Brisbane is survived by his wife, Judy; children Kathleen, Elizabeth, Patricia, William, Hope, and Shane; 18 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
Canon Thomas Charles Foster, who served as music director at All Saints’ Church in Beverly Hills and Epiphany Church in Seattle, died January 27 at 85.
Foster was born in Durham, North Carolina. He was a graduate of Syracuse University (earning a bachelor’s degree in organ performance), and earned a master’s degree at the New England Conservatory in Boston.
Foster came to Beverly Hills in 1976 after serving at St. John’s Cathedral in Jacksonville, Florida, and Calvary Church in Williamsville, New York. He stayed at Beverly Hills for 27 years and then served in Seattle from 2007 to 2017. Foster composed the tune “Fisk of Gloucester” for the hymn “Lift your voice rejoicing, Mary” in the Hymnal 1982, and served a term as president of the Association of Anglican Musicians.
Survivors include Carol Morey Foster, his wife of 62 years, who is also a distinguished church musician; two sons; and two grandsons.
The Rev. Canon Emily Barr Richards, who dealt with rheumatoid arthritis as an infant, died January 16 after another battle, this time with cancer, at 52. She was priest in charge of St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church, Whitemarsh, Pennsylvania.
Richards was a native of Lexington, Kentucky, and a graduate of the University of the South and its School of Theology. She was ordained deacon in 2002 and priest in 2003.
“Emily will be remembered as an unstoppable force,” said an obituary published by the Diocese of Pennsylvania. “Emily’s ministry was always about radical hospitality. She was dedicated to making all people feel welcome, whether they were a long-time parishioner or just a casual visitor.”
She is survived by her husband, Daniel; a daughter; her parents; and two brothers.
Other Deaths
