ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Bishop Geoff Peddle leaves behind a legacy of kindness, wisdom and leadership in the Anglican Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador.
Peddle died suddenly on Thursday at the age of 57.
“While this is very painful for us to process at this moment, we are comforted by the grace of God which truly passes all understanding,” Archdeacon Sam Rose wrote in a notification to members of the Anglican Church in the province.
Born on New Year's Day in 1963 in Bonavista, Peddle grew up in nearby Trinity, Lethbridge and Whitbourne. He earned a bachelor of arts degree and master's degree from Memorial University before gaining a master's of divinity from Queen’s College. He went on to receive a PhD from Cardiff University in Wales.
“He wanted us to be much more outward-looking, to engage with the world around us, the community around us, to be out in the public sphere, but he was very much about keeping the Anglican family together, making everyone feel like they belonged.” — Mark Nichols
In 1987, Peddle was ordained in the Anglican Church and served in the parish of Lake Melville, Labrador.
Rev. Mark Nichols says he first dealt with Peddle when he decided to pursue a life with the church. He says Peddle’s nurturing nature was evident immediately.
“It was the day that the U.S. invaded Iraq, back in 2003. I was part of the anti-war crowd here in St. John’s opposing that. It was a lousy day for me to go in front of this committee. He spoke to me a few minutes before I went in to meet with the committee,” said Nichols.
“I told him that it was a bad day. I remember he said to me, ‘You bring all of that in with you. We want to meet you and that’s part of who you are.’ Right from the beginning, he was really supportive, encouraging, mentoring.”
Peddle served in parishes in Cartwright, Arnold’s Cove and Mount Pearl. In 2013, when he was elected bishop for Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador, Peddle said his experience around the province positioned him well to lead the local diocese.
“There’s no church I haven’t been to and no parish I haven’t spent time in Newfoundland and Labrador, so that’s a real blessing for me,” he told the Anglican Journal at the time.
“I already know a lot of people.”
Peddle was active in academic life, publishing in a number of journals. He wrote three books: "From Mount Pearl to Mount Sinai," "The Atonement of Jack Fowler" and "A History of the Church Lads’ Brigade (CLB)," released on the 125th anniversary of the organization. Peddle served as the regimental chaplain of the CLB.
Last night I got the news that my bishop, Geoff Peddle, has died. This man has been a significant & supportive presence in my ministry from the very beginning, & showed great confidence in me. My heart is heavy & I really don’t have the words to say what I’m feeling right now.
— Mark Nichols (He/Him) (@JustMarkNichols) October 9, 2020
Nichols says Peddle’s role as bishop was to steward the church community through some contentious times, but he consistently maintained the importance of unity within the community.
“He always tried to keep everyone together. Most recently, that was in the fight that I was pushing for marriage equality in the church. Bishop Geoff supported that, but he wanted to bring everyone forward together, even those who weren’t ready to make that change,” said Nichols.
“He wanted us to be much more outward-looking, to engage with the world around us, the community around us, to be out in the public sphere, but he was very much about keeping the Anglican family together, making everyone feel like they belonged.”
Word of Peddle's death came only a couple of months after he had revealed his intention to retire at the end of this year.
Peddle leaves to mourn his wife, Kathy, and sons, Benjamin and Adam, as well as a grandchild.
In an obituary on the website of Carnell's Funeral Home, it was announced that a funeral service will be planned for when friends and family can gather. There was no visitation.
The obituary also said donations in Peddle's memory would be welcome for causes he supported, including The Home Again Furniture Bank, The Food Sharing Association, Roots of Empathy, Godly Play Canada, or the PWRDF.
