In Memoriam

It is with a mingling of deep sadness and great thanksgiving that people across the Diocese of Niagara will receive the news of Bishop John Bothwell’s death on Tuesday January 28. 

Bishop Bothwell served with great distinction during his vibrant and transformative ministry. “It is hard to encapsulate his profound impact upon the life of the parishes he served, the Diocese of Niagara, the Anglican Church of Canada and the Anglican Communion,” says the Right Reverend Michael Bird, current Bishop of Niagara, adding “he was one of the great leaders of our time.” In 1976 Bishop Bothwell presided at the ordination of the first female priests in the Diocese of Niagara. He also attended two Lambeth Conferences and co-consecrated at the ordination of Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Born in West Toronto in 1926, Bishop Bothwell studied at the University of Toronto where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in 1948 followed by a Licentiate in Theology and a Bachelor of Divinity from Trinity College. He was ordained a deacon in 1951 and a priest in 1952 at St. James’ Cathedral, Toronto. He served in parishes in Toronto, Vancouver, Oakville and Dundas. In 1963 he was appointed a Canon of Christ’s Church Cathedral in Hamilton. Before being elected co-adjutor Bishop of Niagara in 1971, he served as National Executive Director of Program with the Anglican Church of Canada. Bishop Bothwell was installed as the eighth Diocesan Bishop of Niagara on September 30, 1973. In 1985 he was elected Metropolitan of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario and served until just prior to his retirement in 1991.

In addition to his service to the Church, Bishop Bothwell was an author of several books and an engaged citizen. He served on the boards of the Hamilton Social Planning and Research Council, the Hamilton United Way, St. Matthew’s House, the YWCA, the Hamilton Foundation and the Interfaith Social Assistance Review Committee. He also served as Chancellor of the University of Trinity College, Toronto. Bishop Bothwell was inducted into the Hamilton Gallery of Distinction in 1993.

Bishop Bird joins with Anglicans across Niagara and throughout Canada in giving thanks to God for the life and witness of Bishop Bothwell. A service celebrating his life and ministry will take place on Monday February 3 at 10:30a.m. at Christ’s Church Cathedral, 252 James Street North, Hamilton. The Right Reverend Michael Bird will preside, assisted by the Right Reverends Spence and Asbil, retired Bishops of Niagara, and the Reverend Canon Patrick Doran will preach. The Most Reverend Fred Hiltz, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada and the Most Reverend Colin Johnson, Metropolitan of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario and Archbishop of Toronto will be in attendance.  Visitation will take place on Sunday February 2 from 3-5p.m. and 7-9p.m. at St. Christopher’s Anglican Church, 662 Guelph Line,  Burlington. Please keep Bishop Bothwell’s wife, Joan, and his children Michael, Timothy, Nancy, Douglas and Anne in your prayers.