Rev. Fead consoled country at funeral for Cpl. Nathan Cirillo
Argyll’s padre died in motorcycle accident
Rev. Canon Robert Fead was the spiritual leader who helped a nation overcome its trauma after the senseless shooting of a young Hamilton soldier at the National War Memorial in 2014.
As chaplain to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, Fead conducted the nationally-televised service for Cpl. Nathan Cirillo at Christ’s Church Cathedral in downtown Hamilton.
The service, attended by prime minister Stephen Harper and hundreds of others, was held Oct. 28, 2014, less than a week after the 24-year-old Argyll was shot dead in Ottawa by a man who then stormed the Parliament building before being fatally shot by security staff. Fead, who called Cirillo “Canada’s son.”
“Your death is such a tragedy, but yet it’s not in vain,” Fead said about Cirillo’s death to the crowd, which also included hundreds outside the James Street North church. “Because of you, every Argyll and every man and woman who is honoured to wear the uniform of the Canadian Forces stands prouder and taller this day.”
Fead, rector at St. Jude’s Church in Oakville, was killed in a traffic accident in Niagara on April 30. He was 54. Niagara police say his motorcycle was struck by a truck on Wellandport Road in Wainfleet.
Fead is being remembered as a man who was warm-hearted, passionate, adventurous and someone who was dedicated to his flock, whether civilian or soldier. Niagara Bishop Michael Bird said he had a wonderful way of connecting with people from all walks of life, and was looked to as a leader among the clergy in the Anglican diocese.
He recalled that “amid the shock and sorrow” of Cirillo’s death, Fead “was able to convey a sense of hope and peace to our nation . ... We are all deeply grieving the death of Canon Fead, but at the same time we give thanks to God for his incredible ministry.”
Lt.-Col. Peter Denis, commanding officer of the Argylls, said Fead — who had the rank of major — was “a proud member” of the unit and that members “are saddened by his loss.”
Rev. Dr. Alan McPherson, a retired Hamilton Presbyterian minister, and Ron Foxcroft, former honorary colonel of the Argylls, both referenced how Fead provided comfort to soldiers and their families. Foxcroft, who said “Padre Fead will never be forgotten,” also recalled how the priest helped the regiment and the Cirillo family at a very upsetting time.
“Although he was never deployed abroad to Afghanistan itself during the Afghan conflict, he was certainly caught up in its wider effect,” said McPherson. “On at least one occasion I know of (and there were probably others), he was tasked to accompany and support a family as they flew out to Landstuhl (in Germany) to be with their wounded son.”
Back in Canada, McPherson said his friend would be with a family of a soldier “whose life had been lost” and would be at their side for weeks, and be “the caring, capable, thoughtful, helpful resource and support that they so much needed.”
Fead started as a Catholic priest in the Hamilton Diocese in 1993. He transferred to the Anglican Church in 2002 and joined the Niagara diocese. He was the rector at St. George’s church in St. Catharines between 2003-2014, and served as chaplain for that city’s fire department. He also worked at parishes in Brantford, Guelph and Hamilton. He also served as padre to 31 Canadian Brigade Group.
He assisted in 2016 at the presentation of a Memorial Cross to the family of Cpl. Justin Stark, after a five-year fight by his family and supporters. The Argyll died by suicide at the James Street armoury after a seven-month deployment to Afghanistan. But Ottawa only gives the Memorial Cross to those who die on active duty.
“Whether he died in a battlefield overseas, or in the battle here at home that we call life, we honour him and commend him,” Fead said.
Fead is survived by his wife Veronica, his mother Marie, sister Kathleen, brother James and their families.