“I am a part of all whom I have met.”
Such were the words of Rev. Dr. Richard Fee, spoken at his retirement ceremony at Trinity York Mills, Toronto, on Sept. 24. It was an apt comment—coming from someone with nearly 40 years of experience as a missionary, minister and most recently as general secretary of the Life and Mission Agency. He has served the Presbyterian Church in many ways, and during his address, Fee touched on them on all.
But it was when he spoke of Nigeria—a country he lived in for 17 years after being ordained in Killam, Alta., in 1976—that a deep connection and love was most evident.
“Nigeria infuriated me, challenged me, pushed me to the extreme, and rewarded me, loved me and embraced me like no other place in the world. It informed who I am today.”
Fee also mentioned his time studying at Knox College,Toronto, his formative years growing up in Alberta, his 13 years as director of Presbyterian World Service & Development, the ecumenical organizations he has been a part of, his time in
Ottawa and his brush with politics, and his years at the national office, calling the staff at 50 Wynford Drive in Toronto “the most unsung, dedicated people … who realize a call from Jesus Christ is special and unique.”
“I learn from people,” he continued, “from watching and hearing their stories.”
People close to Fee recounted their own stories and offered their blessings. Longtime friend, Ray Drennan, said that Fee “poured his heart and soul into Nigeria and risked his life many times for that church.”
“He is not easy to work for,” Drennan added. “He is demanding. But he is doubly demanding on himself.”
His brother, Doug Fee, called him “a peacemaker,” relating the story of his ordination which took place in the Roman Catholic church in Killam. Prior to this, there had been rumblings and grumblings between denominations in that small town, but Fee’s ordination nevertheless occured in the Catholic building. When it came to the laying on of hands, in walked the priest who asked permission to lay his hands on Fee as well.
“Rick’s ordination did more for ecumenism and to heal the rift in that town than anything ever could.”
Calling him a “prophet, guide and counsellor,” he said his brother “exemplified” Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:40, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Rev. Karen Horst, moderator of the 2015 General Assembly, wrote in a letter to Fee, “He has set the bar for Christian service very high.”
Rev. Ian Ross-McDonald, who succeeds Fee as general secretary, noted that Fee didn’t merely work, but lived out his “unique selfhood.”
“Vocation is a way of life,” he said, “a lifetime of contributing to something timeless and great. … Many of us can say that we’ve touched the lives of people. Your ministry has actually saved the lives of people.”
The ceremony included a song performed by Nigerian friends, and Tina Turner’s “You’re Simply the Best” accompanied by a slideshow of photos.
When Fee was inducted as general secretary of the LMA in 2005 (following his stint as moderator of the 2004 Assembly), he referred to two hymns, saying, “I endeavour to live out these words.”
One of those hymns was “May the God of Hope Go With Us Every Day.” Here are the words:
Praying, let us work for peace,
Singing, share our joy with all,
Working for a world that’s new,
Faithful when we hear God’s call.
“Remember to appreciate the small things in your life,” Fee said in closing. “Always give thanks for those little things. God bless you, and thank you.”
