Bishop Allan Alexander Read, former diocesan bishop of Ontario, died of cancer on Nov. 15 in Kingston, Ont. at the age of 80.
Born in Toronto, Bishop Read earned a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Toronto and a licentiate in theology from Trinity College. He was also the recipient of three honorary doctorates. Ordained in 1949, he served parishes in Mono and Barrie, both in Ontario. He later became a canon of St. James Cathedral, Toronto, and an archdeacon in the Toronto diocese.
He was elected a suffragan (assistant or area) bishop of Toronto and consecrated in 1972. In 1981, he became diocesan bishop of Ontario and retired in 1992. In 1999, he and his wife Beverly, in recognition of their ministry to the Mohawk parishes in the diocese of Ontario, were given Mohawk names in a ceremony at Christ Church, Tyendinaga. Bishop Read’s name was Tehahswahthe: than, or “The One Who Lights The Way” and Mrs. Read’s name was Wayrano: ran, or “Precious Fruit.” Bishop Read took a special interest in Mohawk culture, learning a blessing in the native language and inviting the chief and his wife to attend his episcopal enthronement dressed in traditional garb.
He was a recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal and was named Citizen of the Year in Barrie in 1957.
He was predeceased by his wife, Beverly, who died in 2002. They had four children and seven grandchildren. A funeral service was held Nov. 22 in St. George’s Cathedral, Kingston, Ont.
