Archdeacon Arthur Privett dies at 94

Archdeacon Arthur Privett worked in the diocese of Yukon for 50 years, earning him the distinction of being the longest serving priest at Christ Church Cathedral in Whitehorse. He died on May 29 at the age of 94.

Born in Toronto, Archdeacon Privett was a graduate of Wycliffe College. He was ordained deacon in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., in 1946, and a year later, as priest. In 1957, he moved to Whitehorse with his wife and two sons to become rector of Christ Church Cathedral. He became a canon in 1962, and three years later, archdeacon of Klondike.

One of the founding members of the now inter-denominational Braeburn Lake Christian camp, Archdeacon Privett took charge of parishes north of Whitehorse along the Alaska Highway, including St. Columba’s Chapel in Beaver Creek. Upon retirement in 1979, he became the cathedral’s honorary assistant, serving 27 years until the age of 92.

Archdeacon Privett is the father of the bishop of the diocese of Kootenay, John Privett.