The Reverend Dr. Muthiah David Appavoo, Anglican Priest and retired Associate Professor, died on September 30, 2020, at the age of 93 in Delta, BC.
He will be missed by his daughter Clare Appavoo, her husband David Willson, former wife Patricia (nee McNeill), his siblings Jeevamani Packiam, Martin Appavoo (Sushila), Lily Philip and Magdalene Devadason (John), step grand-children, great grand-daughter, and many loving nieces, nephews, and other extended family. The eldest of seven, he was predeceased by his brother Solomon and sister Catherine.
Muthiah held Permission to Officiate in the Diocese of New Westminster. He was retained on the National House of Bishops’ List.
Born in Bangalore, India he grew up in various parishes across South India, wherever his father, a Lutheran pastor, was posted. A veteran of the Royal Indian Navy, he served in WWII and was in Britain still serving with the Navy when India was granted independence in 1947. After leaving the navy he read theology at London Bible College from 1956-60 receiving a Bachelor of Divinity. He returned to India in 1961, was ordained in the Church of South India and served as parish priest at Memorial Church in Bangalore from 1961-65. During this time, he completed a Master of Theology through Serampore College, U of Calcutta. A charismatic minister, he was much beloved by his congregation.
While researching for his sermons, he met his future wife Patricia who was a librarian at the United Theological College, courted her and they married in April 1964. Daughter Clare was born a year later, and shortly thereafter they moved to Patricia’s former home in Edmonton, Canada. They settled in Toronto where he completed both an MA and PhD in Sociology (1970-78). He taught at several Universities before settling at Concordia College in Edmonton as Associate Professor until he retired in 1992. His enthusiasm for sociology and gift for lecturing inspired his students.
Throughout his time in Canada he continued to serve as an Honorary Assistant in Anglican parishes wherever he lived. In his latter years, after moving to BC, he devoted his time to inter-faith exchange, forming the Clergy for Compassion and Harmony and he counted clergy from many faiths as friends and respected colleagues.
With a charming smile and a sparkle in his eye he took a keen interest in others. His sharp mind shone through conversations, sermons and lectures. A devout Christian, he respected and honoured the faiths of others, and he brought the values of his Tamil heritage to his Canadian life.
Due to the pandemic, a virtual memorial service will be organized so that family and friends from around the world may join.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) or to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.