The Rt. Reverend Walter Gordon Asbil

It is with a deep mixture of grief and gratitude that we share the news that the Rt. Rev’d Walter Gordon Asbil died early on Easter eve, April 8th, 2023, at the age of 90 years. Impeccable timing for a man of deep faith.

Walter is survived by his beloved wife Mavis. They were together for 72 years. Soulmates, they journeyed through this life with a sense of wonder and faith. They always saw afresh the high places and the low, the joyful and the sad, the momentary and the lasting experiences that filled the years. They always appreciated the special people in their lives who brought significance, delight, meaning and love. Family was key to Walter’s happiness. He was a proud father to Brent (Carol), Andrew (Mary), Mark (Andrea), Cynthia (Jennifer) and father-in-law to Cyndi Asbil. Walter was a proud grandfather to Katelyn, Megan, Haley, Hannah, Karl, Bridget, Cole, Grant and Sophie. He will be fondly remembered by his youngest brother Henry Asbil, brothers-in-law, Wilbur Shaver and Ray Shaver and a whole host of nieces and nephews.

Born in 1932, the middle child of 7, to John and Violet Asbil. Walter grew up on the family farm near Rawdon, Quebec. After High School he studied at Concordia University where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in 1954 followed by a Bachelor of Divinity from McGill University and a Licentiate in Theology from Montreal Diocesan Theological College in 1957. He received a Master of Sacred Theology in 1967 from McGill University and he was awarded an honourary Doctor of Divinity degree from his alma mater, Montreal Diocesan Theological College.

He was ordained a deacon in May of 1957 and a priest in December of that same year. He served in the Parish of Alwin/River Desert, the parish of South Shore Extension, St. Stephen’s, Weredale Park and St. George’s, Ste. Anne-de-Bellevue in the Diocese of Montreal before moving to the Diocese of Niagara to take up the position of rector of St. George’s, St. Catharines in 1970. In 1973 he was appointed an honourary canon of Christ’s Church Cathedral in Hamilton, and in 1982 he was appointed to serve as a Bishop’s Archdeacon. In 1986, he was appointed to serve as rector of Christ Church Cathedral and Dean of the Diocese of Ottawa. He also enjoyed serving as Deputy Prolocutor for the National Church and as a member of the Anglican Consultative Council.

In 1990, Bishop Asbil was elected to serve as coadjutor bishop by the synod of the Diocese of Niagara. He was ordained to the episcopate on November 1, 1991 and became the ninth Bishop of Niagara on December 1, 1991. He served as diocesan bishop until his retirement on December 31, 1997. Even in retirement, Walter served as incumbent of St. Saviour’s Church, Queenston and then served as Bishop-in-residence at St. George’s Church, St. Catharines. And in retirement he and Mavis enjoyed travelling all over the world.

He will be remembered as a wise, fiercely inclusive leader, a champion for the vulnerable, and a faithful servant of Jesus Christ.

He always met you with kindness, deep humour and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. George’s Church in St. Catharines.

A service celebrating Bishop Walter's life and ministry will take place on Monday, April 24, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at St. George's, St. Catharines; the service will be live-streamed via the parish's YouTube channel. Clergy are invited to vest for the service. Visitation will take place the evening before, on Sunday, April 23, 2023 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at St. George's.