Thanks be to God for the Life and Ministry of The Reverend Canon Dennis Avon Dolloff July 19, 1956 - May 9, 2020

Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord. And let light perpetual shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

The Funeral Liturgy with the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist to Celebrate the Life of the Reverend Canon Dennis Avon Dolloff

Sunday, July 18, 2021 - St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Erindale

We wish to acknowledge the land on which St. Peter’s, Erindale is situated. For thousands of years it has been the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca, and most recently, the Mississaugas of the Credit River. We acknowledge that the land on which we make our homes was occupied by Indigenous peoples long before we arrived. We acknowledge this in order to better commit to the work of repentance and reconciliation.

The Right Reverend Kevin Robertson Area Bishop for York-Credit Valley Officiant at the Funeral

The Reverend Maria Nightingale Associate Priest and Chaplain to Seniors St. Peter’s, Erindale Celebrant at the Eucharist

The Rev. Dr. Lisa Barrowclough Preacher and Officiant at the Graveside

Musical Prelude Ashokan Farewell Michelle Charlton Dennis’ Friend and Fiddle Teacher

Welcome The Reverend Maria Nightingale

Please stand as the ashes are carried into the church by David Pierson, Dennis’ nephew, and the clergy enter.

I am Resurrection and I am Life, says the Lord. Whoever has faith in me shall have life, even though he die. And everyone who has life, and is committed to me in faith, shall not die for ever. John 11.25–26

Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. John 14.1–3

I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8.38–39

Remembrances The Reverend Jeff Brown Please be seated. Rector, St. Francis of Assisi The Gathering of the Community Please stand.

Celebrant The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. People And also with you.

The Collect

Celebrant Let us pray. O God, the maker and redeemer of all, grant us, with your servant Dennis and all the faithful departed, the sure benefits of your Son’s saving passion and glorious resurrection; that in the last day, when you gather up all things in Christ, we may with them enjoy the fullness of your promises; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

The Proclamation of the Word Please be seated.

The Old Testament Lesson Psalm 23 (KJV) Jennifer Pierson Dennis’ Sister-in-Law Reader A reading from the Book of Psalms. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.

The New Testament Lesson Revelation 21:1-7 The Rev. Jeff Brown

Reader A reading from the Book of Revelation. Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.” And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Then he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life. Those who conquer will inherit these things, and I will be their God and they will be my children. The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.

Hymn He Has Made All Things New Recorded by Dennis Please stand. Dennis Dolloff

The morning smiles with heaviness, the fullness of God’s love. The dew is filled with holiness, that gently touches my heart.

Refrain: See the joys of Creation; Feel the wonder of Truth. The Earth cries out in a happy song, He has made all things new.

Angels and Saints and men alike are filled with strength and light, The trees themselves stretch forth their arms, in praise of God’s might.

He knows our heart and our every need; He answers every prayer. Our perfect peace for evermore, we’re safe in Jesus’ care.

The Gospel Matthew 5:13-16 The Reverend Karen Pitt Deacon and Friend

Deacon The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. People Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus said: “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.

“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

The Gospel of Christ. People Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

The Homily The Rev. Dr. Lisa Barrowclough Please be seated.

The Apostles’ Creed Please stand.

Celebrant Let us confess the faith of our baptism, as we say, All I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, a nd is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Prayers of the People The Reverend James Ferry Honourary Assistant, St. Peter’s Leader Let us pray. Almighty God, you have knit your chosen people together in one communion, in the mystical body of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Give to your whole Church in heaven and on earth your light and your peace. People Hear us, Lord.

Leader May all who have been baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection die to sin and rise to newness of life, and may we with him pass through the grave and gate of death to our joyful resurrection. People Hear us, Lord.

Leader Grant to us who are still in our pilgrimage, and who walk as yet by faith, that your Holy Spirit may lead us in holiness and righteousness all our days. People Hear us, Lord.

Leader Grant to your faithful people pardon and peace, that we may be cleansed from all our sins and serve you with a quiet mind. People Hear us, Lord.

Leader Grant to all who mourn a sure confidence in your loving care that casting all their sorrow on you, they may know the consolation of your love. People Hear us, Lord.

Leader Give courage and faith to those who are bereaved, that they may have strength to meet the days ahead in the comfort of a holy and certain hope, and in the joyful expectation of eternal life with those they love. People Hear us, Lord. Leader Grant us grace to entrust Dennis to your never–failing love which sustained him in this life. Receive him into the arms of your mercy, and remember him/her according to the favour you bear for your people. People Hear us, Lord.

The Peace Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you. People And also with you.

The Celebration of the Eucharist

The Preparation of the Gifts Please be seated.

Hymn Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence Recorded by Dennis

Let all mortal flesh keep silence, and with fear and trembling stand. Ponder nothing earthly minded, for with blessing in his hand Christ our God to earth descendeth, our full homage to demand.

King of kings, yet born of Mary, as of old on earth he stood, Lord of Lords in human vesture, in the Body and the Blood, He will give to all the faithful his own self for heavenly food.

Rank on rank the host of heaven spreads its vanguard on the way, As the Light of light descendeth from the realms of endless day, That the powers of hell may vanish, as the darkness clears away.

At his feet the six-winged seraph; cherubim with sleepless eye, Veil their faces to the Presence, as with ceaseless voice they cry, “Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia, Lord Most High!”

The Prayer over the Gifts Please stand.

Celebrant God of mercy, accept the worship we offer you this day. Increase, we pray, our faith, deepen our hope, and confirm us in your eternal love. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. People Amen.

The Great Thanksgiving

Celebrant The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Celebrant Lift up your hearts. People We lift them to the Lord. Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Celebrant Blessed are you, gracious God, creator of heaven and earth; we give you thanks and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord, whose victorious rising from the dead has given to us the hope of resurrection and the promise of eternal life. Therefore with angels and archangels and all who have served you in every age, we raise our voices to proclaim the glory of your name.

All Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

Celebrant We give thanks to you, Lord our God, for the goodness and love you have made known to us in creation; in calling Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus your Son.

For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Saviour and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.

On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, a death he freely accepted, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: this is my body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”

Therefore, Father, according to his command, All we remember his death, we proclaim his resurrection, we await his coming in glory;

Celebrant and we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine.

We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts, that they may be the sacrament of the body of Christ and his blood of the new covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we, made acceptable in him, may be sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

In the fullness of time, reconcile all things in Christ, and make them new, and bring us to that city of light where you dwell with all your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation;

by whom, and with whom, and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory are yours, almighty Father, now and for ever. People Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Celebrant And now, as our Saviour Christ has taught us, we are bold to say, All Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Breaking of the Bread

Celebrant This is the bread which has come down from heaven. All Those who eat this bread will live for ever.

Celebrant The gifts of God for the People of God. People Thanks be to God.

Music During Communion You Do Not Walk Alone University of Toronto Chamber Choir Elaine Hagensberg Lori-Anne Dolloff, Conductor Eunseong Cho, Pianist Prayer after Communion Please stand.

Celebrant Let us pray. Almighty God, we thank you that in your great love you have fed us with the spiritual food and drink of the body and blood of your Son Jesus Christ, and have given us a foretaste of your heavenly banquet. Grant that this sacrament may be to us a comfort in affliction, and a pledge of our inheritance in that kingdom where there is no death, neither sorrow nor crying, but fullness of joy with all your saints; through Jesus Christ our Saviour. All Amen.

Family Gratitudes and Remembrances Rob Pierson Dennis’ Brother-in-Law

The Commendation The bishop and clergy stand by the ashes.

All Give rest, O Christ, to your servants with your saints, where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting. You only are immortal, the creator and maker of all; and we are mortal, formed of the earth, and to earth shall we return. For so did you ordain when you created me, saying, “You are dust, and to dust you shall return.” All of us go down to the dust; yet even at the grave we make our song: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Give rest, O Christ, to your servants with your saints, where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting.

Celebrant Into your hands, O merciful Saviour, we commend your servant Dennis. Acknowledge, we pray, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive him into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. All Amen.

The Blessing The Bishop will bless the people.

Deacon Let us go forth in the name of Christ. People Thanks be to God.

Respecting social distancing protocols, please join the procession out of the church, led by the clergy and Christopher Pierson, Dennis’ nephew, carrying the ashes.

Music During the Procession Irish Fiddle Tunes

The Committal Dennis’ ashes will be carried from the church to the cemetery by William Wallcraft, Dennis’ nephew, and received at the graveside by Lori-Anne Dolloff.

I know that my Redeemer lives, and at last he will stand upon the earth; and after my skin has been thus destroyed, then from my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see on my side, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. Job 19.25–27

I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord henceforth.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labours, for their deeds may follow them!” Revelation 14.13 Celebrant In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to almighty God our brother Dennis, and we commit his ashes to the ground; † earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. The Lord bless him and keep him, the Lord make his face to shine upon him and be gracious to him, the Lord lift up his countenance upon him and give him/her peace. All Amen. †

Celebrant The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Celebrant Let us pray.

God of grace and glory, we thank you for Dennis, who was so near and dear to us, and who has now been taken from us.

We thank you for the friendship he gave and for the strength and peace he brought.

We thank you for the love he offered and received while he was with us on earth.

We pray that nothing good in this man’s life will be lost, but will be of benefit to the world; that all that was important to him will be respected by those who follow; and that everything in which he was great will continue to mean much to us now that he is dead.

We ask you that he may go on living in his family and his friends; in their hearts and minds, in their courage and their consciences.

We ask you that we who were close to him may now, because of his death, be even closer to each other, and that we may, in peace and friendship here on earth, always be deeply conscious of your promise to be faithful to us in death.

We pray for ourselves, who are severely tested by this death, that we do not try to minimize this loss, or seek refuge from it in words alone, and also that we do not brood over it so that it overwhelms us and isolates us from others.

May God grant us courage and confidence in the new life of Christ.

We ask this in the name of the risen Lord. Amen. †

Celebrant Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord. People And let light perpetual shine upon him. Celebrant May his soul, and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. People Amen.

Remembrances Derek Wallcraft Dennis’ Brother-in-Law The Dismissal Celebrant May the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in you that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever.

People Amen.

Celebrant Go forth in the name of Christ. People Thanks be to God.

On behalf of their families, Lori-Anne Dolloff, Dennis’ widow, and Kathryn Wallcraft, Dennis’ sister, would like to thank everyone who participated in this funeral, both in person and online, and all those who have shown their love and support in so many ways during Dennis’ illness and following his death.

Thank you to David Pierson and Eryka August for making the special masks we were able to wear today.

The flowers in the chancel are given to the honour and glory of God and in loving memory of the Reverend Canon Dennis Avon Dolloff. They were arranged with love and gratitude by his beloved, Lori (Bear). Dennis and his sister, Kathryn Wallcraft Dennis and his therapy dog, Rosie Cotton

Dennis Avon Dolloff

Born in Toronto July 19 1956, Dennis’ family moved to Erindale Woodlands when the subdivision was newly developing. An avid soccer player, Dennis attended Queenston Drive Public School (grades K-6), the Woodlands (grades 7-8), and Erindale Secondary School, where he participated in the “Spirit” squad, played football, and met several lifelong friends. Dennis was undertaking a Bachelor of Philosophy degree at Erindale College (now UTM) before studies were interrupted by the car accident in 1979 that would leave him paralyzed and living in a wheelchair. As soon as rehabilitation was completed, Dennis returned to school to complete his BA, then entered Trinity College, Toronto where he pursued the Master of Divinity degree.

Dennis felt a lifelong calling to ministry, and so it was that on May 13, 1984 he was ordained to the diaconate in the Anglican Church of Canada, the first person with mobility disability to be ordained. He began serving as Curate at the Church of St. James, Orillia. The following year on May 10, he was ordained to the priesthood. In August,1986 he became Incumbent of the Church of St. Giles, Scarborough, followed by the appointment to The Church of Our Saviour in August 1999. He was made a Canon of the Church at St. James Cathedral, Toronto on January 19, 2014.

Dennis taught by example as he lived with kindness and compassion for all. He loved working with the Church’s youth and they loved him right back as he inspired everyone to overcome challenges. Always available for a chat, no topic was off limits and he provided a safe space to question and examine things. A guitar was always close at hand as music was integrated into gatherings of all kinds where anything was possible. When that little “glint” appeared in his eye you wanted to follow wherever he was leading, as laughter would not be far behind. Whether it was weaving a magic trick into the explanation of Gospel, or taking parishioners for a “pastoral” game of billiards, Dennis loved connecting with people and making sure that they felt heard, seen and cared for. This led to lasting friendships and a wide circle of care and support during these difficult last few years.

A passionate musician and prolific songwriter, Dennis had a lifelong quest to find the “Holy Grail” of guitars. At one time, he had a collection of 26-each with a unique voice—before he started giving them away to friends and family, sometimes replacing them with a new “perfect” instrument. One of his favourite summer activities was Songstudio week in Toronto. He met many friends and song writing collaborators. Many of Dennis’ songs can be heard in his recordings found for free on reverbnation.com. In later years he spent happy hours recording and self-producing these recordings.

Dennis met his lifelong partner in love and ministry in 1978 while they were both attending the Church of St. Peter’s, Erindale. Dennis was leading the youth group, Lori was the junior choir director, then organist. Through the life-changing challenges they continued to journey together, being married in 1986. Together they travelled to Ireland, enjoyed all things Celtic, and good food with good friends. It was especially poignant that they could minister together as priest and organist at the Church of Our Saviour for several years. Dennis retired from the Church of Our Saviour in July 2015, and began a new ministry as Honourary Assistant at St. Elizabeth’s Chinese Anglican Church in Mississauga. An eager language learner, Dennis was never too shy to try to speak to everyone in their language of birth, so after retirement he took up learning Chinese.

Dennis’ favourite scripture was from Revelation, “Behold I make all things New,” and he often joked about looking forward to getting the “new” parts when he got to heaven. Well, dear Dennis we hope now that you are dancing for joy on those new legs, and preparing a place where we can laugh, sing and live together in the light of the Resurrection. Your light will be sorely missed by so many.

Memorial donations may be made to these communities that were close to Dennis’ heart: St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Erindale. https://www.stpeterserindale.ca/ St. Elizabeth’s Anglican Church, Mississauga https://www.stechurch.com/ The Church of Our Saviour Don Mills https://www.oursaviourdonmills.ca/ Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund Musicounts.ca a charity that provides musical instruments for children who cannot afford them