Anglican military chaplain and priest dies in motorcycle accident

Canon Robert Fead, a priest in the Niagara Region and chaplain for Canadian Armed Forces, died on April 30, 2018, following a motorcycle crash in Wainfleet. Police have stated the crash involved a Dodge RAM pickup truck.

At the age of 54, Fead was a clergyman of St. Jude’s Anglican church, honorary canon of Christ’s Church Cathedral and a chaplain with the Anglican Military Ordinate. 

Canadians may remember him as he presided over the funeral service for Cpl. Nathan Cirillo in 2014. Honoured to be part of the service, Fead said Cpl. Cirillo’s return home down the Highway of Heros, was both “extremely emotional and uplifting.”

Bishop Michael Bird and Bishop-elect Susan Bell, of the Niagara Region, released a statement requesting prayers “for Canon Rob’s wife, Veronica, and his mother, Pat; for his friends and family and colleagues; for the clergy and people of St. Jude’s, Oakville and for all the churches and military units where he served.”

Fead was known for his adventurous spirit. On their first date, Fead took his wife of 16 years, Veronica, skydiving. In his bio on niagaraanglican.ca, Fead said, “I knew we shared a passion for adventure.” Together, they enjoyed skiing, travelling and taking rides on his motorcycle. 

“Veronica makes me a better man, and that makes me a better priest,” he stated in his bio.

He was also known for being an avid sports fan, saying in his bio that he hasn’t seen a championship with his favourite sports teams yet, but he was hanging onto hope that he would one day see it. 

Fead also took great pride in his work, saying, “For the past 13 years I have really enjoyed my ministry to those who serve in our Canadian Forces.”

A remembrance vigil was held at St. Jude’s Anglican Church on May 3. The crash is still under investigation.