It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Reverend Rawlier Arnold Quammie on February 4, 2023 at the age of 90. Rawle passed away peacefully in his home with his beloved wife Hazel by his side.

He is predeceased by daughter Elizabeth, sisters Emelda and Dorothy, and brothers Edmond and Michael. He is survived by his wife Hazel, daughter Andrelle (Eric), son Gerry, brothers Quinton (Doreen) and St. Luce, sisters Marveline, Dorita, Beatrice and Lizzie as well as nieces, nephews and cousins.

Rawle was born in Dominica in the Caribbean on August 15, 1932. After primary and secondary education and a stint at teaching, he offered for the Methodist Ministry and entered the Union Theological Seminary in Kingston, Jamaica from 1958 to 1962. He was ordained in January 1965 and served in pastorates in Haiti and Jamaica. He held the Diploma of the Union Theological Seminary, the Diploma in Theology, the Bachelor of Divinity Hons. of the University of London, and the Master of Arts in Religious Studies of the University of Windsor.

Upon applying for his very first passport, Rawle was more than pleasantly surprised to find that the name by which he had been known all his life up until that point – Rock, which he had never taken to – was not the official name recorded on his birth certificate. He rejoiced and immediately adopted Rawlier, shortening it to Rawle for friends, and never looked back.

He joined the Ministry of the United Church of Canada in 1975 and served pastorates in London, Bay of Quinte, Montreal and Ottawa, and Hamilton Conferences, retiring in 1997. An avid scholar of religious texts, his devotion to learning and mastering the texts of the Bible led him to study Greek and Hebrew, the result being that he could read both fluently.

He was passionate about photography, his wife Hazel being his favourite subject, and he took to the hobby with the same zeal and dedication that he applied to theology. A voracious reader, he enjoyed any and all books about history.

There were many who benefited from Rawle’s kindness and generosity over the years as he never turned down a request for help, often providing assistance that was life-altering for the recipient.

Rawle was devoted to all aspects of church life and will be remembered for his dedicated ministry to the churches he served for over 32 years. His devotion to God and his family were paramount in everything he did. He will be sorely missed by his loved ones and all who counted him as a friend.

Family and friends will be received at M. A. Clark & Sons Funeral Home, 567 Upper Wellington St, Hamilton on Thursday, February 9, 2023 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Friday, February 17, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Burkholder United Church, 465 Mohawk Rd East, Hamilton. Burial to follow at Mount Hamilton Cemetery, 260 Rymal Rd East, Hamilton.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Rawle’s home church Burkholder United would be appreciated. 465 Mohawk Rd East, Hamilton, ON L8V 2H9