Archbishop Anne Germond has shared the following tribute in the latest Synod news following the death of Bishop Tom Corston:
Tribute to Bishop Thomas Corston
The Most Reverend Anne Germond
Metropolitan of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario
Archbishop of the Dioceses of Algoma and Moosonee
January 13, 2022
Tribute to Bishop Tom Corston
“Then the ceremony was performed on Jesus, and while he was praying, the sky opened up and the Holy Spirit came down in the form of a dove and rested on him, a voice from the world above spoke like distant thunder, “You are my Much Loved Son who makes my heart glad.” (Luke 3.22, First Nations Version)
Bishop Tom Corston, the much loved 9th Bishop of Moosonee, died peacefully in Sudbury on the Eve of the Baptism of the Lord. He is the much loved husband of Ruth, much loved father of Andrew (Michelle) and Stephen (Emilie), much loved son of Frances Corston, much loved brother of Deborah (Bruce), Margaret (Allen) and Erin (Paul), and much loved uncle, pastor, colleague, and friend to many. Above all, he is God’s much loved son, marked as Christ’s own at his baptism, who made God’s heart glad just by being Tom. In the moment of his death the heavens opened, the Holy Spirit rested upon him, and Tom was embraced by his Father’s heart to be with God forever.
On Tuesday February 1st, 2022 at 11:00 am, at Church of the Epiphany in Sudbury, the People of God will gather for Tom’s Funeral Eucharist, a reminder of his union with Christ in baptism. Unfortunately, due to gathering restrictions with Covid-19 this funeral is by invitation only.
In this time of pandemic, when we are unable to gather to share stories about Bishop Tom, colleagues and friends have written tributes, which we have posted for you to read on the websites of the Diocese of Algoma, Diocese of Moosonee, and the Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario. They echo the messages of condolence for his family and words of remembrance shared as the news of Bishop Tom’s death made its way through the circles of the church. Bishop Tom is remembered as being a kind, dependable man who served his convictions and Christian beliefs well and who loved to tell a good story. He is appreciated for his warmth, humility, honesty, sense of humour, and for being a mentor to many laity and clergy in the church.
Friends wishing to send cards of condolence to Ruth may send them to 2489 Cavendish Court, Sudbury, Ontario P3E 5X7. The family is requesting that donations be made to the Anglican Diocese of Moosonee or The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund.
On behalf of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario, we assure Tom’s family of our prayers, and we join with them in giving thanks for his life and legacy.
+Anne
Click on this link to read the tributes: Tribute to Bishop Tom Corston