Austin Phillip Barton Hewett

Austin Phillip Barton Hewett February 10, 1925 - February 24,2018 HEWETT, Austin Phillip Barton, born February 10, 1925 in Tincleton, England. The Rev. Dr. Phillip Hewett, Minister Emeritus of the Unitarian Church of Vancouver was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Margaret (Smith). He is survived by children Peter Barton Hewett, Daphne (Ed) Sweeney, and grandchildren Liam, Isabelle, Natalie and Emily.

Phillip was a renowned leader in the progressive Unitarian religious tradition through parish ministry, wide-ranging scholarship, inter-religious dialogue, environmental and peace advocacy, and leadership in national and global denominational organizations. He served in the R.A. F. during World War II. He was a graduate of Exeter College (BA), Oxford University (MA), Harvard University Divinity School (S.T.M.), and Starr King School for Ministry (S.T.D.) Widely admired for his service to his denomination and as author of numerous works of Unitarian history and theology including Unitarians in Canada, An Unfettered Faith, The Unitarian Way, Racovia: An Early Liberal Religious Community, and many published scholarly writings. He is best known locally as the minister of the Unitarian Church of Vancouver (1956-91), Phillip was awarded for Outstanding Service to International Liberal Religion and the Distinguished Service Award of the Unitarian Universalist Association.

Phillip provided leadership in establishing the BC Civil Liberties Association, promotion of LGBT rights, and" in the David Suzuki Council of Elders. He was an avid hiker and gardener. There will be a celebration of his life in the Unitarian Church of Vancouver, 949 West 49th Avenue, on March 23, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Unitarian Church of Vancouver or the David Suzuki Foundation.