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Walter Saffran Obituary
The Rev. Canon Walter Thomas Saffran, 82, born in Jacksonville, Fla., died peacefully at home on June 9, 2011.
A true native son of the Diocese of Florida, the Rev. Canon Walter Thomas Saffran was baptized and raised at All Saints Episcopal Church. He and his lovely wife Martha have been married for 62 years and have three children and five grandchildren.
Following his graduation from the University of Florida, Walter went to work for nine years at General Motors. Thankfully God had a different purpose for Walter. The call to ordained ministry was placed upon his heart, and after graduation from the School of Theology at University of the South, Sewanee, Tenn., he was ordained by Bishop Hamilton West in 1961. He served churches in Apalachicola, Perry, Madison, Gainesville, 10 years as Canon to the Ordinary under Bishop Frank Cerveny, Jacksonville, Fla., and eight years as rector of Trinity Episcopal Parish, St. Augustine where he was bestowed the honor of Rector Emeritus. He also enjoyed serving as Chaplain for the Episcopal Church Women for 25 years supporting and guiding seven presidents as they witnessed their faith by action.
He played a key role in the development of the Diocesan Camp Weed and The Cerveny Conference Center in Live Oak, Fla. Walter was also instrumental in the development of renewal ministries such as Cursillo and Happening in the diocese, and he gave many days and weekends to enable their success.
April 19th of this year marked the 50th anniversary of Walter"s Ordination to the Priesthood. Walter"s many strengths included his hands on style, tireless energy and willingness to drive anywhere in the diocese to have a face to face meeting. With compassion and a deep resounding voice some called "the voice of God," Father Saffran has faithfully served God, the Diocese of Florida and five bishops.
He is survived by his wife of over 62 years, Martha Wilson Saffran; children, Thomas E Saffran (Bette), Carolyn Saffran Peet (David), Susanne Saffran Driscoll (Ernest); grandchildren, Benjamin Saffran, R. J. Moyer III (Lori), Jillian Saffran, Christopher Driscoll, and Jennifer Driscoll. He is also survived by the many wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ that have been a part of his blessed life.
A celebration of life and ministry will be held at Trinity Episcopal Parish, St. Augustine, Fla., June 18, 2011 at 11 a.m. followed by internment into the Memorial Garden and a reception in the parish hall. His family wishes to thank the Community Hospice of Northeast Florida personnel for their loving and compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Community Hospice of NE Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257; Trinity Episcopal Parish Endowment Capital Fund, 215 St. George Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084; or Camp Weed and The Cerveny Conference Center, 11057 Camp Weed Place, Live Oak, FL 32060.
Craig Funeral Home Crematory Memorial Park is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Walter Saffran
Terry Hertz MacGraw
June 6, 2020
Father Saffron gave me advice as a teenager that I have kept with me my entire life.
Donald Henderson
July 1, 2019
Father Saffran was interim Rector at Good Shepherd Church Episcopal in Riverside,Jacksonville FLORIDA. He brought me through confirmation class and taught me about True Christianity through the TRUE Love for Jesus Christ through JESUS Christ
Bill and Cynthia Edgar
July 21, 2011
We just found out about Fr. Wlater. Cynthia and I truly learned more about God's love, redemption, and acceptance from him, than anyone else. He personified God's Grace where ever he went. May God continue to bless and keep him; and Martha please know our prayers continue to be with you and Walter.
Terry Hertz MacGraw
June 19, 2011
I met Fr Walter at Camp Weed so many years ago. I admired him so much. Once he visited St Johns in Tallahassee and I was so happy to see him as an adult. Fr. Walter told me once, while we were sailing at St Theresa Beach, 'always keep a little mystery about yourself'. I have held that in my heart and will continue to do so. I want to extend my heartfelt sympathies to Mrs. Saffron and the family.
Leaatrice Grant
June 17, 2011
Dear Martha and family: I extend my
deepest sympathy for the passing of
Walter. He was special to the family and
being my cousin...he was special to me.
Melissa Jones
June 14, 2011
I'm thinking and praying for your entire family. Not only this week but also in the days ahead. May God continue to give you strength.
Linda & Jerry Rininger
June 13, 2011
David & Carolyn you have my deepest sympathy.I'm sure he will truly missed. Our thoughts are with you.
June 13, 2011
Dearest Martha and Family: Fran and I extend our deepest sympathy on Father Saffran's passing but know he will be with the Lord. We will never forget his marrying us in 1967 at Trinity in Apalach..and the wonderful years you all served Trinity...Fran to this day has a silver pendant given to her by Father Saffran with the words "God Loves You"...May God's peace and strength be with you during this time and please know you are in our prayers...Neal & Fran Porter (Tallahassee)
June 13, 2011
Fr. Saffran always let you know how much God loved you. You never left church with out the reassurance of God's love. Martha, you and Walter were a great team. Hang onto those wonderful memories and know that others are praying for you. Peace and love, Kathy Ames, Alachua, Fl
June 13, 2011
Walter is always remembered by us as a thoughtful and reasonable voice in our diocese. He served our Lord and his people faithfully and well. We thank God for the gift of Walter Saffron in our midst. David and Priscilla Jeffery.
Fr. Rene Robert
June 13, 2011
Dear Martha and Family,
May the Lord comfort you and yours.
I will remember Walter in my prayers.
May he rest in peace.
Stefane Holton Gray
June 13, 2011
I know this Father's Day will be hard for you, and I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Mike & Debbie Carter
June 13, 2011
Our loss is heavens gain, may the peace, and love of the Lord, be with your family. He will be missed. Mike & Debbie Carter, St. Catherines, Jacksonville Fl.
Andy Lau
June 12, 2011
Dear Martha Wilson Saffran,My mother Paula Owen Lau and myself wish you our deepest sympathy on the passing into Heaven your beloved Husband Rev. Walter Saffran.We know you will truly miss him so much.But pray that good Memories will comfort you in the days ahead.May the Lord Jesus comfort you at this very difficult time Martha.With respect ,Paula Owen Lau,and Andy Lau
Vanessa Cunningham
June 12, 2011
What a wonderful man. He walked me down the aisle when my father was not able to be at my wedding. I will never forget him.
Malcolm Gets
June 12, 2011
Father Saffran was a wonderful man. Our thoughts are with you and your Family. The Gets Family
Ian and Peta Sutherland
June 12, 2011
Fr. Walter's repeated assurance 'God loves you' - in that marvellous resonant voice - is a treasured memory of a wonderful man.
Steve and Helen Carothers Edwards and family
June 12, 2011
Please accept our sincere condolences.
Amanda Pinter
June 12, 2011
I learned so much about the faith from Father Saffron. It was such an honor to have known and served (as a teenaged acolyte) with him.
Pepe Barredo
June 12, 2011
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
James O"Lara
June 12, 2011
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Hugh & Judy Edsall
June 12, 2011
He now inherits the Kingdom he preached! We send our love and prayers. In Christ,
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