Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Rev. Dr. Michael Wyatt

About

Emory University

Michael Wyatt Obituary

The Rev. Dr. Michael WYATT Episcopal priest, died of liver cancer at the age of 57. The son of missionary parents, he grew up in Spain, Chile, and Colombia. After serving as director of a bilingual school in Cali, Colombia, he earned a Masters of Divinity with distinction in 1985 from the Church Divinity School of the Pacific. Following ordination to the priesthood, he served churches in the San Francisco area. He received his Ph. D. from Emory University in 1996, writing a dissertation on the theological validity of the claims about God made in Alcoholics Anonymous and other Twelve Step Programs. In Seattle he served as the Dean of the Diocesan School of Ministry and Theology and the Assoc Rector of St. Stephen's church. In 2001, he moved to Washington DC, to be the Canon Theologian at Washington National Cathedral, focusing on interfaith theological work, Scriptural scholarship and current developments in Christian theology. In 2006 he moved to St. Cloud, MN to serve as priest to St. John's Episcopal Church and as adjunct professor at St. Cloud SU. People who knew Michael marveled at his ability to synthesize complex concepts and to educate in a loving and affirming manner to any level of listener. He had a quick wit, a quick smile and a love for beauty. He combined his love of God and his love of the outdoors while making his pilgrimage on the El Camino de Santiago. He was an accomplished musician. Some of his compositions will be performed at his memorial service Friday, July 24th at 7:30 p.m. at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 4805 NE 45th St., Seattle, 98105. Donations may be made to the Michael Wyatt Memorial Fund for theological education c/o St. Stephen's. Predeceased by his sister Kathryn, Michael is survived by his parents, Joyce and Roy Wyatt of Knoxville, a sister, Debbi Christinck of Golden Lake, Ontario, Canada, other loving relatives and many friends. Sign Michael's on-line Guest Book at www.Legacy.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times from Jul. 19 to Jul. 20, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Wyatt

59 Entries

Laura Martin

July 7, 2024

Michael, it's been 15 years since you passed away and I still think about you like it was yesterday. Such a complex human being, such a fine pianist, a perfectionist, we rode through an earthquake together at St Stephens with you on the piano and me with my violin. Remember? I still miss you and I have your beads and your tonkas. I wonder what you are doing now? Laura

suzanne w robinson

July 15, 2021

Michael, your beautiful spirit is ever present with us.
Through you, God's Word came alive and warmed our hearts and lit a path before and within us -
the very path of Jesus' love. You had the gift of
taking the most complex theological insights and
simplifying them without diminishing their depth.
In visiting St. Stephen's I will always remember the
picnic you prepared for us to share at the spring
concert in the gazebo located in the town garden.
This was the most thoughtful hospitable gesture -
truly a Eucharistic moment filled with the presence
of God. I am so grateful that your sermons are in
permanent repository at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter and St Paul in Dc where one may visit them
on line and be nourished once again and drawn
ever more deeply to Jesus' love and person. Thank
you dear Padre Michael, your memory lives on, always and forever in gratitude, -suzanne robinson

Orrin Carpenter

May 1, 2011

Michael ~ Thank you for sharing precious moments while at St. John the Evangelist. I will remember you always with affection.

Mike Klick

June 30, 2010

Michael. You changed my life more than you ever will know. You extended the hand of AA and guided my on the road of Happy Destiny. I will forever be indebted to your love and kindness.

I will miss you beyond words.

Timothy Graham

March 18, 2010

Michael was a very inspiring preacher...and very helpful to me when he was at St Bartholomew's in Atlanta at the time I was discerning the call to priesthood. He was wise, gentle and witty. May he rest in peace and rise in glory. The Rev. Timothy H. Graham

Marcia Doerr

November 4, 2009

I just learned of Canon Wyatt's death recently, via the Washington Cathedral's notice of a concert in his honor. During his time in Washington, DC, I was blessed to take a class with him at Virginia Theological Seminary on the prayer book. The class went well beyond academics and was a learning experience like no other. Canon Wyatt's death is a great loss to the world.

Jayne Shontell

October 23, 2009

I just today learned of Rev Wyatt's death. I use to regularly attend the 7:30 a.m service at the Cathedral in Washington, D.C. and looked so forward to Michael's sermons. He was thoughtful, compassionate and inspiring.
My condolences to his family. During his too short life, he was a blessings to many.

Rosa Lindahl

October 5, 2009

Dear Roy and Joyce--perhaps you will remember me from Cali, where my brothers and I grew up with Debbi at the Bolivar. Michael was older so it wasn't till later, when he was at Colegio Bennett, that I got to know him.

I am heart sick learning of Michael's death. He had preached at my ordination as an Episcopal priest several years ago here in Ft Lauderdale. In the last two years we played phone tag a couple of times and exchanged a handful of emails. But I got busy and it was so easy to think, "I'll catch up with him another day." My heart is heavy with regret today.

I cannot imagine your grief and loss. He and I had talked a lot about Kathryn and how hard her death had been on all of you. The world has lost an amazing man. And I am sure that his reunion with his Good Shepherd was as full of such wonder, grace and quiet joy that the heavens rejoiced.

May the Lord hold you close...Rosa Lindahl

September 24, 2009

I knew Michael from Washington National Cathedral. He was an amazing intellect, an artist and most importantly, he lived his priesthood with grace and dedication. His preaching was an inspiration to me and a gift I will always treasure. A courageous, witty and wonderful man; I will miss him. Diane Ruesch

Kathleen Stidham

September 9, 2009

I knew Michael through the school of theology at St. Mark's in Seattle. He was a good man -- kind, smart, and funny. The world was so much better to have him in it.

Jorge Juan Pastor Mut

August 29, 2009

Muy amados misioneros Wyatt.
He recibido por medio del correo de ustedes la noticia del deceso de su hijo mayor ; Miguel. Estoy respondiendoles pero me devuelve el correo. ¿Tienen otra dirección electrónica, teléfono ... donde me pueda poner en contacto con ustedes?
Desde España, sentimos la pérdida de Miguel, pero sabemos que para el es ganancia. Deseamos que el consuelo de la Gracia de Dios esté con ustedes en este tiempo de dolor.
Personalmente le recuerdo con cariño en nuestros años de niños cuando ustedes vivían en Barcelona y extendían el Reino de Dios en estas tierra. Recuerdo su cara de niño y también tengo una fotografía de la época.
Les amamos y bendecimos en el Nompre de Jesús,
Jorge J. Pastor-Mut (Spain)

Sonia Smith

August 20, 2009

Rev. Wyatt was wonderful teacher and possessed a beautiful spirit. I attended many of his programs at Washington National Cathedral and St. Columba's Church in Washington, DC. Michael epitomized God's grace, hope, love, and joy. Heaven shines brighter with his presence. To his parents, Joyce and Roy Wyatt, your son brought so many people closer God by his example. He was blessed.

Sonia Smith

August 20, 2009

Rev. Wyatt was wonderful teacher and possessed a beautiful spirit. I attended many of programs at Washington National Cathedral and St. Columba's Church in Washington, DC. Michael epitomized God's grace, hope, love, and joy.

Dominick J. Di Noto

August 17, 2009

I'm sorry I never met or knew Rev. Dr. Michael Wyatt in person and only through John Sam Jones book, "Crawling Through Thorns" and Sams FB account. The good Rev. left us at a very early age but it is good to know that his legacy will live on through his writings, his students and his friends.

My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

Stephen Whitehead

August 17, 2009

I'm sorry I never met Michael. I came to know of him through John Sam Jones's book, Crawling through Thorns, where the character of Theo was based on him. From what I've read on here and from the way he's described in the book, he must have been one man that everyone should have experienced in their lives. It's good to know that his legacy lives on through his students and his writings. My sympathies to all who knew him and were affected, even in the smallest way, by his life and his faith.

John Sam Jones

August 17, 2009

My dear Michael - you wrote me poems, you even set Dylan Thomas' 'In my craft and sullen art' to music for me... you showed me how to live and love and celebrate God in our lives - and for these things I am grateful... and as news of your death came to us here in Wales we were awaiting your arrival for another walking holiday in the Welsh hills.

Johnnie Aldrich

August 5, 2009

When he was an 11th grader at Colegio Bolivar in Cali, Michael wrote an essay (as part of a final examination of our study of MACBETH) that was so original, so profound, so witty (so Michael, no?) that I suggested that he should submit it to a professional journal for publication. His obituary and the comments from those he knew and influenced clearly reveal that those qualities did not change during the ensuing 40 years. My deepest sympathy to Dr. & Mrs. Wyatt and Debbi. "Blessed are [we] who mourn, for we shall be comforted."

Ramiro Aycardi

August 4, 2009

I fully agree that Mr. Wyatt left an unforgettable image in all our hearts of those of us who had the privelege to be his students and friends. His philosophy class was superb. His role as Director at Jefferson School taught me that eventhough with strictness you can teach with care and love. His photo perfectly reflects his kindness and the peace he transmitted to others. What a great man!! Rest in peace.

Terry Bryant

August 4, 2009

One of the most thoughtful and thought-provoking sermons I've ever heard at the National Cathedral was preached by Canon Wyatt...he and his words are already greatly missed.

August 4, 2009

"I remember his smile as well as him being a very talented teacher at Colegio Jefferson. It's sad to know of his passing but comforting when I read that he lived his life to the fullest." Jimena Bayona (Durham, NC )

Harry Ridgely

August 4, 2009

An intellect and a great human being. I was one of his students in Jefferson school in Cali Colombia. I am glad I got to speak and correspond with him some months back. He will be dearly missed.

Laura Escobar

August 3, 2009

I was one of his students in Cali Colombia at age 15 , 30 years ago and remember his phylosophy classes as the most interesting ones I have ever had, he was enthusiastic about knowledge and wanted his students to learn to think and question things, he was my first real teacher and I will always remember him. Today his Cali students will pray for him.
Laura Escobar

Murhl Alexander

August 3, 2009

I knew Michael at the Cathedral- I am thankful to have known and served with
him. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Erik Adair

August 3, 2009

Michael was a great teacher and friend. I will miss him very much but will never forget what he brought to many people in this world and showed me - through his experiences in life - about love for others and living. I'm grateful to have been his friend. My prayers go to his family.

Maria F Villegas

August 3, 2009

Take comfort in knowing that now we have a special guardian angel to watch over us. Rest in peace Mr. Wyatt

Sally Slater

August 2, 2009

I also knew Michael at the Cathedral - what an amazing person who made an incredible difference in the lives of all who knew him. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

Lucinda Conger

August 2, 2009

I knew Michael at the Washington National Cathedral. I knew him as a teacher and a priest. He also composed a wonderful litany that we still use here. The Cathedral Congregation Prayer Team has been praying for him. My condolences to his family.

Don Compier

July 31, 2009

Michael was a wonderful colleague during our graduate studies at Emory and a very good godparent to my daughter Nancy. One of the most intelligent and interesting persons I have ever known. I will sorely miss him. May light perpetual shine upon him.

Diana Mejia

July 31, 2009

My fascination for mythology that subsequently led to my love for phylosophy and literature stemmed from Mr. Wyatt's classes at Colegio Jefferson. I will always remember him.

July 30, 2009

I have dear memories of Mr. Wyatt as a teacher and director of Jefferson School. I enjoyed his philosophy class on Logic. My condolences to his family and friends.
Masanori

Boyce and Beth Wallace

July 30, 2009

We join with friends from Cali in expressing our sympathy to Michael´s family and friends. We send our love and prayers for Roy, Joyce and Debbie as they face again an untimely loss.

Fabricio Pérez

July 29, 2009

I will always remember what a great teacher he was .He explained the most complicated and intricate stories of Greek mythology to us in a very easy way which made it fun to learn, understand and remember. He was someone whose affection and care for his students made us consider him a very special man . Thank you Mr.Wyatt for all we learnt with you. Fabricio Pérez M ,(Barcelona ,Spain)

Lyzeth Zangen

July 29, 2009

How much I remember the great example Mr. Wyatt was for me while at Jefferson School. He taught me about generosity and strength, about responsibility and self motivation. He challenged me to go that extra step and always expected me to give my very best. He showed me that it was ok to be strict and loving at the same time and became an inspiration to me in my teaching career. He will always live in my memories and have a special place in my heart.
May you all find peace in knowing he touched so many lives and will continue to live through us. You are all in my prayers.

Pablo Madriñan

July 29, 2009

Mr. Wyatt was our director at Colegio Jefferson in Cali Colombia in the early 80´s. Even though he gave me my fisrt Detention Slip I rember him as a very nice person. Thank you Mr. Wyatt for all your teachings. Pablo Madriñan

Nelly Hunter

July 29, 2009

I remember him so well and I loved him and I'm very sorry for his passing. It was a great loss to those who knew him in Cali. I remember clearly his days in Trinity Church in Cali. Love, Nelly Hunter

Barbara Nolan

July 29, 2009

Michael was our assistant priest at St. Francis in San Francisco. He was such a special friend.

The last time that I saw Michael was when I was visiting my daughter in DC.

Michael, I miss you.

July 29, 2009

We are shocked and saddened by the news of Michael's death. Our thoughts are with Joyce and Roy and Debbie in this difficult time. The memory of Michael will accompany us for the rest of our life.
Denise and Pepe Vettiger

Jorge Zuluaga

July 29, 2009

Mr. Wyatt was our director in Colegio Jefferson in Cali, Colombia around 1979-1980 or so. Very nice person fun-loving person. It is a great loss for all of us but we are fortunate to have been blessed by his presence and learnings. Thank You Mr. Wyatt...

Jim Eychaner

July 29, 2009

Michael was Chairman of American Pilgrims on the Camino, and one of the friends around a table who started the group. I was fortunate to have been a fellow Board member with him. American Pilgrims has lost not only a leader and fellow Pilgrim, but also a mentor and dear friend. He has found peace at the end of his Camino, and we will keep him in our hearts as we continue our journey.

Carla & Dottie Uribe

July 29, 2009

We are saddened to hear about this loss. Both Michael and Kathy were of my generation at Colegio Bolivar, where their talents and servitude shined in the Cali community.
Our thoughts and prayers accompany Dr. & Mrs. Wyatt and Debbi.

Rebekah Scott

July 28, 2009

Rest in Peace, Michael, and pray for us.

George Greenia

July 28, 2009

Michael was a fellow pilgrim to Santiago de Compostela whom I met when he attended the national Gathering of Pilgrims in Santan Barbara a few years ago. He became national Chair of American Pilgrims on the Camino and for its magazine, American Pilgrim, he wrote a brilliant column, Walking with Michael, on pilgrimage spirituality. His life lessons touched thousands. And his sense of humor was an unfailing gift: I'll never forget the private tour he gave me of the National Cathedral in DC and how he pointed out the champagne bottles still tucked among the beams by the builders and the Darth Vader brooding among the carved grotesques on the towers. He still leads us in pilgrimage.

Kathy Gower

July 28, 2009

Ultreya, Michael,

thoughts and prayers accompany you on this last Camino,

respectfully yours,
Kathy

July 27, 2009

I am so saddened to hear about Michael. We worked so well together at St. Francis, San Francisco. His classes were inspirational and he was a wonderful interim organist/choirmaster. We met last when he was at the National Cathedral. My heart goes out to his family.
Heather Cooper

July 27, 2009

Our heart goes out to you as a family. May God's grace surround you. Howard and Jean Olive

July 27, 2009

I am shocked - Michael and I worked together in Colombia from the late 60s to the early 80s - his gentleness, faith, talent, and sense of humor made for a steadfast and ideal friend. Although I hadn't seen him for almost 30 years, I am devastated by his absence. My love to Roy, Joyce and Debbi. John Palencia (Cali, Colombia)

John Palencia

July 27, 2009

John and Alice Gates

July 26, 2009

We missed you at St. Francis, San Francisco. We remember you fondly.

Jerry Brown

July 26, 2009

I see from the picture he never lost that "impish" smile; Rest well, brother. Fr. Jerry Brown

Esperança Romero

July 24, 2009

My sincere sympathies to Roy and Joyce, whose memories I have of them in Cali, Colombia, are precious to me.

Michael Zubitis

July 24, 2009

Though I didn't know Father Wyatt very well, I will always remember his kindness and approachable nature. May Light perpetual shine upon him!

The Rev. Jayne M. Thompson

July 24, 2009

Michael was one of my most beloved colleagues in St. Cloud. He bought a home in our River Haven neighborhood and was often a guest in our home. Michael and I shared monthly luncheons and talked about life, faith, family and ministry shared. After I survived severe sepsis, he provided pastoral care and brought the Eucharist to my home. I miss him and offer my prayers and sympathy to his family.

Lainey Grace

July 22, 2009

Michael was a dear friend to us. I met Michael when he was at Emory for his doctorate. His sermons and teaching informed my faith and his friendship enriched my life. He spent many Shabbat dinners and Holiday meals with ua. I am grateful for the time we journeyed together. Lainey Grace and Harriet Cohen

The Rev. Patty Baker

July 21, 2009

Michael taught Episcopal Polity at the School of Theology & Ministry at Seattle U when I was getting my MDiv. He was a wise man and a gentle man. He will be missed by all who knew him and I offer prayers to his family & friends.

The Rev. Richard Marchand

July 21, 2009

Michael and his family are in my prayers.

Nan Nalder

July 20, 2009

Michael Wyatt provided significant guidance and assistance to me when I was struggling with pain and personal tragedy. He was my Spiritual Director and provided inspiration to me as a student at the Diocesan School of Theology here in Seattle. My husband and I both found his celebration of the Eucharist to be profound and we remember his service at St. Stephen's with great appreciation and love. His grasp of the entirety of Christian History set me on a journey of reading that continues today. AND his artistry at the piano continues to come to mind. He was a blessing to all who met him and I wish peace and blessings to his family.

Grace Wilson

July 20, 2009

It was my privilege to work with Michael at St. Stephen's before he left for the National Cathedral. He was a true Servant of God and proved this in so many ways in day to day dealings. He was a multi-talented person, and I am blessed to have a Christmas ornament which he made and signed! A great reminder of a great gentleman taken from us far too soon.

Evette Hackman

July 19, 2009

Michael Wyatt was a very special person for us who knew him at St. Stephen's Church. He will be missed. Not only was he the associate rector but he also returned to lead seminars and workshops for us. He chose to move back to Seattle as he was nearing the end of working with his illness. He seemed to feel very comfortable with connections he made in this community. Many blessings to his family and friends.

Showing 1 - 59 of 59 results