Walter Thomas Saffran

SAFFRAN The Reverend Canon Walter Thomas Saffran, 82, born in Jacksonville, FL died peacefully at home on June 9, 2011. A true native son of the Diocese of Florida, the Reverend Canon Walter Thomas Saffran was baptized and raised at All Saints Episcopal Church. He and his lovely wife Martha have been married for sixty-two 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, TN he was ordained by Bishop Hamilton West in 1961. He served churches in Apalachicola, Perry, Madison, Gainesville, ten years as Canon to the Ordinary under Bishop Frank Cerveny, Jacksonville, FL 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, FL. 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 Walters Ordination to the Priesthood. Walters 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, FL, June 18, 2011 at 11:00 am followed by internment into the Memorial Garden and a reception in the parish hall. His family wishes to thank the Community Hospice of Northeast 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. Craig Funeral Home Crematory Memorial Park is in charge of arrangements. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com