The Rt. Rev. Dr. Martin Mate, Bishop of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador, Retired
November 12, 1929 to November 28, 2023
Obituary
Passed away in his 95th year at the Palliative Care Unit, Miller Centre, St John’s. Martin is predeceased by his wife of over 50 years, Florence, in 2016.
He leaves a lifetime of loving memories with daughters Carolyn (Dean) Tilley, Elizabeth (Betty) (Bruce) Downer and Phyllis Mate (Paul Dyke – deceased), as well as sons M. John Mate (Stephanie Squibb) and Carl Mate (Tanya Davis), he also leaves many warm and wonderful memories for grandchildren Evan Tilley, Olivia Tilley, Bethany Downer, Matthew Downer, Melanie Downer; Samson Mate; Gabriella (Ella) Mate, Lucas Mate and many friends and colleagues. He was predeceased by his siblings Phyllis Cooper Mackenzie, Violet Randell and Maxfield Mate.
Martin had a full, busy and hardworking life. He was born to John and Hilda (Toope) in Port Rexton TB 12 Nov 1929. Educated in Port Rexton to Grade 11, Memorial University College and Queens College (LTh, Hon. DD 2009) and Bishops University (BA (Hon.), MA (Philosophy and Theology 1967). He taught school in the mid to late 1940’s in Lamaline, Pasadena and Quidi Vidi before devoting his life to the Anglican Church. He was ordained Deacon in 1952, Priest in 1953 and after a brief period as Curate of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in St. John’s he served the parishes of Pushthrough (South Coast), St. Anthony (as Rural Dean of St. Barbe), Cookshire, Quebec, Rural Dean at Catalina-Newmans Cove-Amherst Cove and Priest at Pouch Cove-Torbay before becoming Diocesan Treasurer in 1976. Subsequently, he was elected as the second Bishop of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador in 1980 and served during a time of great challenges and change with the Church’s role in Newfoundland and Labrador. As Bishop, he ordained the first woman Deacon and also the first woman priest in Newfoundland, he approved the recognition of same sex relationships, he gave special attention to remote areas of Newfoundland and Labrador, he established a much-needed pension and health care plan for clergy and he left the diocese in a strong financial position going forward when he retired at the end of 1992.
To others he was ‘The Bishop’, but to friends and family he was Dad, Grampy or Martin. Having learned from his father who was himself a master carpenter, shipbuilder and fisherman in Port Rexton, Dad was able to and did build or assist in building, repairing and renovating houses, boats, churches and sheds with a high degree of skill in several trades, he enjoyed the Newfoundland outdoors and had great knowledge, experience and love for many parts of Newfoundland and Labrador. Perhaps most importantly, he showed us all how to live with honesty and integrity, a sense of humour and how to pass with grace and dignity.
Thank you to Bishops Gardens residents and staff, PCU staff, friends, bridge players and retired clergy for the years of friendship and caring. A special thank you to Rev. Canon Reuben Hatcher for your unwavering friendship with Dad for many years and especially in recent years and months.
Cremation has occurred. Visitation will be held at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road on Sunday, December 3 from 2-4 p.m. and on Monday, December 4 from 7-9 p.m. Funeral service will be held at the Anglican Cathedral on Tuesday, December 5 at 2 p.m. with interment to follow in the Anglican Cemetery, Forest Road.
Donations in his memory can be made to a charity of your choosing.
Schedule
Visitations
2-4 p.m. on December 3, 2023
7-9 p.m. on December 4, 2023
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
2:00pm, Tuesday December 5th
Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Church Street, St. John's
Betty and family
I am so sorry to hear about your father’s passing. Our sincere condolences to you and all of the family on your loss. Your father was an amazing man and had a very long and productive life of which you must all be so proud. May you keep sharing all your wonderful memories of your dad and may this help you in the weeks ahead. Take care
John,
On behave of Modern Business Equipment Limited, may I extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to you and your whole family.
Chris Keats
Mate Family,
It was last March that I saw him last at the Retired Clergy Association meeting where I gave a talk about the work at The Archdeacon Buckle Memorial Archive where I was the volunteer archivist. After that I spoke with him on the phone about his time as parish priest in Pushthrough. Bishop Mate had a prodigious memory and was always available to take a call from me about some church history matter. I will miss him.
Dear Betty and Family, Our condolences to your family on the passing of your father, a “Newfoundland staple”, a son of the sea , able to relate to everyone and someone who did incredible work. He and your mother accomplished so much , in so many areas throughout Newfoundland and Canada. Cherish your memories ,.Your children, despite their many accomplishments already, have an incredible role model to guide their future
Thinking of you Take Care Ean and Jane
It was with sadness that I read of Martin’s passing.. He was a joy to play bridge with. He loved the game and could play it well.. I will miss his sweet smile.. Rest in peace Bishop Mate. Sending my condolences to his family.
Our Condolences to the family of “Bishop Mate”. We remember him fondly as he gave the final blessing at our marriage ceremony many years ago.
Sincerely, Freeman & Helena Churchill
To the family and friends of “Bishop Mate”…May the legacy of precious memories he has left bring you comfort. He was a very special person.
Sincerely, Fronie & Clarence Squibb
Dear Betty, My condolences on the passing of your dad. I recall him having a gentle, peaceful manner as he took part in confirmations over the years. My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. Take care, Susan
Deepest sympathy to all Bishop Mates family and thank God for his long and faithful life and ministry. I have known Bishop Mate for many, many years. I was present when God and this diocese chose him as Bishop. God gifted all of us .i thank God for his leadership and friendship. Thank God for his wonderful mind that the years did not diminish. We will miss him at the retired Clergy gathering next week. It was always great to see him, have a chat and experience that wonderful smile. I was one of those he ordained to the diaconate immediately before his retirement I will always treasure the memory of his warmth. I am unable to attend his wake or funeral, but will be there in spirit as you celebrate his life and ministry., and commend his soul to Almighty God, whom he loved and served. God bless you all Sincerely, Shirley and Charlie G
Saddened to hear of the passing of your father John – Rev. Mate had a personality and humor that honored his profession and no doubt contributed to his successful life. A man ahead of his time. Even when we were teenagers he was fun to be around. He was truly loved by his family.
Sincere Condolences to all the family.
He was a wonderful Bishop for the Eastern Anglian Diocese and a great bridge player.
Sincerely, Doug Wood
Sincere condolences to all the family at this time.
I am so happy to have enjoyed his friendship and many games of bridge.
He was so respected and loved.
Our deepest sympathy to all the family. He was a well loved Bishop and will be missed.
Our condolences to all the family at this very sad time.
We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Bishop Mate. He was a man of great faith , which he exhibited throughout his ministry. Sincere condolences are extended to Betty, and the whole Mate family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Chesley and Mary Warren
Condolences Betty to you and your family
Sandy and Cy Hookey
John and extended family of Bishop Mate
I had many opportunities over the years to be in the presence of Martin Mate. All those encounters were uplifting and beneficial to me.
He radiated a certain “ presence “ which was inspiring.
He was a man of Faith which he exhibited on his ecclesiastical journey. – he was a leader .
He had a tremendous career in the Ministry and made a difference to many on the road of his life.
He is now at rest.and may that rest be in peace
Sincere condolences to all who mourn his passing
Godspeed Martin
Dr.Mate and family:
Sincerest condolences on the passing of your loved one
Everyone who knew Bishop Mate knew what a wonderful man he was… a man of God. I had the pleasure of knowing him more personally through an exercise class we both attended and he was the same in retirement. I send my condolences to Elizabeth and all the family at this sad time.
To my life long friend Carolyn and her family I offer my sincere condolences and prayers. I have many fond memories of both of your parents over the years. I know your father will be sorely missed for his wisdom, guidance and of course his wit as is your Mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you navigate through this most difficult time.
Love Jocelyn and Ahmed Ghareib and family
Condolences to Bishop Martin Mate’s family on the passing of a wonderful priest of God. Although I did not know him personally, I did know him as a man who spread of the word of Christ and gave sustenance to the people of the Anglican church communities in which he served. I remember him well on visits to my home parish and as a child to me, he was a “giant” man who always looked so regal as he fulfilled his role so well. It is so final to read of his passing but we, as Christians, know that we will all be called to God the Father when our time comes. A faithful servant has completed his Earthly time and may he now journey on to everlasting peace in the grace of our maker, God the Father. RIP Bishop Mate. You have served Him well. Blessings for his life and we remember his family at this most difficult time. In Christ we pray for his soul. Amen.
To Bishop Martin”s family and to all who grieve his passing, May your memories of your loved one warm your hearts and bring you comfort in knowing that Martin”s journey has been fulfilled. His life of faith, courage and integrity has been an example to so many.
We enjoyed many games of growl at Bishops Gardens)
May he rest in peace and rise in glory..