The Reverend Richard Harry McGinnis, age91 of Hudson,Wis., passed away Nov. 20, 2020.
Fr Dick was born March 5, 1929 in Philadelphia, PA, the only child of Robert and Frances (Donaldson) McGinnis. He served his country at the end of World War II and was stationed in Japan after its surrender.
After his service, he attended Seattle Pacific College graduating in 1951 with a degree in psychology.
He then attended General Theological Seminary in New York and in 1955 was ordained as an Episcopal priest. He was united in marriage to Phyllis Good on June 30, 1956. Their marriage was blessed with three children: Paul, Stephen and Dorothy.
Fr. Dick served as an Episcopal priest throughout his life. He served his Lord as a missionary in Anvik, Alaska, and as a priest for Trinity Episcopal in Winner, SD, Trinity Episcopal in Watertown, SD, and the former St. David’s Episcopal in Jacksonville, FL.
Upon his retirement, after several years of travel, he settled in western Wisconsin close to family and assisted at the Episcopal churches in River Falls and Hudson. His early ministry was devoted to missionary work among the Athabascan and Lakota peoples in Alaska and South Dakota. Later in life, he and his wife, Phyllis, worked tirelessly to preserve marriages, creating a marriage ministry model which is used about the county and overseas. Fr. Dick loved the outdoors and spent many days camping and hiking. He is remembered for his warm smile and deepinterest and care for people.
His life was devoted to sharing the love of Christ which was present in his life every day. He is now free of the constraints of his earthly form and reunited with his wife and many friends.
His infectious smile, gentle spirit and deep abiding love of his Lord and Savior will remain with his sons, Dr. Paul (Christine) McGinnis of Hudson and Stephen (Katrina) McGinnis of Murrieta, CA; daughter, Dorothy Washington of Hudson; grandchildren: Ian (Kaitlin), Kaitlyn and Meghan McGinnis, Anna and Cameron McGinnis, Jon (Katie), Addie and Nate Washington; great grandchildren: Simon and Ellery Washington; and father of Jon, Addie, and Nate: Derek Washington. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Phyllis.
A graveside burial service was held with his family and a celebration memorial will be planned in the future when it is safe to move about. Memorials are preferred to Rosebud Episcopal Mission East, 105 E. 12th St., Gregory, SD 57533 or SAMS (Society of Anglican Missionaries and Senders) samsusa.org.
Funeral services are provided the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson, WI. (715) 386-3725. www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com
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