Robert Willis, Dean Emeritus of Canterbury, 1947-2024

It is with deep sadness and shock that we heard of the sudden death this week of Robert Willis, our former Dean. Our thoughts and prayers are with his partner Fletcher, and their family and friends.

Dean Robert was a much-loved member of our community, and had a profound effect on the Cathedral during his 22 years of service. Many of us here that knew or worked with Dean Robert are finding his death personal and deeply affecting.

May he Rest In Peace and Rise in Glory.

The Very Revd Dr Robert Willis was installed as Dean of Canterbury in July 2001, the 39th person to hold that role since the Reformation. He had previously been Dean of Hereford for nine years and was a previous chairman of the Deans’ Conference of the Church of England and former member of the General Synod. An honorary Doctor of Divinity of Yale University, he was also a Doctor of Civil Law of the University of Kent.

In 2008 he was made a Freeman of the City of Canterbury and was a Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Kent. In 2012 he was awarded the Cross of St Augustine for services to the Anglican Communion, and was a Knight of the Order of St John. He wrote many hymns and contributed to several editions of Hymns Ancient & Modern and New English Praise.

Through the coronavirus pandemic Dean Robert became familiar to online audiences worldwide via his daily Morning Prayer videos from The Deanery Garden at Canterbury - and the impromptu appearances of cats Leo and Tiger. Robert retired as Dean of Canterbury in May 2022 on the eve of his 75th birthday.

There will be a funeral for Dean Robert in America, and a Memorial Service will take place at Salisbury Cathedral in line with the family’s wishes. Robert spent many happy years in the diocese at Sherborne Abbey, and one of his former curates is now the Bishop of Salisbury. 

Remembering Dean Robert at Canterbury

A Book of Condolence will be available in the Chapel of St Augustine of Canterbury at the west end of the Cathedral from 2pm on Thursday 24^th October for anyone who would like to pay their respects.

An online Book of Condolence created by the Cathedral community is also available.

The flags at the Cathedral and The Deanery are flying at half-mast until Sunday night.

We remembered Robert at Evensong on Wednesday, and during this Sunday’s 11am Eucharist, Dean David will remember and pray for him and for all in grief.

We are exploring planning our own thanksgiving for Dean Robert to take place at Canterbury Cathedral following his Memorial Service at Salisbury Cathedral. Details will be shared when plans are established.

Following the sad news of the death of our former Dean, Robert Willis, Dean David reflects on his life and legacy; his impact at the Cathedral and on the lives of so many; remembering his kindness, hospitality and welcome.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Fletcher, and their family and friends.

May he Rest In Peace and Rise in Glory.