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| 24 Oct 2024 | |
| In Memoriam |
It is with great sadness that we share the news that Robert Willis passed away on 22 October 2024, aged 77. Robert served as Dean of Canterbury from 2001 to 2022, also serving as the Chairman of the School’s Board of Governors during this time.
Robert was well known amongst OKS and the King’s community for his dedication to the School and Cathedral. He attended many OKS events over the years, including hosting drinks receptions in the beautiful Deanery Garden.
During the Coronavirus pandemic, Robert became known for his daily YouTube broadcasts and prayers in the Deanery Garden, offering comfort to thousands around the world. His videos even achieved viral status, thanks to impromptu appearances by his beloved and cheeky cats and other animal friends. These frequent broadcasts continued after his retirement, on the Garden Congregation YouTube channel run by Robert and Fletcher.
In 2023, Archbishop Justin Welby gave Robert the title of Dean Emeritus of Canterbury.
Robert's partner, Fletcher Banner, said: "Robert was a man of great faith and intellect whose greatest joy was to share his life with others. This has been particularly so since we left Canterbury and have been welcomed elsewhere all over the world."
His funeral will take place in New Haven, USA, and a memorial service is to be held in 2025 at Salisbury Cathedral.
Our thoughts are with Fletcher, his family and friends. A full obituary will appear in the Spring 2025 OKS Magazine.
