Our Clergy

The Rev. Canon Colville Smythe, Interim Rector

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Fr. Colville served as Rector at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Ben Lomond, CA from 1988 to 1995, and from there went directly to St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Altadena, CA where he served as Rector from 1995 to 2007.  Since then he has served as Interim Rector at three parishes, with the most recent assignment at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Casa Grande, AZ  Sprinkled in between, Fr. Colville served as Adjunct Professor at Citrus Community College in Glendora, CA, teaching Literature of the Bible.

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The Rev. Pamela Hyde, ​Assistant Rector

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​An Arizona resident for nearly thirty years, I came to St. Francis in August 2016 as a newly ordained priest.  Prior to being called to ordained ministry and attending seminary at Yale Divinity School, I had a twenty-year career in river conservation, working for government agencies and nonprofit organizations.  My husband Doug and I enjoy travel, outdoor activities, wine, and good food together, and I find special delight in my centering prayer, reading, whitewater rafting, and just being at home with Doug and our dog Shelby.

The Rev. Becky Williamson, Deacon

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​The Rev. Becky Williamson grew up in the mountains of Wyoming and Colorado where she learned about Franciscan Theology before she identified with this way of living.  Becky has work experience as a teacher, coach, counselor, social worker, spiritual director, and chaplain.   Becky was ordained as a Deacon in 2011 and served at St. Augustine’s Tempe where she also led a Contemplative Prayer group.  Among her passions is providing a listening ear to those in need and meeting the Christ in each individual.    She and her spouse, Sue, enjoy traveling in their RV, cooking, music, and being with their two dogs, Frida and Emma.  
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Our Staff

All staff can be reached by phone at 520-625-1370.  Our office email is office@stfrancisgvaz.org.

Gerald Near, Parish Administrator, Director of Music

​​Gerald is well known as a composer of liturgical music. The present Hymnal of the Episcopal Church includes both hymns and service music from his considerable output. Gerald holds degrees in music from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, with advanced work in conducting from the University of Minnesota.

Deborah Harby, Financial Officer

​Deborah received her B.A. from Wayne State University in Michigan but moved to Arizona before the next snowfall. She is transferring from a fifteen-year career managing financials for insurance agencies and capital groups in Tucson. In addition to number crunching, she is long-time volunteer with the Sahuarita School District and a parishioner at Our Lady of the Valley. She is married to her high school sweetheart and together they are raising their two children in Sahuarita. 

Beth-el Klein, Administrative Assistant

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​A Canadian from the Eastern Townships of Quebec, Beth-el has lived all over (including Germany, Alabama, and California), before moving to Arizona with her husband Phillip and a house full of rescue animals.  She is a retired Human Resource Director with almost 30 years in the luxury hotel industry.  When she is not working or with her animals, she spends time sculpting Southwest American Indian busts.

J. Michael Case, Organist

​​A native of North Carolina, Michael holds a degree in organ performance from Indiana University, and a teaching certificate from the University of Wisconsin. He has served as organist in various churches and performed solo organ recitals for over forty years and has taught music in both public and private schools, at college level, and privately.  Michael has been doing work as a music engraver for MorningStar Music Publishers since 1992. When not on the organ bench or engraving music, he is also a professional dog trainer, is an approved evaluator for the AKC Canine Good Citizen program, and an AKC Agility Judge.

John Colip, Head Sexton

​​A Green Valley resident the last thirteen years, my wife Trudie, dog Tess and I have lived in Colorado, Washington and northern California.  We have two children and four grandchildren.

Susan Whitney, Sexton

​​An immigrant from London, England where I was a photographic stylist.  Came to Northern California where I had a gardening business and eventually a shop.  Moved to Green Valley in 2011. Been assistant sexton for four years along with my constant companion Moki, who has been dubbed “St. Francis Mascot” and “The Joyful Greeter.”

Henry Ramirez, Sexton

​​A Tucson, Arizona native I’ve been a Green Valley resident since 2005.  I married in 1964 and enjoyed a brief business venture as a fast food franchise owner.  In 1979 I moved to California with my wife and two sons.  I’ve enjoyed family, church and life to the fullest.  In March of 2017 my beautiful wife passed on, and my family and my work are now the main focus in my life.  Helping others in every day life will always be a priority for me.

Clyde Tardy, Sexton

​I grew up in the era that said work hard, play hard, live hard.  Live life to the max before it passes you by.  Now my attitude is work smart, play easy, but play longer.  Guess what?  Life hasn’t passed me by.  Who said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?

Clarke Green, Sexton

​Born into a military family, Clarke moved frequently as a youngster. Following college he worked for 6 years as an accountant and then explored the US and Canada first hitchhiking and then bicycling. At 31 he returned to school to pursue his dream of teaching where he taught elementary, middle and high school. Clarke moved to Green Valley after spending 5 years in South America with Brenda, the love of his life. Their daughter and her family moved to Sahuarita last year to be near Clarke and Brennie. Their son lives with his family in Bend OR.