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. 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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THE REV. NELSON MENDOZA, CURATE

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​The Rev. Nelson Mendoza is a graduate from the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, TX. While he was born in the Philippines, he spent his formative years growing up in southeastern Virginia followed by a five year period in Phoenix, AZ. Prior to seminary, Nelson was a community organizer around LGBTQIA+ equality and inclusion, interfaith community building, race and reconciliation work, and much more. He has a passion for social innovation, young adult/professional empowerment, civic engagement, and service leadership. His ministry is governed by his belief in the Gospel’s Call towards justice; one of his favorite quotes is “Justice is what love looks like in public,” by Cornel West. Outside of the pews, he enjoys traveling on adventures to new places, playing and streaming video games, and exploring new ways to practice self-care. 

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?