The East London community gathered in love and remembrance at St Nicholas Church, Beacon Bay, on June 20, to celebrate the life of Rev Graeme Donald Martin Deas, who passed away on June 13, at the age of 86.
The service was attended by family, parishioners, fellow clergy, and community members, many of whom had experienced first-hand his quiet but profound influence over decades of ministry.
Born in Oudtshoorn in 1938, Deas trained initially as a civil engineer before answering a deeper calling to ministry. After studying theology at St Paul’s College in Grahamstown (now Makhanda), he was ordained in 1965. His first appointment was at All Saints Church, Kabega Park, Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha); a time fondly remembered by Rory Lavender, who would later serve alongside him as a church warden at St John’s, East London.
“My earliest memory of Graeme Deas is from Sunday school at All Saints Church,” Lavender said. “He often joined our family for meals, he had a good appetite and a gentle way of sharing wisdom, even then.”
Over the years, Deas served parishes in Humansdorp, Pefferville, and The Good Shepherd in East London before returning to St John’s, the church where his ministry began.
He remained there until his retirement in 2004.
Despite stepping back from formal duties, he continued supporting churches across the region whenever called upon.
“When I moved to East London, he officiated my wedding,” Lavender said.
“Years later, I served as a warden under him and learned so much. One memory that still moves me was when my 18-month-old son was in St Dominic’s for a procedure.
“Graeme was there by 7am to pray. That was who he was, he treasured his parishioners deeply.”
He recalled the joyful side of Graeme’s leadership, “the bop sessions, discos for the youth, patronal festivals, nativity plays and Christmas lunches he arranged, all to brought people together in fellowship.”
Deas is remembered as a man of humility, deep faith, and unwavering kindness.
His wife, Carol Deas, said: “The most treasured memories are how much he loved me.
“Even after 57 years, he always told me that he loved me. I was very blessed.
“People always think clergy are saints, but they’re ordinary people who strive. Graeme was always loving and caring. His honesty, integrity, and respect for others shaped our family.”
Their daughter, Catherine Harvey, reflected on how he balanced ministry and family: “Despite his busy life, Dad always made time for us, helping with school projects, homework, and just being present.
“He taught me the importance of kindness and generosity. He served with humility and always honoured God in all he did.”
Members of the parish council described Deas as someone whose quiet leadership left a lasting spiritual legacy.
One member said: “He led not with authority, but with consistency, presence, and grace. He taught us that true leadership is service.
“Though his voice is now silent, the memory of his compassion, faithfulness, and quiet strength lives on in every life he touched. As the book of Matthew reads, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant’.”
