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June 25, 2020
Catholic San Francisco
Father Kenneth Westray, pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in San Francisco, died June 24, 2020. He was 68 years old.
Father Westray was born and raised in Washington, D.C.
The eldest of three, he attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, and Gonzaga College High School, both in Washington, D.C. He completed four years of undergraduate study at the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York, earning his bachelor of science there while training in marine engineering and navigation, ship's administration, personnel management, and international law.
He completed his seminary studies at St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park. On Nov. 28, 1981 he was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Quinn at St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Father Westray took up his first assignment as associate pastor at Sacred Heart Church in San Francisco on Jan. 15, 1982. In 1983, he was appointed to St. Elizabeth Parish, and was also accepted for an assignment with the Military Vicariate as chaplain in the United States Navy Inactive Reserve.
By 1987, Father Westray was a valued member of the Council of Priests, and in 1988, was named co-principal of Sacred Heart Grammar School.
In all, Father Westray ministered as pastor for 14 years at Sacred Heart Parish. From 2000 until 2008, he then served as pastor of St. Sebastian Parish in Greenbrae, and from 2008 until 2011, as pastor of St. Isabella Parish in San Rafael. He began his last assignment, at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, on July 1, 2011.
Father Westray's mother, Jean, now 91, is traveling from Washington, DC with his sister, Cecilia, for the funeral Mass. His brother, Kevin, and Kevin’s son, Vonty will be arriving from Atlanta.
Because of the severe limitations imposed on large gatherings, the funeral Mass June 30, 11 a.m., St. Vincent de Paul Church (https://www.facebook.com/saintvincents) will be limited to family and invited guests. A memorial Mass will be celebrated when Covid restrictions have been lifted.
https://catholic-sf.org/news/father-ken-westray
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Edwin Tweedy
God bless Father Kenny Westray. The world is diminished by his absence.
John Coxe
Ken was known as "a good guy" at Kings Point. Father Ken certainly earned the reputation. God Speed and God Bless Father Ken.
John Joerger
Ken was a kind and gentle soul. One of the best classmates to have. I am sure he will be missed by his family and his entire faith community. Rest in peace with fair winds and following seas my brother.
John Macginnis
Ken was one of the nicest people I knew at KP. He was always friendly and balanced even in times of stress. He will be sorely missed.
Harry (Tom) Tomlinson
Ken was indeed a kind and gentle soul. As a plebe his laugh, smiles, and good natured approach was always a ray of sunshine during some very challenging days. See you again someday Father Ken!
Ronald Wells
Ken was indeed one of the kindest people I have ever had the pleasure to know. He had an empathetic character that ultimately led him to his chosen career. Rest in Heaven, Ken.
Norman Krueger
Having read the many, many touching comments of rememberence while watching your funeral, I too want to wish you fair seas and following winds on your final voyage, and that you have truly exemplified "Acta non Verba" while with us. You are another one gone too soon. Rest in Peace Kenneth.
From a classmate who can only say that I knew of and respected you, and wish that it could have been more than just "ships passing in the night" during our time at KP.