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Richard Mitchell Trelease, Jr., retired bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande, died peacefully on February 25, 2005. Born in Berkeley, Caon April 16, 1921, he grew up in Kansas City, Mo, where his father was rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Educated at the University of the South, Northwestern, the University of Missouri, and the Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, Richard began his ministry in Hawaii, serving as curate at St. Andrew's Cathedral in Honolulu, following which he was the first rector at St. Christopher's in Kailua. He later became Dean of St. Andrew's Cathedral. For the next eight years, he served as rector of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Wilmington, DE. He then served for eight years as rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Akron, OH. In 1971 he was elected Bishop of the Diocese of the Rio Grande, serving New Mexico and Texas west of the Pecos River. He retired in 1988. Known always for his progressive Christian views, he was a tireless and outspoken advocate for the poor, the disenfranchised, and the marginalized. He lobbied for water rights for people in the barrios, for women's rights, and for the rights of gays and lesbians. During his tenure as Bishop, he ordained the first woman Episcopal priest in New Mexico and also in Texas. A great lover of beautiful music, he appreciated and worked to build fine music programs wherever he served. He was predeceased by his parents, a brother, and his first wife, Jean Trelease. He is survived by his sister and brother, Rosemary Trelease Day and The Rev. Murray Trelease; his wife, Carol Tucker Trelease; children, Richard Mitchell Trelease III (Kolu), Christopher Walker Trelease, and Phyllis Trelease Bess; and stepchildren, Ada Tuchler Portman, Ann Tuchler, and Sarah Tuchler; as well as seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. A celebration of Richard's life will be held on Thursday, March 3, 2005 at 3:00 p.m. at the Cathedral Church of St. John in Albuquerque at 318 Silver SW. In honor of his great enjoyment of people and social gatherings, a festive reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in his memory to the St. John's Cathedral Endowment Fund, the Church Divinity School of the Pacific, or a charity of your choice.
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