Obituary: Bishop Brian King

Dr Paul Barnett | 30 January 2007

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Obituary: Bishop Brian King
1938-2006

I first met Brian in 1957, almost 50 years ago, and we have been friends ever since.

By that time Brian had been a Christian for a few years but I was still an inquirer. Brian was God’s gift to me at that time since most of my contacts with Christians to that point had been fairly negative. Brian was genuine, generous and decent and he took me under his wing. He was the difference at that time between me going forward as a believer and walking away from it all.

He was also an exceptional rugby player who probably would have had an extensive international career had he not chosen to go to Moore College to become a preacher. He was a tireless back-rower in the mould of a Simon Poidevin. I can still see him, a lanky figure in brilliant cover defence on the paddock at Chatswood oval where he shared in two premiership victories with the Gordon team.

Brian King was a much-loved rector in Dural, Wahroonga and Manly where people were drawn to his strong gospel preaching and warm-hearted pastoral care. As a warm-hearted evangelical who was also not ashamed of the Anglican tradition, I think Brian represented the best in the ministry of this great Diocese. Many hundreds were enriched and blessed by the ministries Brian and Pamela King shared together.

I remember Brian as the great encourager. I can still hear him saying, ‘Good on you Paul’ as if to say, ‘hang in, keep going, you can make it’.

Archbishop Goodhew recognised Brian’s qualities and appointed him Bishop of Parramatta, a position he held until his retirement. Soon afterwards the Primate appointed Brian as Senior Chaplain to the Defence Forces. Both tasks were very demanding, but Brian King brought to them the same straightforward evangelical and pastoral approach that had been blessed by God in the various parishes where he had served.

He never changed but was always the same, not least as the teller of the worst jokes.
Although a man of natural decency who might have ‘trusted in himself that he was righteous’, Brian King had a deep faith in his Saviour, Jesus Christ. He loved speaking about the Lord and singing hymns and choruses praising the Lord. There was a simplicity and innocence about Brian’s relationship with Jesus. Speaking about Jesus was as natural as breathing.

Brian was a devoted husband to Pamela whom he had known from their teen years, and he was just the greatest dad to his three boys and, in turn, to their wives and children. He was a loyal and good friend to his friends, amongst whom I was blessed to have been included.

The final two and a half years put Brian’s faith to the test. Although physically diminished by his illness and in a sense demeaned by it, he held on to a deep personal trust in God’s sovereignty and in his Saviour Jesus. Going to see him was as good as hearing the best gospel sermons. You just felt encouraged and strengthened in the Lord by being there with him.

Brian King meant so much to so many people and we shall miss him.

Dr Paul Barnett is the former Bishop of North Sydney.

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