Tribute to Revd Ivan Betts
A tribute to Revd Ivan Betts (1938 – 2022) written by the rector of St Mark’s Dundela, Revd Canon Helene Steed.
Revd Ivan Betts, assistant priest in St Mark’s Dundela, died on 19 March 2022. Ivan, Belfast born and bred, was a good friend to many of us and a faithful servant in God’s Church. This coming July would have been the 60th anniversary of his ordination as deacon.
Ivan began his ministry in the Church of Ireland as a curate in Ballyholme parish before arriving for a second curacy in St Mark’s, Dundela in 1965. After four years he moved on and became a chaplain to Seamen, a ministry that took him England, Sudan and Trinidad. Eight years later, Ivan returned to the Church of Ireland where he served as incumbent in Drumglass (Diocese of Armagh), Augher and Newtownsaville (Clogher Diocese) before returning to Belfast and St Martin’s, Ballymacarrett.
One word that comes to mind in capturing Ivan, is the word faithful. Ivan was a faithful father – Andrew and Stephen’s dad; he was a faithful servant of God; he was a faithful minster in the Church of Ireland and chaplain to seamen; he was a faithful pastor and preacher and he was a faithful friend.
Ivan’s faithfulness to God and God’s people did not end with retirement. Ivan settled in St Mark’s parish where he was a faithful assistant priest. Ivan supported rectors and parishioners alike in a quiet and caring manner. Ivan was always there to help and assist and did so with a willing spirit. He celebrated communion and provided holiday cover for rectors. He preached God’s word and his sermons were solid, informative and you always felt spiritually fed after listening to him.
In addition, Ivan made us laugh. Many of us recall his acting talents and participation in St Mark’s Drama group. His latest performance was as the leading lady in Sam Cree’s play Cupid Wore Skirts. Ivan also appreciated the importance of dramatic readings as part of church services. He participated many times as The Passion of Our Lord was read, took part in biblical dramas and also read poems. May we be inspired by Ivan’s faithful commitment to his God, his creator, redeemer and judge.
We as a parish are deeply grateful for Ivan’s contribution to St Mark’s. As we give thanks for his life, we remember in our prayers his sons, Andrew and Stephen, and the wider family circle.
Faithful vigil ended …watching, doubting cease:grant to us your servantsour discharge in peace.
(From Hymn 691, Timothy Dudley–Smith)