It is with great sadness that the Diocese shares news of the death of the Reverend Canon Dennis Gurney, OBE, aged 90.

Canon Gurney served as senior chaplain in Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates for 17 years, from 1984 to 2001, and played a key role in establishing Holy Trinity Dubai.

Archbishop Michael paid tribute to Canon Gurney, remembering “a strong and idiosyncratic person who helped spread the word that Holy Trinity was there, and open to all”.

When he and his wife Naomi retired, some 500 people from more than 80 churches attended his farewell celebrations in Dubai.

Canon Gurney was known for his hard work and dedication, as well as his sense of humour. The Archbishop’s PA, Georgia Katsantonis, recalls Synod auctions led by Canon Gurney wielding the hammer.

“Each parish was asked to bring an item to be auctioned to raise funds for the Ras Morbat Clinic in Aden,” she says. Particular favourites were porcelain teacups from Abu Dhabi, decorated with camels, as well as the occasional joke item. 

Canon Gurney was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2002 for services to the community. He is survived by his three sons and two daughters. 

CAPTIONS 

Bishop Clive with the Revd Canon Dennis Gurney, laying the foundation stone for Christ Church Jebel Ali (3 November 2000)

Canon Gurney, OBE (2002)