Obituary of Rev. Arthur Cross
CROSS – The family of Reverend Arthur Cross, beloved husband of the late Marjorie Cross, sadly announce his passing on Sunday, December 28, 2025. He was 94 years of age. Arthur Edmund Cross, son of Rev. Arthur and Mary Cross, was born on July 28, 1931 in Regina, SK. He grew up in various small towns in Saskatchewan where his father served as United Church minister, taking his high school at Asquith and Viscount, SK. At this point Art decided to enter the Christian ministry himself, following in the footsteps of his father and older brother William (Bill) Arthur Cross. This led him to the University of Saskatchewan in 1949 for a Bachelor of Arts degree followed by three years at St. Andrew’s College where he graduated in 1955. He was ordained on June 6, 1955 at Westminster United Church, Regina. Upon completion of his thesis titled “Principles of Biblical Interpretation”, he received a Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1964. Upon ordination, Art served five years on the Ogema pastoral charge, followed by four years at Lucky Lake, nine years at Broadway United Church Regina, sixteen years at St. Andrew’s United Church Yorkton, and three years at Yellow Grass for a total of 37 years full time service in the United Church Ministry before retiring in Yorkton in 1992. In 2020, Art was recognized by the Moderator of the United Church of Canada for ordination of 65 years. Art was united in marriage to Marjorie Eileen Holman in 1959, a woman he had met while serving his third “summer mission field” in Duval, SK. Throughout his ministry, Marge was always there assisting in the church work, in different but important ways, such as the Sunday School, youth work, and the United Church Women. For both Art and Marge, being born and raised in the context of the Christian church, this was a way of life for them continuously throughout their respective lives. Throughout his years of ministry, Art’s focus was on pastoral work. He loved visiting people in their homes, in coffee shops, nursing homes and hospitals. Singing and music was always a part of his ministry. Wherever he went, he would be found either leading the hymns or singing in the choir. He found it quite natural to treat everyone with kindness and respect and tried to be guided by the “gifts of the Spirit”. A smiling countenance and a quick sense of humour came naturally to him. While in Yorkton, Art served ten years on the local Cancer Society board as well as ten years on the board of the Society for the Involvement of Good Neighbours (SIGN). He also served for many years in Presbytery as the Mission Support convener. Theologically, Art was never a literalist. From the very beginning he had a questioning mind which meant he was always looking for the deeper, more symbolic or metaphorical meaning of the scripture in his sermons. On a personal level, Art was a handyman. He loved working with and making things from wood. Repairing things also came naturally to him. In later years he took up bird carving/ painting with a number of his buddies. At last count there were nine different kinds of birds gracing the dining room wall. Art loved the beauty of nature and would often marvel at the uniqueness and beauty of sky, water, woods, animals and flowers. Reading newspapers and magazines while having coffee “downtown” was a source of great enjoyment, as were numerous Continuing Education classes throughout his ministry. Besides his regular church duties, Art enjoyed many sports and hobbies throughout the years. Woodworking and decorating along with camping, fishing, tennis, canoeing, swimming and golfing in the summer, and curling and skating in the winter. Of interest, he continued ice skating with his wife Marjorie until he was 80 years of age. Spending time with family was Art’s greatest joy and he treasured visits with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Art had a kind heart, a playful sense of humour, and the ability to turn any situation into a song. He will be dearly missed. Art was predeceased by his dear wife Marjorie, sister Florence, brother William, sister-in-law Muriel, and brothers-in-law Donald, Jerry and Ken. He leaves to cherish his memory and mourn his passing: his three children: Brent (Lisa), Vaughn (Linda), and Daneen; five grandchildren: Colby (Laura), Cassidy (Hayden), Sasha (Steve), Bethany (Christian), and Kendra (Austin); eleven great-grandchildren: Lyla, Kendall, Traeton, Kaydence, Shadyn, Brayson, Jasmine, Kaycie, Mason, Violet and Lola; sisters-in-law June and Shirley; and many other extended family members and friends. The Funeral Service was held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from St. Andrew’s United Church with Rev. Jen Dresser officiating. Organist Shani Apland and the St. Andrew’s Choir led the congregation in hymns. Brent Cross delivered the eulogy. Linda Cross shared tributes and words of remembrance. The Yorktones performed special music ‘I Love to Tell the Story’. The interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Colby Cross serving as urn bearer. Memorial donations in memory of Rev. Arthur Cross may be made to St. Andrew’s United Church as gifts of remembrance. Condolences may be left for the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com.
