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June 25, 2020
Catholic San Francisco
Father Kenneth Westray, pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in San Francisco, died June 24, 2020. He was 68 years old.
Father Westray was born and raised in Washington, D.C.The eldest of three, he attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, and Gonzaga College High School, both in Washington, D.C. He completed four years of undergraduate study at the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York, earning his bachelor of science there while training in marine engineering and navigation, ship's administration, personnel management, and international law.
He completed his seminary studies at St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park. On Nov. 28, 1981 he was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop John R. Quinn at St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Father Westray took up his first assignment as associate pastor at Sacred Heart Church in San Francisco on Jan. 15, 1982. In 1983, he was appointed to St. Elizabeth Parish, and was also accepted for an assignment with the Military Vicariate as chaplain in the United States Navy Inactive Reserve.
By 1987, Father Westray was a valued member of the Council of Priests, and in 1988, was named co-principal of Sacred Heart Grammar School.
In all, Father Westray ministered as pastor for 14 years at Sacred Heart Parish. From 2000 until 2008, he then served as pastor of St. Sebastian Parish in Greenbrae, and from 2008 until 2011, as pastor of St. Isabella Parish in San Rafael. He began his last assignment, at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, on July 1, 2011.
Because of the severe limitations imposed on large gatherings, a livestreamed funeral Mass was celebrated June 30 at St. Vincent de Paul Church.
Father Westray's mother, Jean, now 91, came from Washington, D.C. with his sister, Cecilia, for the funeral Mass. His brother, Kevin, and Kevin’s son, Vonty came from Atlanta.