Father Mike Strathern turns 90
Brakpan resident Father Mike Strathern will celebrate his 90th birthday today (Friday).
Strathern, who is a retired Anglican rector and World War Two veteran, was born on November 15, 1923, in Ladybrand, in the Free State.
His father, Padre Robert Fairly Stathern OBE, served on the dominion executive of the British Empire Service League and established the Moths during the depression years, in Bethlehem (Free State).
He served as a chaplain to the allied armed forces during World War Two.
Mike Strathern joined the Allied Forces as a gunner at the age of 18 and served in the Western Desert and Italy during World War Two.
He married Betty on November 24, 1956, and they had two children, Paul and Mary.
Prior to entering the ministry, Strathern worked for AECI as a chartered accountant.
During 1973 he was called to the ministry and relocated the family to Grahamstown, where he completed his theological studies during 1974 and 1975.
Strathern was ordained as a deacon at the end of 1975 and served under the then Dean of Johannesburg, at St Mary’s Cathedral, in Johannesburg, the then Father, later Emeritus Desmond Tutu.
He was ordained as an Anglican Priest at the end of 1976.
Strathern and his family moved to Brakpan in December, 1978, where he served as the rector at St Peter’s Anglican Church until 1986.
During his time as rector he founded St Augustine’s Anglican Church for the congregation in Geluksdal.
Since moving to Brakpan, Strathern has been a member of the Brakpan Rotary Club, Old Bill of Cosy Corner Shellhole, Padre of the Cosy Corner Shellhole, treasurer at the Moth Cottages where he still resides today and chairman of the Brakpan South African Legion.
He is currently president of the SA Legion.
Betty, his beloved wife, passed away in 2005, after a short illness.
The couple were blessed with five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
In 2007, Strathern married Dawn, at the age of 83.
Although he has long since retired from the religious ministry, Stathern is still very active in church and community affairs.
He ministers to many people who take comfort from his wisdom, experience and compassion, and he enjoys the love and support of his extended family.
“We wish him many happy returns on this momentous occasion, his 90th birthday,” said his daughter.
