In Memory of Dennis Kuby (1934-2019)

We offer our condolences to the family and colleagues of the Rev. Dennis G. Kuby, who died on April 23, 2019, at the age of 84.

Dennis was born on June 1, 1934 in Cleveland, OH. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Bethany College, WV in 1957, following which he received his theological training from the Oxford University in England (1960-1961). In 1962, Dennis graduated from the St. Lawrence University, NY with a Bachelor of Divinity.

Dennis was ordained on December 16, 1962 by the UU Society of Cleveland, OH where he served for five years (1962-1967). In 1967, Rev. Kuby accepted a call from Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkeley, CA and functioned as a Vice-President (1967-1969). He then returned to parish ministry at the UU Church of Studio City, CA (1969-1971). In 1973, Dennis was granted preliminary fellowship for Specialized Ministry in Ecology.

Rev. Kuby’s services on behalf of the denomination were remarkable. He was President for the Ohio-Meadville District of Unitarian Universalist Ministers, and secretary for the UUA Ministers Co-op. He was the Executive Director for the Ministry of Ecology Inc, CA for over four decades (1974-2019); and served the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, Inc.; the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association, and the Berkeley Unitarian Fellowship.

Throughout his life Rev. Kuby was noted for his work on promotion of environmental theology, ecological system of ethics, and ecological liturgy. He performed ecological worship services at various churches in the Bay Area and his sermons urged development of more public transportation, replacing cars with bicycles and making ecologically sound values and lifestyles. He conducted workshops and seminars on ecology and religion and suggested ideas for environmental resource problems. He assisted churches in planning model environmental projects and appeared on various television and radio programs discussing a moral response to the energy crisis.

Furthermore, Rev. Kuby served on the board for the Americans For Democratic Action, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the National Committee for Civic Responsibility. He was President for the Bay Area Hemlock Society (later The Socrates Death Acceptance Fellowship); head of the Hemlock Society of California and chair for the Clevelanders for Constitutional Freedom. Dennis frequently contributed to the UU journals and publications, the New York Times and the Christian Science Monitor. Many of his sermons were printed in the Los Angeles Times and the San Fernando Valley News. His article Ecology Is Religion was published by the UU World.

In his spare time, Dennis enjoyed studying and mastering French cooking, he appreciated Opera (Puccini was a favorite), Duplicate Bridge, tennis and yoga. Before his ministerial journey, he served the United States Marine Corps Reserve for two years (1955-1957) and was an honorary discharge recipient.

Dennis’s son Scott shared these lines about his father: “He preferred to be remembered as a Unitarian minister committed to the philosophy of Universalism – that what truly connects and unites us is our common humanity. Three books that shaped and influenced his life were: The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius; How to Win Friends And Influence People by Dale Carnegie; and The Saviors of God by Nikos Kazantzakis.”

Dennis is survived by his wife Jeanne Kuby and his son Paul “Scott” Kuby.

Memorial donations may be made to the charity of one’s own choosing.

Rev. Kuby had a pre-planned memorial service attended by friends and family on his 60th birthday in Bratenahl, OH. Another memorial service will not be held.

Notes of condolences may be sent to Jeanne Kuby or Scott Kuby, at 1250 Queens Rd, Berkeley, CA 94708.