Luther and Laurier mourn the passing of Rev. Dr. William David Huras

March 2, 2023

Martin Luther University College and Wilfrid Laurier University mourn the passing of Rev. Dr. William David Huras, a former student, board member and friend. William passed away peacefully at Grand River Hospital in Kitchener on Feb. 26, 2023 in his 90th year. 

During the early 1950s, William was headed to Western University after being awarded a math scholarship, when he was offered and accepted a competing award from Waterloo College, now Martin Luther University College, federated with Wilfrid Laurier University. 

During his time with the college, William obtained a BA in Theology (1954), a diploma in Development and International Studies (1957) and an honorary degree in Theology (1980). He later served on the university’s Board of Governors (1966 to 1975) and Luther Board of Governors for more than 35 years. William was named one of Laurier's 100 Alumni of Achievement on the occasion of the university’s centennial in 2011.

In 1978, William was elected president of the Eastern Canada Synod of the Lutheran Church in America, the largest synod of Lutheran churches in Canada. Through actively building bridges with other ecumenical churches, as well as serving on the Lutheran Merger Commission, he helped create the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC), uniting many Lutherans across the country into one church. William was later elected bishop of the new Eastern Synod of the ELCIC and became one of the longest-serving Lutheran synodical bishops in North America, serving from 1978 to 1998, when he retired. 

A valued and influential member of the Luther and Laurier community for many years, William will continue to be celebrated for many years to come.

Visitation will take place at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S. in Waterloo, on March 6, 2023, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Trillium Lutheran Church (formerly St. John's Lutheran Church), 22 Willow St. in Waterloo, on March 7 at 11 a.m. A reception will follow in the church hall and interment will take place at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Kitchener. William was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Kitchener and donations to the church in his memory would be appreciated. Donations may be arranged, along with condolences for the family, at www.erbgood.com.