We were gifted with Amazing Grace in the life of Alastair C. Sellars; born July 14, 1922, died July 19, 2020. In his faithfulness to his family, congregation, and community he shared in and touched the lives of so many.

His studies at Wagner College were interrupted when he enlisted in the Army. He considered forestry as a career; however, after serving in World War II, his experience led him to the ministry. His father was a minister, as well, and had a significant influence on his decision and followed in his footsteps. He received a BA degree at Wagner College and a BD at Yale Divinity School.

He served 40 years in the ministry in Sayville, N.Y.; Jacksonville and Lake Worth, Fla.; and Newtown Congregational from 1964 to 1987.

He came to the call of Martin Luther King, Jr, with three other ministers from Newtown, and went to Salma, Ala., in support of racial justice. He was involved with senior housing at Nunnawauk Meadows, Newtown. He ministered and counseled couples in marriage, visited and comforted the sick, supported those in mourning, and so many other confidential responsibilities.

“Connecticut Celebration 350” salutes Rev Alastair Sellars as a hometown hero. “The honor recognizes all those who have made Connecticut what it was in the past, what it is today, and what it will be in the future.” It was signed by then Governor William A. O’Neill and Newtown First Selectman Jack Rosenthal and presented on May 1, 1986.

After retiring from Newtown Congregational Church, he moved into a home that his sons built on a hill in Newtown. He spent time landscaping, gardening, boating, sailing, repairing and building a canoe, a small lobster business, and walking trails in the woods with family members. After 13 years, a home in Maine enjoying life on Lake Pemaquid was the next move. Family and growing grandchildren visiting were on the calendar. Kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, and hiking were just some of the activities shared. It was great fun!

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, and friend. He enjoyed retirement to the fullest with his wife, Karen; four children, Duncan, Alexandra, Clark, and Lesley; ten grandchildren, Sean, Brian, Scott, Kate, Jessica, Ian, Brenna, Alexandra, Victoria, and Kiernan; seven great-grandchildren, Luke, Ben, Heidi, Wyatt, Brody, Blake, and Harrison. He was able to perform his ministerial services with family members in marriages and baptisms.

He traveled to England, Scotland, Spain, Portugal, Israel, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and traveled extensively in the United States. He was proud of his Scottish heritage. He loved poetry, and Robert Burns and Alfred Noyes were among his favorites. He may have addressed you as Lad or Lass. Morning has broken, Alastair’s favorite hymn, “was sung 432 times in one year” by congregational choice.

His commitment was social justice. Kind, humble, and loving... He was indeed a disciple of God. He preached and lived the word, and will be missed and loved always and forever. The challenge is that somehow, as wonderful as the collection of memories are, they can never equal the sum of who Alastair C. Sellars was and what he meant to us all.

No words can really tell how beautiful this man was and how blessed we were to have him in our lives.

A private memorial service will be held by his family.