With sadness we announce the death of Reverend Master Saidō Kennaway, a much-loved and deeply appreciated and respected member of the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives, and Prior of Telford Buddhist Priory. Reverend Master Saidō passed away on Friday 3rd March 2023 at the age of 72.

Deep sympathy is expressed to the wide circle of all his family and friends as well as to those in the monastic and lay Sangha. He will be greatly missed.

Reverend Master Saido’s illness of pancreatic cancer progressed swiftly during his last few weeks, and he died after a one-night stay in Princess Royal Hospital, Telford. Rev. Kanshin Lucas and John Bamford were at his side. Many thanks are offered to all those who helped or sent many greetings and thoughts of love, gratitude, and support. Especial thanks are expressed to Karen Richards, Chris Hughes, John Bamford and all the members of Telford Buddhist Priory.

Reverend Master Saidō, who had made such a generous offering of his life and training for the good of so many, was grateful for, and touched by, for all the messages and prayers he received in the last weeks, even though unable to answer each individual as he clearly would have wished.

From his early years and Ordination in 1977, through the profound and crucial years of training at Shasta Abbey with the core group of monks invited from the U.K by Reverend Master Jiyu-Kennett, and onwards during the years after returning to develop Throssel Hole Buddhist Abbey as a centre of monastic and lay training, Reverend Master Saidō’s contribution has been immeasurable, and his dedication, depth of teaching and generosity in helping all, truly exemplary and inspirational. It is a tribute to Reverend Master Saidō that so many considered him their teacher, guide, supporter and close friend.

He became Prior of Telford Buddhist Priory in 2000. There he continued to be a refuge and teacher for many, and yet encouraged each in their full ability to realise the truth and to participate fully in the ongoing life and running of the Priory.

Most people would not even know of the many branches to which Reverend Master Saidō extended his Dharma help and practical expertise, through being a Trustee or Advisor to many charities and groups both within and beyond the Order. From his deep commitment to Angulimala, the prison chaplaincy service, to being available as an Advisor and friend to all the Order temples, priories, and meditation groups in Europe … the list was long and went on! His experienced support and contribution was always useful, often pivotal, and greatly appreciated.

Reverend Master Saidō had a deep and profound Faith, and the help he extended was based on a deep understanding of the Dharma. He was always down-to-earth, practical, unassuming and had a wonderful sense of humour which always kept those around him with a smile on their face and not infrequently in stitches! He had a genuine interest in everyone he met and showed great generosity of spirit in showing appreciation, championing various skills, and listening to all with genuine interest and attention.

Going forward many will better express his contribution and their gratitude for his life and legacy. As one of his many friends, I will add my name to all those who say an enormous “Thank you!”, with love and a deep bow from the heart.

Reverend Master Saidō, the legacy of your profound yet unassuming, kind, and wise heart will live on, and leave its imprint in this world!

Rev. Master Saidō, born David Kennaway 14 Mar. 1950, Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire; died 3 Mar. 2023, Telford, Shropshire.

A science graduate, before entering monastic life he worked in the field of water treatment and purification.

In addition to the roles quoted above, he was First Prior of Reading Buddhist Priory 1990-1991; sometime vice-abbot of Throssel Hole; OBC European Advisor 1997-2023; trustee of Throssel Hole Buddhist Abbey, The Network of Buddhist Organisations, Norwich Zen Buddhist Priory, Rochdale Zen Retreat, Dharmazuflucht Schwarzwald, The Place of Peace Dharma House, and The Order of Buddhist Contemplatives Activities Trust. He was also Spiritual Supporter to Morning Star Sangha Trust and Monastic Advisor to Archbishop Rowan Williams Hermitage Trust.