Clergy / Staff
The Reverend Dr. Richard Lee
Priest-in-Charge
Fr. Richard was born in Leicester, in the heart of England, and went to University in Bangor, North Wales where he studied Electronic Engineering. He liked Wales so much that he stayed there for a decade! During that time, he got a Ph.D. in Biophysics, deepened his faith and became involved with the Church in Wales and spent two months working with the Mar Thoma Church in Kerala, South India.
After moving to the United States in 2000, he lived in the San Francisco Bay area before moving to San Diego in 2004. Fr. Richard is a bi-vocational priest, which means he has a full-time job working in science at a local biotech company. He trained for ordination at the diocesan School for Ministry, in Ocean Beach and was ordained a deacon at the Cathedral, and a priest at Good Samaritan where he served as Curate. He is married to Antonio, who is a certified nursing assistant.
Kirk Valles
Music Director
Kirk Valles, our talented music director, graduated from SDSU with a degree in music education. He works full-time as a vocal and music teacher in the San Diego Unified School District. You can also find him in local theaters working as the musical director for shows ranging from Mama Mia! to the Rocky Horror Picture Show. He has two lovely daughters who live nearby and who greatly contribute to his life. One of his favorite quotes is: “When words fail, music speaks.”
Robin Cheeney
Sexton
Robin Cheeney was born in Norfolk, Virginia and raised in San Diego. He attended Granite Hills High School and has developed skills in all areas of life ranging from construction and automotive services to electronics and computers. In 2016, he began getting involved in community life at St. Mark’s. He now serves as the church sexton. In this capacity, he maintains the physical property, manages security, stocks supplies, and is always ready to give a helping hand with a smile.