Archive for the ‘Obituaries’
Kate McGarrigel – Rest in Peace
Canadian folk singer, Kate McGarrigel (1946-2010) died Monday, January 18, 2010. This song seems eminently relevant given the situation in Haiti.
Sister Pauline Doherty – Rest in Peace
Sister Pauline Doherty of Our Lady’s Missionaries died yesterday (Nov.20, 2009) evening at Providence Health Care. She had been ill for a few years but in hospital only for a short time. Sister Pauline celebrated her 50th Anniversary in 2003. Sister, also a nurse, lived a life devoted to helping the sick, and rejoiced that God had gifted her with the health to do so for so many years. She served in Brazil, Nigeria, and Canada. On her profile page of Our Lady’s Missionaries web site she states that her motivation was to “help in foreign missions.” When asked what made her grateful, she stated: I am grateful to my family, Our Lady’s Missionaries and for my good health. Sister’s generosity of spirit will be remembered and mourned by her friends, family, and all that she reached out to in Christian love.
A wake will be held at OLM’s Leander Court House on Tuesday afternoon and evening, and the funeral Mass will be celebrated at the Chapel of Scarboro Missions on Wednesday morning. Let us remember Sister Pauline Doherty in our prayers, and at Mass this weekend. May she rest in peace.
DEATH OF FR. RAOUL POIRIER
Rev. (Colonel) Raoul Poirier
April 7, 1915 – August 19, 2008
Father Raoul Poirier of our Diocese died on August 19th, 2008. He was ordained on June 11, 1944. Father (Colonel) Raoul Poirier served in the Canadian Military as an R. C. A. F. Chaplain, and as a Priest in the Parishes of the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall. His last place of residence was McConnell Manor. He died at 93 years of age after serving as a priest for 64 years.
Fr. Poirier was the beloved son of the late Pierre Poirier and the late Regina (Querry) Poirier. Dear brother of Jeanne P. Lachance of Québec City, Québec. Father was predeceased by one sister, Rita P. Gauthier and by one brother, Marcel Poirier.
He will be resting at Nativity Co-Cathedral on Friday, August 22nd, 2008 from 2pm. to 4 pm., and 7 pm. to 9 pm. Funeral Saturday, August 23rd, 2008 at Nativity Co-Cathedral at 10 am. Interment in New Richmond, Québec.
Fr. Gary Ostler – Remembered by Monsignor Rudy Villeneuve
Monsignor Rudy Villeneuve was born on Christmas Day 1923, and ordained to the priesthood on May 31, 1947 to serve as a priest in the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall. After suffering minor stroke a few years ago, he retired as pastor of St. Joseph’s Parish in Lancaster, Ontario.
But, Fr. Rudy didn’t really retire. Ever zealous in his priestly ministry, he joined Fr. Gary Ostler, as Fr. Gary began his second term as pastor at St. Columban’s Parish, the largest parish in the Diocese, and situated in the downtown core of Cornwall, Ontario. Like all large inner-city parishes, the pastoral needs are many and perpetual, Along with Fr. Matthew Brunet, (ordained 2006), Fr. Rudy worked side by side with Fr. Gary and Fr. Matthew in responding to the spiritual needs of the parishioners.
It should be mentioned that Fr. Rudy was and inspirational figure and mentor in Fr. Gary’s life. As pastor,years earlier, he new the Ostler family and the young man Gary. And, it was Fr. Rudy that inspired and encouraged Gary during his journey to ordination on September 9, 1972.
Fr. Gary Ostler – Obituary from St. Columban's Bulletin
Father Gary Ostler
April 5th, 1946 – May 29th, 2008
Prior to ordination he headed public relations for the diocesan synod
and had the synod Mass aired on national TV.
Fr. Gary was Fr. Rudy’s Associate Pastor at St. Francis de Sales in 1972.
While there he organized a folk group of 70 young people for Saturday afternoon Mass, which drew a large turnout. He also led them on a successful tour of Western Canada. He launched the diaconate program in the diocese.
At Nativity Parish he became chaplain of La Citadel High School. He started the Neumann Club at St. Lawrence College and also taught the student nurses.

Fr. Gary Ostler – Funeral Mass
The weather was just right today in Cornwall. The sun rose early in clear blue skies. For me, it was the day to say good bye to a long-time friend, and the weather made it so much easier. A refreshing breeze of the kind that one enjoys by the sea, kept the cathedral sized church of St. Columban’s, comfortable, despite the overflow of people who gathered.

As I entered the church and proceeded to the vesting room, I was greeted by friends, both new and old, and it was a comforting trip down memory lane. All of us had one thing in common, Fr. Gary, and we had come to pray for him, and to celebrate his faith and our own faith. (more…)
Fr. Gary Ostler – Wake Service at St. Columban's
For many this was a very sad day, as Fr. Gary returned to St. Columban’s for one last time. Monsignor Rudy Villeneuve, one of our oldest priests, and Fr. Matthew Brunet, one of our youngest presided over the service. Here are a few pictures of his final return, and the loving tribute the Parish, Diocese, family, and friends welcomed him with.
Fr. Gary Ostler – Recent Pictures
I am posting a few recent pictures of Fr. Gary Ostler in no specific order etc. When I have time I will post an album. Please check back in a week or so.


