Rev. Fr. Michael Gerard Scott

FATHER MICHAEL GERARD SCOTT, CSSp; BELOVED PRIEST AND FRIEND April 10, 1930- February, 21, 2018 FATHER MICHAEL GERARD (Gerry) SCOTT of the Spiritan Province of TransCanada, a beloved priest of 60 years, who believed in genuinely caring with compassion, sharing with generosity and guiding with quiet wisdom, died peacefully the afternoon of February 21, 2018 in the Houses of Providence, Scarborough, Ontario, where he had been residing since 2015. Prior to that, Father Gerry was a member of the Laval Community, Toronto where he had lived since 2002. He is predeceased by his parents (James and Mary), 2 sisters and 4 brothers. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews in England and Ireland. Father Gerry was born April 10, 1930 in Elphin, County Roscommon, Ireland. He made his first profession as a Spiritan on September 8, 1949, trained in Ireland and Trinidad and was ordained to the priesthood on July 13, 1958. During his 60 years as a priest he served in a variety of educational, pastoral and formation ministries in Canada, the Unites States, Papua New Guinea and Australia. First assigned to Canada in 1959 after his ordination, Father Gerry taught at Neil McNeil High School until 1968 following which he served in various pastoral ministries in Hamilton, Guelph and Toronto. He a familiar face at school events and was a sought after counselor for alumni, faculty, staff and parents, as well as students. Long after graduation his students would call him to celebrate weddings, baptize children , visit the ill and perform funeral services. As Novice Master to our North American International Novitiate from 1978 – 1983, Father Gerry touched the lives of many novices with his wisdom, experience and good humor. He then spent three years in the missions of Papua New Guinea and a year doing vocation and mission animation in Australia. Returning to Canada, Father Gerry continued pastoral work for many years again in Toronto, Woodstock, Guelph and Edmonton. Father Gerry was also always ready to serve his Spiritan community in formation and in administration as a member of the Provincial Council of the Spiritan Province of TransCanada. Father Gerry semi-retired at the age of 80, but he continued to enjoy part-time ministry at St. Stephen’s Chapel in downtown Toronto as well as assisting in weekend ministry in various Ontario parishes. Father Gerry was widely known in the Toronto Irish community and was always ready to assist any members of that community in both times of joy and celebration and in grief and farewell. He always loved his priesthood and demonstrated how important it was to be kind and caring to all. He was known for giving thought provoking homilies of deep meaning which he delivered eloquently with a generous sprinkling of wit and humour. He excelled in sport and loved to play soccer. Those who knew Father Gerry felt fortunate to have had a lifelong spiritual mentor, who provided sound guidance with kindness and caring. He loved his ministry at St. Stephen’s Chapel where he provided assistance long after it was expected of him. Father Gerry was truly a reflection of God’s love to everyone he met. He was such a gracious and humble man. He will always have a special place in our hearts forever. Father Gerry will be missed by his Spiritan confreres, family and countless friends. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Visitation Sunday March 4th, 2018. 3:00 – 5:00 PM & 7:00 – 9:00 PM (with Vigil prayer service at 7:30 PM). O’Connor Funeral Home, 1939 Lawrence Ave E., Scarborough, ON, M1R 2Y8 Funeral Mass Monday March 5th , 2018, 11:00 AM St. Joseph’s Church, 200 Morrish Road, Scarborough, ON, M1C 1E8 The Mass will be followed by a light reception in the church hall. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Toronto at 2:30 PM.