We were shocked to learn today that our dear Fr. John Emmett Walsh, a former member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Center for Ecumenism, died suddenly this morning, Monday, November 9, 2020. He was 78 years old. He is survived by his sister, Marlene Robitaille, in Toronto, as well as her children and their families. Please keep them in your prayers during this time. Our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Fr. John for their loss. Fr. John was a priest for decades, notably at Saint-Jean-Brébeuf parish in LaSalle, before retiring in 2010. In 2016, during a celebration marking the 50th anniversary of his ordination, many people were gathered to celebrate his long career: former Prime Minister Paul Martin, the mayor of Montreal at the time, Denis Coderre, and hundreds of faithful. Religious leaders also celebrated Fr. John who had worked for decades with various communities. Fr. John published his biography, “God Calls, Don’t Leave Him Waiting” in 2016.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and may perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace.