FR. OLIVIER VALCOURT

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FR. OLIVIER VALCOURT Archevêché Archbishop's House Saint-Boniface, Manitoba Father Olivier Valcourt passed away early Saturday morning, March 15, 2008, following a massive heart attack at Concordia Hospital, at the age of 80. Olivier, son of Hector Valcourt and Yvonne Rajotte, was born in St. Jean Baptiste, MB, on March 30, 1927. Besides the St. Boniface presbyterium, he will be lovingly remembered by five sisters and one brother Graziella, SR. Yvette, M.O., Therese, SR. Juliette M.O., Roland and Lucette, Yolande et Marcel Dorge, and by his numerous nieces and nephews. He received his primary education at St. Jean Baptiste (1934-1942), He pursued his studies at St. Boniface College (1942-1949), then his theological studies at the St. Boniface Major Seminary (1949-1953). Archbishop Maurice Baudoux, Archbishop of St. Boniface, ordained him to the priesthood at St. Jean Baptiste, MB on June 21, 1953. Father Valcourt was Assistant Pastor in St-Léon Parish (1953-1954); in St. Theresa Parish, Pine Falls (1954-1956); Parochial Administrator of N.-D-du-Laus Parish, Powerview (1956-1958); Pastor of St. Paul Parish, Starbuck (1958-1960); first Pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish, Transcona (1960-1976). After a sabbatical year in Ottawa, Olivier was appointed Pastor of N.D. du Lac Parish, Lac du Bonnet and Pinawa (1977-1978), and finally at Holy Redeemer Parish in North Kildonan (1979-1989). For health reasons, Fr. Olivier retired from active pastoral ministry in 1989. He resided briefly at the Archbishop's House and then at his cottage in Winnipeg Beach (1990-2006). In Fall 2006, he moved to St. Boniface. As a priest for almost fifty-five years, Father Valcourt was always very close to his family, his brother priests and his Archdiocese. He was very hospitable towards his confreres and other visitors. His favorite pastime was working with stained glass. The stained glass coat of arms of the Bishops and Archbishops of St. Boniface at the entrance of the Cathedral are among his works. Olivier shared his artistic gift in the Archdiocese of St. Boniface in being for many years an active member of the Archdiocesan Committee for the Promotion of Sacred Art. He and his family were ever grateful for his dear friends, neighbour and caregiver, Sandy Sandulak. His favorite prayer is the prayer of St. Francis. Lord, make me an instrument of your peace Where there is hatred let me sow love Where there is injury pardon Where there is dough, faith Where there is despair, hope Where there is darkness, light O divine master grant that I may not so much seek To be consoled as to console To be understood as to understand To be loved as to love. For it is giving that we receive It is in pardoning that we are pardoned And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. A Prayer Vigil for Father Valcourt will be held at 7:30 p.m., on Tuesday, March 18 in St. Boniface Cathedral. The Funeral Mass will be presided by Archbishop Emilius Goulet, P.S.S., on Holy Wednesday, March 19, at 10:00 a.m. also in St. Boniface Cathedral, followed by the interment in the Priests' section of the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Larche Winnipeg at 118 Regent Ave: (204) 237-0300 CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 18, 2008