Obituary of Father Roy Boucher

REV. JAMES ROY BOUCHER, O.M.I.

March 28, 1940 – May 26, 2023

James Roy Boucher was born in Havre Boucher, Nova Scotia to John Charles Boucher and Mary Bernadette DeCoste. Roy was one of thirteen children. He was predeceased by his parents and siblings, Marjorie, Bernard (late Elaine), Jerome (late Doreen), Ignatius (Nora), Charles (late Edna), Victor (Kaye), William (late Marie Jeanne), Isabel (late Elmer); and is survived by Augustus “Gussy” (late Anne), Theresa Decoste (late Damien), Edith and Anne van Wyk (John), as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews and great-great grandnieces and nephews.

Roy made his first profession as a Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate on September 8, 1959, and ordained a priest December 18, 1965.

We are grateful for Fr. Roy’s many generous years of Oblate life, and for his dedicated service to the community. Roy worked as vocations director for St. Peter’s Province and went on to work with young adults in ministries such as Challenge, Cursillo, and Galilee Proclaims. He also served as Director of Novices at St. Theresa’s Novitiate beginning in 1974. During this time Roy also founded and led the Galilee Experience in Spiritual Renewal. Over the years, he devoted much energy to his role as founder, leader and spiritual guide for the Galilee Centre. Throughout his life as an Oblate, Roy was a vocal advocate for lay leadership in the Church.

Beginning in June 1985, Roy served two terms as Provincial Superior of St. Peter’s Province.

After six years as Provincial, Roy worked in other internal Oblate ministries, including as Director of Research and Development, Director of M.A.M.I. and Superior of Springhurst Community. After studies in 1992, Roy worked in Pastoral Services in Hamilton as well as in Sudbury, ON. Returning to Ottawa in 2002, Roy served as Vicar Provincial, and as Director of Formation in St. Peter’s Province. With the formation of OMI Lacombe Canada in 2003, he served on the Provincial Council and as Ontario District Superior. Over the years, Roy continued to serve at Galilee Centre in a variety of capacities, including as a member of the Board of Directors, as a director of retreats and as a spiritual director.

We extend our condolences to Roy's family who were very dear to him, to his Oblate community, including Oblates, Oblate Associates, and former Oblates and their families, and to his many friends, including the community at Galilee Centre. May he rest in peace.

Services for Fr. Roy Boucher, O.M.I. went as follows:

Friday, June 2, 2023, at St John Chrysostom Parish, 295 Albert Street, Arnprior, ON

5:30 PM - Reception of the Body and viewing until 7:30 PM

7:30 PM – 9:30 PM Vigil Service

Saturday, June 3, 2023, at St Joseph's Parish, 174 Wilbrod Street, Ottawa, ON

8:30 AM Reception of Body at the Church

9:30 AM Viewing

11.AM - Funeral Mass, followed by Reception

Interment at a later date at St. Theresa’s Cemetery, Arnprior, ON (Galilee)

For those who choose to honor Fr. Roy Boucher OMI with a memorial tribute, please consider a donation to Galilee.

The Vigil Service and Funeral Mass will both be recorded for those unable to attend in person. The recordings will be uploaded and available to view on this page shortly after conclusion.